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

A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.

Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.

In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.

"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.

Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.

In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.

"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.

By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.

After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.

"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.

Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.

As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.

Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media