China's micro-drama market surges with AI content and massive user growth

The micro-drama industry in China is experiencing a significant transformation driven by AI-generated content and massive platform growth. Creators are increasingly using AI to produce high-quality short series styled after Korean, Japanese, and American dramas, focusing on niche markets such as urban suspense and campus conflict. One successful AI-generated Korean-style drama, “Beautiful Malice,” has reportedly earned millions of yuan and amassed over 180 million views.

On the platform side, ByteDance-owned Hongguo Short Drama has seen explosive growth, reaching 168 million daily active users as of July 2026—a 107% year-on-year increase. This figure surpasses the combined daily active users of major long-form video platforms like Tencent Video, iQIYI, Youku, and Mango TV.

However, medical experts are warning of health risks associated with the high-stimulation nature of these short videos. Doctors suggest that the constant dopamine spikes caused by rapid plot twists can lead to “pseudo-stupidity,” characterized by cognitive fog, reduced attention spans, and weakened logical reasoning. Long-term consumption may also disrupt the autonomic nervous system, potentially leading to anxiety, insomnia, and emotional blunting.