‘Netflix of comedy’ helps housebound comedians to reach fans and earn income amid coronavirus lockdown

NextUp, founded in 2017, shares 50 per cent of its subscriber fees with its artists

Comedian and actor Miles Jupp is among those to have performances on NextUp (Getty Images)

Comedians stuck at home amid the coronavirus crisis have been given a platform to stream their live shows and recoup some of their lost income thanks to a London-based start-up.

Comedians, most of whom are self-employed, have suffered financially along with venues and promoters during the ongoing lockdown, with financial support from the government not likely to arrive until June.

In a bid to help comics, NextUp – supported by former BBC Worldwide comedy boss Stuart Snaith and former head of MGM Worldwide, Bruce Tuchman – is streaming stand-up shows on platforms including Twitch, YouTube and Facebook.

There is a feature that enables fans to virtually tip comedians, who receive a share of the profit if their show results in someone new subscribing to the platform. NextUp, founded in 2017, shares 50 per cent of its subscriber fees with artists.

Performances from the likes of Miles Jupp and Shappi Khorsandi are among the 200 live shows available on the on-demand platform.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, founder Daniel Berg said: “There is currently no way for comedy clubs to operate. It has left a huge vacuum for comedians who can earn revenue or practise materials.

“It has left venues and promoters with no shows and comedy fans without live shows.

“We are comedy fans and set up NextUp to support comedians. We are trying to keep the live environment going without people leaving their houses. It means comedians still get virtual stage time and get paid.”

Amid the crisis, NextUp has developed new formats for its live shows, which stream between three and five times a day.

Berg said the platform had enjoyed a strong start to the year in terms of subscriber sign-ups, which have only increased during the lockdown. The company planned to raise investment later this year, with Berg now anticipating a crowdfunding campaign this summer.

“People who probably would have invested in supporting comedy will probably still do so and want to support something like NextUp, which has shown continual growth,” he said.

NextUp has also created a Just Giving campaign for comedians.