China's Micro-Drama Industry Surpasses Box Office Earnings, Captivates 576 Million Users

CNChina|

In a striking evolution of visual entertainment, China's booming micro-drama industry has outperformed traditional box office earnings for the first time, reaching a staggering revenue of 50.44 billion yuan ($7.25 billion) in 2024. This surge is primarily attributed to the growing number of viewers, which has now exceeded 576 million across various platforms.

Micro-dramas, usually comprised of one to three-minute episodes, are designed specifically for mobile consumption, allowing users to watch during short breaks throughout their day. Originating around 2020 alongside the rise of video apps like Douyin, these productions have rapidly expanded, captivating audiences with their engaging narratives that often incorporate cliffhangers and quick twists.

Filming takes place at Hengdian Studios in Zhejiang Province, often referred to as "China's Hollywood." The area has become a hub for micro-drama production, with an estimated 1,500 shoots anticipated in 2024 alone. Newcomers to the industry, as well as seasoned professionals looking for new opportunities, flock to Hengdian in hopes of finding success in this growing genre.

Director Yu Honglin highlighted the increased professionalism in micro-drama production, noting improvements in quality and star power. As major Chinese internet firms invest more heavily into this medium, the transition from low-budget efforts to high-caliber productions has begun, with platforms like ByteDance launching dedicated apps to host micro-dramas.

Winnie Tang, founder of a production company, believes this phenomenon is set to go global, as Chinese micro-dramas begin to be translated for international audiences. Despite cultural differences, there is optimism about their potential appeal, especially with young female viewers, who make up a significant portion of the audience in China.

As micro-dramas continue to capture the hearts of viewers, the industry’s evolution may pave the way for different storytelling formats worldwide.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from China

China Escalates Trade Tensions with 84% Tariffs on US Goods

China announced on April 9, 2025, that it will impose an 84% tariff on all imported goods from the United States, a significant increase from the previous 34% rate. The new tariffs will go into effect at 12:01 am on April 10, in response to US President Donald Trump's recently announced 104% tariffs on Chinese goods. Officials from China’s Customs Tariff Commission described the measures as necessary to protect the nation's interests amid escalating trade tensions. In a news briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian criticized the US's approach, urging the Biden administration to return to dialogue and cooperation rather than employing "bullying" tactics. Furthermore, China added six US entities, including cybersecurity firms, to its “unreliable entity list,” a move the Ministry of Commerce stated was taken with caution to safeguard national security. Additionally, China has filed a lawsuit against the US with the World Trade Organization, claiming the tariffs violate international trade rules. This trade dispute marks the sharpest escalation since previous tariffs began, exacerbating economic strains between the two nations.
CNChina

Tragic Nursing Home Fire Claims 20 Lives in Northern China

A fire at a nursing home in Chengde, Hebei province, has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to state news agency Xinhua. The fire erupted around 9 PM on Tuesday, and the remaining residents have since been transferred to a nearby hospital for medical care. The exact number of people evacuated has not been disclosed. Authorities have dispatched experts to the site to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the blaze. This recent tragedy follows a similar incident in January, when a fire at a food market in Zhangjiakou, also located in Hebei, resulted in eight fatalities and left 15 others injured. These events have raised concerns regarding fire safety in public facilities across the region. The government and local officials have been under pressure to ensure adequate safety measures are in place to prevent such disasters in the future, especially in facilities housing vulnerable populations.
CNChina

Nurses Heroically Shield Newborns During China Earthquake Aftershock

Nurses at Jingcheng Hospital in Yunnan, China, were filmed protecting newborn babies during a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that originated in Myanmar on March 29, 2025. As tremors shook the building, two nurses can be seen desperately trying to stabilize cribs to prevent them from rolling away, demonstrating remarkable bravery in a chaotic situation. The earthquake has tragically claimed over 1,000 lives in Myanmar, with many injuries reported. Official sources indicated that Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city, experienced the highest number of casualties, particularly in regions closest to the epicenter. The disaster has resulted in significant structural damage, with buildings collapsing and crucial infrastructure, including bridges, being destroyed. Social media users expressed their admiration for the nurses’ quick responses, calling them "heroes" amidst the fear and uncertainty. Rescue workers continue to search for survivors in both Myanmar and Thailand, where a 30-story skyscraper has also collapsed, causing further challenges in recovery efforts.
CNChina
All China News ->