Micro Dramas disrupt China's film industry and set their sights on Hollywood

Micro dramas are rapidly transforming China’s $5 billion film industry by offering vertically shot, minute-long episodes with gripping plot twists designed for mobile screens. With the rise of apps like Kuaishou and Douyin, micro dramas cater to audiences who prefer short, easily accessible content over traditional cinema. Leading the charge, Kuaishou dominated with 60% of top micro dramas, attracting millions of viewers.

Popular with middle-aged viewers, these short films often explore themes of revenge and rags-to-riches, resonating in China’s tough economic climate. Micro dramas are also finding traction abroad, especially in the U.S., with platforms like ReelShort, backed by Chinese tech giants Tencent and Baidu, topping app download charts and outpacing even Netflix.

While micro dramas have drawn scrutiny for low-brow content from Chinese regulators, their exponential growth has been fueled by low production costs, fast turnarounds, and addictive storytelling. As the genre expands, Chinese companies are creating content tailored for Western audiences, aiming to make micro dramas the next global entertainment trend.