Microdramas Boom as TV Struggles to Hold Viewer Interest

Short-form video series gain popularity, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers and sparking a gold rush among tech companies and brands.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The entertainment landscape is shifting, with the latest disruption coming in the form of microdramas - short-form video series typically one to three minutes per episode. Originating in China, microdramas are now gaining significant traction in the United States, attracting hundreds of millions of viewers and sparking a gold rush among tech companies and even footwear brands. This trend is driven by changing consumer habits and economic factors, suggesting it has staying power.

Why it matters

The rise of microdramas coincides with a period of uncertainty in traditional film and television production, as rising costs are causing some productions to scale back or even leave Los Angeles. Microdramas offer a more affordable alternative, utilizing smaller crews and streamlined production processes. This has led to the Los Angeles City Council exploring a $5 million subsidy to support the continued growth of the microdrama industry.

The details

Platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox are finding success by focusing on low-budget, soapy microdrama series. The format is 'social-friendly, cost-effective and data-driven,' making it appealing to both creators and platforms. The series 'Bound by Honor,' starring Savannah Coffee and Rhett Wellington, has over 334 million views, demonstrating the potential for massive audiences. Innovation within the genre extends beyond original content, with the U.K. Microdrama app Tattle TV repurposing Hollywood classics into microdrama format.

  • Microdramas originated in China and are now gaining significant traction in the United States.
  • Quibi launched with similar ambitions in 2020 but quickly failed, and Twitter shut down Vine in 2017.
  • According to data from Owl & Co., short dramas generated $1.4 billion in revenue in the U.S. last year.

The players

ReelShort

A platform dedicated to microdramas.

DramaBox

A platform dedicated to microdramas.

Savannah Coffee

An actress starring in the microdrama series 'Bound by Honor.'

Rhett Wellington

An actor starring in the microdrama series 'Bound by Honor.'

Los Angeles City Council

Exploring a $5 million subsidy to support the continued growth of the microdrama industry.

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What they’re saying

“The format is 'social-friendly, cost-effective and data-driven,' according to Tomm Polos, director of creator arts at the University of Southern California.”

— Tomm Polos, Director of creator arts at the University of Southern California (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles City Council will decide on the proposed $5 million subsidy to support the microdrama industry.

The takeaway

The rise of microdramas highlights the shifting entertainment landscape, as consumers increasingly opt for phone-first experiences and bite-sized content. This trend offers a more affordable alternative to traditional film and television production, potentially boosting the local economy in Los Angeles.