Microdramas, the growing short-form scripted video format, are projected to generate $11 billion in global revenues by 2025, according to new research presented at MIPCOM by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia. This surge highlights the shift in digital video consumption and the increasing appetite for mobile-first, bite-sized storytelling.
What Are Microdramas?
Microdramas are short, serialized stories typically running 2-3 minutes per episode, designed for mobile-first consumption. Unlike traditional television dramas, these stories deliver immediate engagement while retaining the emotional depth of premium scripted content. Their short duration and accessibility make them highly appealing to audiences with shorter attention spans, especially younger viewers.
Revenue Potential and Market Size
Omdia’s analysis indicates that microdramas are on track to generate nearly twice the revenue of free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels, which are expected to reach $5.8 billion by the end of this year.
Key revenue insights include:
Subscription and transactional payments dominate: Over 60 percent of global microdrama revenues come from paid subscriptions or one-time transactions, often following a free trial or introductory model.
High monetization potential: Average revenue per user (ARPU) can reach $20 per week or up to $80 per month, reflecting strong audience willingness to pay for engaging content.
Global market concentration: China accounts for 83 percent of total microdrama revenues, driven by massive mobile audiences and consumption trends. Outside China, the United States (8.5 percent of the market), Japan, South Korea, the U.K., and Thailand are key growth markets.
Leading ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels markets are the United States (81 percent of global revenue), United Kingdom (3 percent), Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan and others.
Why Microdramas Are Popular
Maria Rua Aguete emphasizes that microdramas redefine premium storytelling in the digital era. They combine the immediacy of social media with the emotional engagement of traditional television drama, making them highly attractive to mobile audiences.
Key factors driving popularity include:
Short, bingeable episodes: Perfect for mobile consumption and commuting audiences.
High engagement levels: Despite shorter formats, viewer immersion and loyalty are strong.
Global appeal: Formats can be localized easily, enabling rapid adoption across multiple regions.
Microdramas in the Global Entertainment Ecosystem
Omdia’s research suggests microdramas are bridging the gap between social video and traditional scripted television, positioning themselves as a core part of the digital entertainment ecosystem.
“The rise of microdramas illustrates how new storytelling models and distribution platforms continue to reshape global viewing behavior. This marks the next phase of evolution in digital content,” Rua Aguete said.
Future Outlook
As attention spans shorten but audiences demand deeper engagement, microdramas are expected to continue their rapid growth. With monetization potential high and adoption spreading globally, they represent a major opportunity for content creators, streaming platforms, and advertisers alike.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
