Naver Webtoon launches short-form animation app Cuts Make

Naver Webtoon launched a new app to let users create short animations and music videos using characters from the platform's popular webtoon stories.

With the Cuts Make app, users can create clips by selecting scenes and characters from popular webtoons featured on the Naver Webtoon service. It is also linked to Naver Webtoon's short-form video platform Cuts, where users can directly publish their creations. 

A total of nine works are set to participate, including webtoons “Love Revolution” (2013-23) and “Omniscient Reader” (2020-). All participating stories have been approved by the original author.

Cuts Make offers two features: “Character Meme” and “Webtoon MV.”

Users can create short-form challenge-style animations by selecting their favorite webtoon characters and templates through the Character Meme feature, while Webtoon MV allows them to turn their favorite webtoon scenes into videos using simple editing tools.

The new app will help webtoonists to strengthen their fandoms and attract new audiences to their original works, Naver Webtoon said.  

“The app offers a fun and innovative way for users to explore different sides of their favorite characters,” said webtoonist 232, who created the webtoon “Love Revolution," in a press release.

Naver Webtoon plans to continue expanding the range of webtoon available on the platform based on fan demand and with the original creators’ consent. Cuts Make is currently available on Google Play and will be in Apple’s App store next week after review is completed.

"We expect webtoon fans to discover new creative experiences through Cuts Make, creating a virtuous cycle in which user-generated content further strengthens fandoms around the original works," said Kim Hyo-jeong, the head of business for Cuts.

"By deepening the synergy between Cuts and webtoons, we aim to expand the short-form animation ecosystem."

BY KIM JI-YE [[email protected]]