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
