People’s Daily recently published three articles highlighting the rapid growth of China’s overseas microdrama industry, describing the global spread of Chinese-produced short-form dramas as an emerging cultural trend that is increasingly influencing the international entertainment market.
According to the 2025 Overseas Microdrama Industry Report, released at the 13th China Online Audio-Visual Conference, overseas microdrama apps recorded 1.2 billion downloads in 2025, up 268 percent year over year, while revenue reached $2.3 billion, an increase of 133 percent. The number of active markets expanded from 37 to 46. By year-end, more than 300 Chinese microdrama apps were available in over 200 countries and regions.
The trend is gaining traction in Europe. France’s Les Échos reported that several microdrama apps ranked among the country’s most-downloaded apps this summer. In July, subscriptions and in-app purchases exceeded $5 million, setting a record. The format also attracted industry attention at television festivals in Lille and Cannes.
One major success story is ReelShort, launched in 2022 by San Francisco-based Maple Leaf Interactive. The company adopted a localized production model, hiring local actors, writers, and production crews in its target markets. By August 2025, the app had surpassed 450 million cumulative downloads.
Typically featuring episodes lasting only a few minutes, fast-paced plots, and vertical-screen formats, microdramas offer a highly efficient production model. A 100-episode series can reportedly be filmed in just seven to 10 days.
The industry has evolved from translating existing Chinese dramas for overseas audiences to producing original stories tailored to local markets, while increasingly integrating artificial intelligence into translation and production.
The expansion reflects more than the growing popularity of short-form entertainment. Chinese companies are exporting production methods and platform-based business models, potentially reshaping how digital content is created and distributed worldwide.
Sources:
1. People’s Daily, November 9, 2026
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2026/1109/c1002-40830482.html
2. People’s Daily, November 10, 2026
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2026/1110/c1002-40831210.html
3. People’s Daily, November 4, 2026
https://world.people.com.cn/n1/2026/1104/c1002-40827123.html