Chinese creatives are pioneering a new trend in entertainment with super-short streaming series, each episode lasting less than two minutes for easy mobile consumption. These series, spanning 20 to 100 episodes, cover genres like comedy and romance. The industry's response to mobile viewing, these mini-dramas are dubbed 'TikTokization' by experts.
Key players include platforms like Kuaishou, BiliBili, and Tencent Holdings, along with apps like ReelShort, DramaBox, and others. Notably, Douyin, TikTok's Chinese counterpart, is collaborating with filmmaker Stephen Chow on a series project.
Mini-dramas boast low production costs and quick turnaround times, with some series shot in just 7-10 days for $41,000-$69,000. Successful productions can earn tens of millions within days of release, driving the market to over $5 billion in 2023, projected to hit $13 billion by 2027.
These series offer creative freedom and innovation due to low barriers to entry. Monetization strategies vary, with users paying for subsequent episodes or using in-app coins. However, government censorship poses challenges, leading some companies to explore foreign markets like the U.S.
ReelShort's success in the U.S. market, with over seven million downloads in 2023, highlights the potential for global expansion. Professor Yeh suggests that these concepts could inspire remakes worldwide, hinting at a future where AI-driven content creation may dominate the industry.
