Popcorn Time is a video streaming service for movies and TV series that has garnered much popularity in a relatively short time. Popcorn Time is unlike Netflix free to use and also available on many different devices. However, the video streaming service is illegal because it uses torrents. Learn everything you need to know about Popcorn Time.
8 frequently asked questions about Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time is an illegal video streaming service for movies and series that has become increasingly popular in a short time. With Popcorn Time, you can easily watch the latest movies and series, absolutely free, on different devices. With this article we answer the nine key questions about the popular streaming service.
1. What is Popcorn Time?
You can use Popcorn Time for watching movies and series. The content is however illegal, so its use is illegal. Popcorn Time is akin to downloading torrents, the software uses the torrent protocol to play movies and series. Imagine that you are downloading a torrent from a movie. Normally you have to wait until the film is finished downloading. In Popcorn Time, you can watch the movie immediately while downloading. The software also provides a search tool where you can directly search for movies and series.
The software is completely open source. Original Popcorn Time project was closed in March this year due to pressure from the entertainment industry, after that other developers started using the code. One project is Time4Popcorn, which later was simply named Popcorn Time. It’s the most popular and best version of Popcorn Time, and with the approval of the original developers they changed it’s name to Popcorn Time.
2. Who is behind Popcorn Time?
That is not entirely clear, but a team of developers work on the software. This include an Android and iOS developer and several developers for the desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux. Because the software works via torrents, there are no expensive servers required: so the developers are mainly engaged in the development of the software.
Additionally, Kebrum provides the VPN function for Popcorn Time, which allows users to stream movies and series entirely anonymous. This would mean that if there were organizations who would want to see who are streaming video’s, they can not see where you come from and who you are. The IP address you use for Popcorn Time is hidden.
3. How to use Popcorn Time
Popcorn Time is a program that you install on your desktop, laptop or Android smartphone or tablet. You can then search for movies and series, filter on genre and display information about the movie, such as a short description or the trailer. You will then be able to select the quality and subtitles, and Popcorn Time connects you with others who are also watching the movie at the same time.
This so-called peers are also watching the film or series at that moment. The main feature of the torrent protocol is that besides content downloading it also uploads directly to others. This makes it possible to realize high-speed connections with many people for a download.
The interface resembles that of Netflix, which can categorize your movies and series by genre, but also by popularity or release date. The torrents are coming from major torrent sites like The Pirate Bay, which are indexed and loaded by the team behind Popcorn Time. This is mostly automated, with different versions for each movie or series are available through various image qualities. So you have the opportunity to watch in 720p or 1080p.
4. Are there Popcorn Time Apps?
Yes! Popcorn Time is available for Android and iOS. Through the Android app you can for example watch a movie or series on your tablet and stream this to your TV. The Android app can be downloaded as a .apk file and is not available in the Play Store.
Popcorn Time
The Android app works much the same as the desktop app. Please note that you consume a lot of data while streaming, because you download and upload at the same time. Use Popcorn Time on your android mainly when you are connected to WiFi.
5. Does Popcorn Time also support Chromecast?
Yes! the streaming app has been working for some time with the Chromecast. The function is, among other things, built into the desktop and Android version. The software automatically detects that you have a Chromecast, after which you can stream the movie or series at the Chromecast.
The connection to the Chromecast works fine for many, although some people may report that the stream does not want to start. So the Chromecast connection can be improved, but it works (in our tests) often totally fine.
6. Why is Popcorn Time illegal to use?
Popcorn Time is illegal because you download copyrighted material from illegal sources. That makes the service twice illegal: you are downloading from an illegal source – Popcorn Time will not pay the copyright owners – and you also upload the copyrighted material when you stream a movie or series.
7. What are the dangers of Popcorn Time?
At the moment it’s not really risky to use. Copyright organizations and Watchdogs, including RIAA do not sue individual downloaders for illegally downloading files. Often only the ‘big boys’ are addressed including the team behind Popcorn Time. Additionally, you can turn on the VPN function of Popcorn Time, so your IP address is hidden. You’ll be fairly well protected against organizations that want to trace IP address to send a reminder.
But remember: Popcorn Time is illegal, and the chance that the software is taken offline, that your IP address will be recorded or vpn provider Kebrum passes IP addresses under pressure, is always present.
8. Can you use Popcorn Time offline?
Yes! Since mid-November 2014 you can save movies and series with Popcorn Time, and you can view videos offline using the app. It can be useful if you’re on a plane or somewhere where you don’t have an internet connection.