Instatoons: What Are They, And Why Are They The New Favorite Korean Webtoons?

Kimtoesa Official Instagram / Amoi Toon Official Instagram

Amid the global prominence of Korean webtoons, Instatoons have emerged and are starting to gain traction. Story creators in Korea have found new audiences with this new format of online comics.

These bite-sized, visually captivating stories are reshaping how audiences consume comics, making them accessible anytime, anywhere. But what sets Instatoons apart from traditional webtoons, and how are they changing the landscape for creators and readers alike?

This article explores the rise of Instatoons and their unique appeal that draws readers' attention.

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What Is Korean Webtoon, and How Popular Is It?

Webtoons are South Korean digital comics that people can read on a computer or smartphone. They are available on the service's website or mobile application.

Before the 1997 IMF financial crisis, Korean comics known as manhwa were thriving. At least 200,000 pieces were published every year, and 80 percent of those were sold. When the crisis came, some comic artists who lost their jobs used the opportunity to earn money through website cartoons, marking the start of Korean webtoons.

Instatoons: What Are They, And Why Are They The New Favorite Korean Webtoons?

Kakao Webtoon

The concept of reading manhwa online wasn't an instant hit, but the stories gradually became more complex and gained more readers over time. In 2004, Korean web portal Daum released Daum Comics, with artist Kang Full publishing the first long-form webtoon called โ€œLove Story.โ€ Surprisingly, it surpassed