Chinese micro dramas gain popularity in overseas markets

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chinese micro dramas have garnered significant traction internationally, marking a key milestone in China's cultural industry operation as it expands into overseas markets through innovation and advanced technologies including artificial intelligence (AI).   Particularly popular in genres like Wuxia (martial heroes), Xianxia (immortal heroes), and modern dramas, Chinese micro dramas have captured the attention of audiences in many other countries and regions. With high quality of their products, the productivity and efficiency of Chinese micro drama companies are equally impressive.

"We have a lot of major projects lined up before the Spring Festival. After the end of the holiday season [earlier this month], we  will begin filming. Our overseas platform now covers over 230 other countries (and regions) in the world, with the total number of downloads reaching more than 100 million times," said Wang Jiacheng, board chairman of Jiuzhou Culture, a Chinese micro drama productor.   Featuring fast-paced narratives, engaging plots and meticulous production details, the micro dramas have been well received by international audiences.

"I love watching dramas on apps like reelshort, because they are really fast paced and addictive, and always leave me on a cliffhanger. And because they are so short, I can watch them on a break, or before bed, or while waiting in line," said Katherine Kearney, a micro drama fan from Hollywood.

One of the key challenges for Chinese micro dramas in expanding overseas is localization. Traditionally, translating and dubbing a drama would take at least two weeks. However, with the incorporation of AI technologies, this process can now be completed in just a week.   "With AI, we can finish these works in a week. For dramas published this month, the multi-language versions can be released by next month, covering 14 other countries and regions around the world," said Liu Jinlong, overseas platform director of Jiuzhou Culture.   In addition to adding subtitles, Chinese micro drama producers are adopting more localized production methods to cater to different cultural markets. By now, Chinese companies have begun filming micro dramas in overseas studios with local actors.   "I started to direct micro dramas in the U.S. at the end of 2023. The quality is excellent, and production is highly efficient. Micro dramas can grab the fragmented time of audiences on mobile phones, and audiences in the U.S. are of high willingness to pay for the dramas. I have been cooperating with more than 100 actors, and there will be more," said Xiao Ying, a micro drama director who is now working in the U.S.   This new production model allows for better cultural alignment in the content, and has already been widely adopted.   "This model has been implemented quickly. Within two years, we have established short drama production bases in North America, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, and other regions, with around 30 locally produced short dramas being launched every month," Wang said.   According to statistics, over 100 Chinese micro drama apps have been launched in overseas markets, with a total of nearly 148 million downloads, and with the revenue reaching 200 million U.S. dollars.

Chinese micro dramas gain popularity in overseas markets

From cutting-edge technology exhibitions to retail stores thousands of kilometers away from Europe and Southeast Asia, China-made robot vacuum cleaners are increasingly becoming a popular choice among consumers worldwide.

At electronics retailers in Berlin, Germany, Chinese brands such as Roborock and Dreame occupy prominent positions in dedicated robot vacuum sections, offering a wide range of products priced between 200 and 2,000 euros.

Many local consumers said that when purchasing smart home appliances including robot vacuum cleaners, they tend to give priority to Chinese-made products.

"It's a good price and good quality. It's also the innovation. I have a feeling that the European brands are not innovating enough," said one customer.

"I think they're always on top of the other technologies. They are getting them out faster. A lot of us are switching to the Chinese technology," another consumer said.

Germany is one of the most important overseas markets for China's floor-cleaning robots.

According to data from market research firm GfK, from January to November 2025, more than six out of 10 robot vacuum cleaners sold in Western Europe were Chinese brands.

Industry data also point to a strong global momentum.

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), global shipments of smart robot vacuum cleaners reached 17.424 million units in the first three quarters of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 18.7 percent.

Chinese brands including Roborock, Ecovacs, Dreame, Xiaomi and Narwal ranked among the world's top five in terms of shipment volume, with a combined share of nearly 70 percent of the global market.

At a robot vacuum cleaner manufacturing plant in Huizhou, south China's Guangdong Province, workers were seen stepping up production of newly launched models that recently debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show in the United States, which concluded Friday in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The factory adjusted its production lines as early as December 2025 and stocked inventory in advance for overseas markets to ensure that new products could be delivered to global consumers at the earliest possible time.

"In 2025, Roborock's global shipments exceeded 7.2 million units. Since 2024, overseas revenue has accounted for more than 50 percent of our total revenue. Our products have now been sold to more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than 20 million households worldwide," said Quan Gang, president of Roborock.

At another robot vacuum cleaner manufacturing facility in Dongguan, Guangdong, rising overseas orders have prompted the company to upgrade its production lines with intelligent technologies to further boost capacity. The factory is currently operating at full load to meet a growing demand.

"For 2026, we have already obtained overseas orders worth at least 300 million to 400 million yuan (around 43 million to 57.3 million U.S. dollars). In addition, we've engaged in strategic cooperation with European home appliance group Cebos Group, and our total confirmed orders have exceeded 600 million yuan (around 86 million U.S. dollars)," said Zhang Junbin, founder and CEO of Narwal Robotics.

Chinese robot vacuum brands gain strong global traction