Letterboxd, the social platform for discovering films, will introduce a digital video store in early December, enabling users to rent movies directly through its site. The company originally revealed this feature at the Cannes Film Festival in March but did not specify when it would go live.
A recent blog update from the company offered more insight into the upcoming “Video Store,” which will showcase a diverse array of titles. The catalog will highlight “festival favorites” that haven’t yet reached a broad audience, hard-to-find films that users have frequently added to their watchlists, newly restored classics, and other exclusive limited-time offerings.
Introducing a video store is a logical next step for Letterboxd, making it possible for users to rent films instantly without leaving the platform. Unlike established services such as Apple or Amazon, Letterboxd’s strength lies in its social discovery tools. For example, if you see that a friend has watched a movie, you can read their review and immediately choose to rent it yourself.
The platform’s movie offerings will be tailored to what its community is interested in, drawing on data from watchlists and user activity. Instead of presenting a random assortment like some streaming sites, the selection will be thoughtfully curated.
Letterboxd has yet to reveal which films will be available at launch or what the rental prices will be, but it has indicated that both availability and pricing will differ depending on the user’s region. Importantly, the service will not require a subscription, and there will be no late fees.
This feature will work on iOS and Android devices, as well as Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and AirPlay, with more smart TV apps planned for the future.
Since being acquired by Canadian company Tiny for approximately $50 million in 2023, Letterboxd has been rolling out updates to enhance film discovery for enthusiasts. The platform recently launched “Featured Lists,” which help users find curated collections by genre, studio, or themes such as women directors. Last year, Letterboxd also improved its search capabilities, making it smarter at recognizing acronyms and correcting spelling errors.
