Chongqing - Chinese micro dramas are gaining global popularity, attracting audiences with their fast-paced storytelling and unique cultural elements. With advanced technology and AI-driven production, these short dramas are reaching international viewers quickly and efficiently. From fantasy to modern themes, China’s micro dramas reshape global entertainment and enhance cultural exchange.

This undated photo shows a micro drama filming site at the Shanghai International Short Video Center in Shanghai, east China. (Photo/Xinhua)

Micro dramas take off globally

At a film production base on the outskirts of Beijing, a micro drama is being shot using mobile phones and cameras mounted on stabilizers. Despite the humble appearance of the base, the atmosphere is buzzing with activity.

The location, once a car parts factory, has been transformed into a versatile filming space with various architectural styles tailored to meet the growing demand for micro dramas overseas.

Chinese micro dramas, ranging from historical fantasies to modern themes, have gained a strong following abroad due to their meticulously designed costumes, set details, and fast-paced plots. According to the programming schedule of one micro drama company, more than a dozen are streamed daily across countries like Thailand, Japan, and the United States.

Wang Jiacheng, Chairman of Jiuzhou Culture, shared, “We have numerous major projects set to launch after the Spring Festival. Our overseas platforms now cover over 230 countries and regions, with total downloads exceeding 100 million.”

From content export to production innovation

The release of micro dramas has struggled to meet the growing international demand. Translation delays, especially in smaller-language markets, often take over two weeks. Teams have turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to speed up production.

The head of Jiuzhou Culture’s overseas platform explained, “With AI, we can complete translations in one week, allowing releases to go live next month in 14 countries and regions.”

While rapid translation allows quick market entry, it’s not enough to cater to diverse audiences. To address this, Chinese micro drama companies are exporting not just content but production techniques. In the U.S., directors are adopting Chinese methods, such as specific shot lengths, fast camera transitions, and training actors to deliver emotional peaks quickly.

Micro-drama director Xiao Ying began filming in the U.S. in late 2023. Xiao highlighted how short dramas capture attention in one or two minutes and praised American audiences’ strong paid content habits. Xiao has worked with over 100 actors and plans to collaborate with more.

Chinese micro dramas also adapt scripts for global audiences. Story frameworks are created in China, and local teams add cultural nuances, such as lifestyle habits, slang, and even details like whether to remove shoes when entering a home based on local customs.

Wang Jiacheng stated, “This model has been rapidly implemented. In just two years, we’ve set up short drama production bases in North America, Japan, and Vietnam, producing around 30 local dramas each month.”

A report from a U.S.-based data firm shows over 100 Chinese short drama apps are now available worldwide, with nearly 148 million downloads and $200 million in revenue.

This undated photo shows a micro drama filming site at the Shanghai International Short Video Center in Shanghai, east China. (Photo/Xinhua)

Beyond micro dramas, Chinese online literature and video games are gaining global popularity. They attract millions of readers and players with their unique cultural appeal and innovative technologies.

The Institute of Literature at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences reports that the overseas market for Chinese online literature has exceeded 4 billion yuan ($551 million), with around 620,000 original works and approximately 230 million international users. Additionally, a report from the Game Publishing Committee of the China Audio-Video and Digital Publishing Association revealed that in 2024, China’s self-developed games earned nearly $18.56 billion in overseas sales, a 13.39% year-on-year growth, surpassing 100 billion yuan for the fifth consecutive year.

As China continues refining its micro drama production for global audiences, its “new three pillars” of cultural export—micro dramas, online literature, and video games—are solidifying their place in the global entertainment scene, showcasing the richness of Chinese culture and connecting with audiences worldwide.

(CCTV News contributed to this report's Chinese version.)