The way people watch entertainment is changing fast. Micro-dramas — short episodes usually under five minutes — are becoming very popular. They are made for vertical viewing, perfect for smartphones and OTT apps.
These bite-sized stories grab attention quickly and give instant emotional payoffs. Apps like ReelShort and Kuaishou have shown that short-form storytelling can be fun, engaging, and highly profitable.
As attention spans shrink, people love short content they can watch anytime, anywhere. For creators and studios, micro-dramas are great because they cost less to produce and can be made quickly.
If you want to start your own OTT platform, now is the time. Let’s see how you can build one that works, grows, and earns.
Why Are Micro-Dramas So Popular?
Micro-dramas are short but very addictive. These quick stories are full of drama, romance, or suspense that make viewers want to keep watching.
A typical show can have 60 to 100 episodes, each only 30 to 120 seconds long. They are made to be watched on phones in a vertical format — perfect for people who are busy and want entertainment that fits into their day.
Unlike random online videos, micro-dramas are professionally written and filmed, giving them better stories and visuals. This makes viewers want to binge several episodes in one sitting.
The Global Micro-Drama Market
The micro-drama industry has grown rapidly in the last few years. In China, it reached ¥50.44 billion ($6.91 billion USD) in 2024 and is expected to cross ¥100 billion by 2027.
A report from the China Internet Network Information Center says more than 52% of China’s internet users (about 662 million people) watch micro-dramas or very short fiction videos.
The most popular Chinese app, Red Fruit (Hongguo), has over 120 million monthly users. Interestingly, a large part of the audience is middle-aged adults, not just young people.
The trend is also growing fast in India, Indonesia, the U.S., and Europe, where viewers enjoy quick, emotional storytelling through apps like ReelShort.
Top Micro-Drama Streaming Apps
Here are some of the most popular micro-drama apps today:
- ReelShort
- GoodShort
- DramaBox
- ShortMax
- FlickReels
These platforms are made for mobile users, so they support vertical video playback for easy viewing on the go.
An Omdia report says Asia’s top micro-drama apps reached 150 million active users in February 2025 — a huge jump from the year before.
Data from AppFigures shows that DramaBox, ShortMax, and ReelShort earned over $3 million in one day, showing how big this market is becoming.
- DramaBox grew from $8M in 2023 to $217M in 2024.
- ReelShort grew from $36M in 2023 to $214M in 2024.
Popular Global Micro-Drama Titles
- Spoiled By My Billionaire Husband – ShotShort
- Cause You Were Never Mine – DramaBox
- Modern Journey of an Ancient Queen – FlickReels
- Fated To The Alpha – ReelShort
- The CEO’s Mute Bride – GoodShort
Launch your own branded micro-drama app on iOS & Android with Webnexs VOD. Get started now!
How To Create a Micro-drama OTT App like ReelShort – Step-by-Step Guide
Creating a micro-drama OTT app like ReelShort or DramaBox is easier than you think. You don’t need to know any coding! With the right plan and tools, you can launch your own micro-drama streaming app step by step — no technical skills required.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Do your research. Decide who your app is for — romance fans, thrill-seekers, comedy lovers, or a mix. Study competitors like Pocket FM and ReelShort to find what’s missing in the market.
Step 2: Pick the Right Platform
You can either build an app from scratch or use a white-label OTT platform like Webnexs VOD. Webnexs helps you launch faster with built-in tools for video playback, content management, and monetization.
Step 3: Plan Your Content
Save time and money by shooting multiple episodes at once. Build a few weeks’ worth of content before launching so you can release new episodes regularly.
Step 4: Focus on User Experience
Make watching smooth and fun. Add features like swipe to watch, auto-play, and adaptive streaming for all internet speeds.
Step 5: Choose a Monetization Model
You can earn money through:
- Subscriptions (SVOD) – Users pay monthly for ad-free access.
- Ads (AVOD) – Free viewing with ads.
- Hybrid – Mix of both.
- In-App Purchases – Sell extra content or gifts.
- Pay-Per-View (TVOD) – Charge for special episodes or exclusives.
Step 6: Launch and Promote
Launch on all major platforms — iOS, Android, and web. Promote your app through social media teasers and app store optimization.
What’s Behind the Micro-Drama Trend?
The rise of micro-dramas comes from how people now watch and think. Gen Z’s average attention span is around 8 seconds — if they’re not hooked fast, they scroll away.
Micro-dramas fit this pattern perfectly. Small teams can produce episodes quickly and follow trends in real time.
Social platforms also boost vertical videos more often, helping them reach millions fast. Plus, these shows are affordable to make — anyone with a camera and creativity can start.
In growing markets, micro-dramas help local creators share their stories with the world.
Top Micro-Drama Streaming Apps
Learning from existing apps can guide your strategy.
- ReelShort – Known for dramatic, cliffhanger-style storytelling.
- Pocket FM – Mixes audio and video dramas for flexible viewing.
- Kuaishou – Dominates Asia with daily new episodes to keep fans hooked.
Study what these apps do right and find your unique twist — whether through special genres, partnerships with creators, or gamified features.
Must-Have Features for Your Micro-Drama App
Your app’s features help keep viewers watching and coming back.
- Vertical Video Playback: Make sure videos play smoothly on any phone. Add a “Continue Watching” button so users can start right where they stopped.
- Easy Sign-Up: Let people join fast with one click using Google, Apple, or social media. Simple sign-ups help more users join.
- User Profile & Watchlist: Give each user a profile to see what they watched and save shows they want to watch later.
- Smart Suggestions & Offline Viewing: Use AI to recommend shows viewers might like. Let them download episodes to watch without the internet.
- Social Sharing: Allow users to share short clips or shows on social media to get more people interested.
- Secure Payments: Add safe payment options that accept local money so users can subscribe easily.
- Content Protection: Use DRM and encryption to keep your videos safe from copying or piracy.
These features make your app easy, safe, and fun to use — keeping viewers happy and engaged.
Launch Your Micro-Drama App with Webnexs VOD
Why build everything from zero when you can go live faster?
Webnexs offers a low-code, fully customizable OTT platform made for vertical video content. It gives you all the tools to build, grow, and monetize your app — without coding.
Key Benefits
- Fully customizable design and branding
- Scalable and secure cloud infrastructure
- Built-in monetization tools
- DRM protection for content
- Advanced analytics for insights
- Dedicated technical support
Final Thoughts
Vertical video micro-dramas combine strong storytelling with mobile convenience — and they’re here to stay. The market is growing fast, and this is the best time to join in.
From knowing your audience to designing your app and choosing how to earn money, each step helps your platform succeed.
With Webnexs, you can launch your own OTT app — complete with secure streaming, vertical-first playback, and monetization tools — in just a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I earn money with my micro-drama app?
Yes, with models like ads, subscriptions, or in-app purchases.
2. What is a vertical video micro-drama app?
It’s an OTT app made for short, mobile-friendly dramas in vertical format.
3. How much does it cost to build one?
It depends on your features. With webnexs VOD, you can launch without coding and save big.
4. What features should my app include?
Vertical playback, easy sign-up, payment options, AI recommendations, and DRM security.
