Chinese short dramas enjoy ever-growing success in U.S. market
(ECNS) -- With concise storytelling and gripping plots, Chinese short dramas have evolved into a new trend of online film-making in recent years.
The rise of short dramas reflects changing audience habits driven by the popularity of short-form content. These enticing and minute-long episodes have also gained significant popularity overseas, especially in the United States.
Statistics show that as of August 2024, China’s leading overseas short drama apps reported $151 million in revenue from the U.S., accounting for 64.8 percent of total income.
He Zexi, head of a short drama production company based in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, said that their overseas platform has reached 1 million daily active users in the U.S., with some short dramas generating over $10 million in user subscription revenue from American audiences.
Short dramas targeting overseas audiences are usually categorized as either translated adaptations or locally produced originals. Each series typically runs between 60 to 100 episodes, with each lasting one to two minutes. The cost of watching an entire series ranges from $10 to $20.
“We have studied the operation of China's micro-drama market, adapting it for the U.S. with local screenwriters and actors. This business model has been proven successful and shows great potential for sustained and rapid growth,” said Nan Yapeng, vice president of Crazy Maple Studio.
At Hengdian World Studios, a costume drama is currently in full production. The producer noted that short dramas featuring traditional Chinese cultural themes are highly popular in overseas markets. Once completed, the drama will be launched in North America.
Chinese short dramas' growing international reach not only satisfies foreign audiences' entertainment needs during fragmented scheduling but also fosters exchanges between Chinese and global film and TV industries.