Pornhub Shorties: Official Launch of the Scrollable Vertical Video Feed

After a beta run, adult tube site Pornhub has officially launched Pornhub Shorties, a scroll-based vertical video feed. This new feature ensures there is no more awkwardly holding your phone sideways while using your other hand for...something else.

Features and User Experience

According to a press release shared with Mashable, viewers can browse trending videos and will receive smart recommendations. To enhance the experience, users can like, follow, favorite, or skip videos and watch in full-screen mode, which hides icons and tags. Furthermore, Shorties have no video length limits, unlike other mainstream platforms.

Comparison of Video Length Limits:

  • Pornhub Shorties: No video length limits
  • TikTok: 10 minutes for videos recorded on the app and 60 minutes for videos uploaded
  • Reels: 20 minutes

The new feed is also available on Pornhub Gay, with a lesbian-focused feed in development.

The Shift to Mobile-First Content

"Shorties was created to meet audiences where they are at and reflect how people naturally consume content today," said Pornhub's VP of brand and community, Alex Kekesi, in the press release. "As viewing behaviours evolve, Pornhub is evolving with them. With most of our online traffic coming from mobile, Shorties makes it easier than ever for fans and creators to connect through a seamless, dynamic experience."

The importance of this transition is highlighted by user data:

  • In 2020, 84 percent of Pornhub's worldwide traffic came from mobile devices.
  • According to Statista, that number has grown between 2022 and 2024, peaking at 97 percent in October 2023.

Social Aspect and Creator Support

Not only is Pornhub echoing the TikTok FYP with endless vertical videos, but it's also leaning into the social aspect for creators. Most videos feature Pornhub's "More of Me" integration, which links out to a performer's fan sites and social media profiles. This may be a boon for creators, who are often banned or shadowbanned (unable to be discovered) on mainstream social media sites.

Safety and Moderation Protocols

The release of Pornhub Shorties comes at a time when the site, as well as online porn in general, is under scrutiny. In its press release, Pornhub stated that all Shorties content adheres to its safety protocols, including:

  • Moderation protocols and verification measures through facial recognition scans.
  • Consent forms from co-performers.

These measures are implemented as age-verification laws, which require personal data from users like a government ID or facial scan in order to check their age, are sweeping the world.