space resonated deeply with them,” said Khaled Zaatarah, founder and CEO of VUZ, in an interview.
Challenging Global Streaming Giants
While industry titans like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram dominate the mobile video landscape, VUZ is carving out a niche with its “inside the experience” format. By providing 360-degree content—ranging from the Grammys and La Liga matches to high-end fashion shows—the platform offers a sensory depth that standard video feeds lack. Users can access this content via mobile apps, web browsers, VR headsets like the Apple Vision Pro, and smart TVs.
The platform has seen significant momentum, growing its user base to 15 million globally and accumulating nearly 3 billion lifetime screen views. VUZ has also secured exclusive streaming partnerships with major organizations, including La Liga and the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
Operational Efficiency and Profitability
VUZ has matured its business model, shifting toward a hybrid revenue stream where 40% of its content is premium, accessible via subscriptions or telecom-bundled offers. The company reported that it doubled its revenue over the past two years and reached EBITDA profitability in 2024.
This financial health is supported by an “Uber-like” content model. Rather than maintaining massive in-house production crews, VUZ empowers a network of freelance creators with proprietary camera equipment. This is bolstered by “VUZ Studio,” an internal team that streamlines the editing process for creators and provides live commerce tools for influencers to monetize directly through their streams.
Global Scaling and Localized Focus
VUZ is currently prioritizing geographic growth to maintain its competitive edge. With existing offices in the Middle East, the U.S., and Jordan, the startup is actively building out teams in India and Indonesia. Its presence in Africa is also expanding, with current operations in Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria, and a planned launch in South Africa later this year.
“YouTube and Netflix are great, but they aren’t building for creators in Nairobi or Riyadh,” Zaatarah noted. By focusing on hyper-local infrastructure that scales globally, VUZ aims to hit 5 billion lifetime views by 2026, positioning itself as the go-to platform for immersive experiences in underserved, high-growth markets.