Vine
Six-Second Looping Video
Forgotten Internet · 2013–2017
Archived on
Associated With
Vine and Twitter - creator or operator, brand
Defining Feature
Mobile capture and sharing of looping videos six seconds or less
Status
Discontinued - The Vine mobile service was discontinued; the app transitioned to Vine Camera in January 2017
Overview
Twitter launched Vine on 24 January 2013 as a mobile app for looping videos of six seconds or less.
The free first release supported iPhone and iPod touch. Its continuous loops encouraged users to fit jokes, performances, edits and small stories into an unusually tight format.
Team Vine and Twitter announced the app’s discontinuation on 27 October 2016. Users retained access to and downloads of their videos during the transition, and the remaining app became Vine Camera in January 2017.
Why It Mattered
Vine turned restriction into a creative language. Six seconds was long enough to establish a character, deliver a punchline or produce a memorable sound.
Six-Second Launch Format
- Vine launched publicly on 24 January 2013.
- Its videos looped and were limited to six seconds or less.
Initial Mobile Availability
- The first release supported iPhone and iPod touch.
- Twitter described it as a free mobile capture-and-share service.
Discontinuation and Transition
- Team Vine and Twitter announced on 27 October 2016 that the mobile app would be discontinued in the coming months.
- The notice said users would retain access to and downloads of their Vines during the transition.
- In January 2017 the remaining app transitioned to Vine Camera.
Sources & Records
- Twitter — introducing Vine — Dates the launch and describes six-second looping videos and initial iOS availability.
- Vine — discontinuation announcement — Documents the October 2016 closure notice, download transition and later move to Vine Camera.
Gallery
Credit
Vine-related interface image reproduced in Hieu Pham’s Ionic prototyping article, 9 January 2016; screen-capture contributor unconfirmed
Licence
Historical Ephemera
Displayed for commentary, criticism, research and historical documentation where permitted by applicable law. No permission for reuse is granted.
Caption
Four Vine-labelled interface screens accompanying Hieu Pham’s 2016 Ionic prototyping article, showing sign-up, a feed, exploration and activity. Their status as original app captures is not established.