Scripted

Microdramas, the fast-growing short-form scripted video format, are poised to generate $11 billion in global revenues by the end of 2025, according to new data unveiled this morning at MIPCOM by Maria Rua Aguete, Head of Media and Entertainment at Omdia.

The latest research underscores the explosive growth of microdramas — compact, emotionally intense series crafted for mobile-first audiences, typically running under ten minutes per episode. Omdia’s forecast places the format’s revenues at nearly double those of FAST channels, which are expected to reach $5.8 billion next year.

“Microdramas are redefining what premium storytelling means in the digital era,” said Rua Aguete. “They combine the immediacy of social media with the emotional depth of television drama. They are short, snackable, and utterly addictive.”
Microdramas’ revenue model, Rua Aguete explained, is simple yet highly effective. Most platforms release the first few episodes for free, enticing audiences to pay for the rest through subscription or transactional models. These paid components now account for over 60% of total revenues.
According to Omdia’s findings, the average revenue per user (ARPU) for microdramas can reach $20 per week or even $80 per month, highlighting the remarkable earning power of this new format.

China remains the undisputed hub of microdrama production and consumption, responsible for 83% of global revenues. Its dominance is driven by a vast, mobile-first user base and sophisticated digital ecosystems that seamlessly merge commerce, storytelling, and community engagement.

Outside of China, the United States leads the charge, generating about half of all international microdrama revenues. Other fast-growing markets include Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Thailand, each cultivating thriving creative scenes and increasingly global audiences.
“Viewers are willing to pay for content that hooks them emotionally within seconds,” Rua Aguete noted. “Microdramas prove that attention spans may be shorter, but engagement is deeper — and far more valuable.”
Omdia’s analysis suggests that microdramas will become a cornerstone of digital entertainment, sitting at the intersection of social video and traditional television storytelling. Their hybrid nature — blending the pace of TikTok with the character depth of scripted TV — has made them especially appealing to Gen Z and young millennial viewers.

“The rise of microdramas is a perfect example of how innovation in storytelling and distribution continues to reshape global viewing behavior,” Rua Aguete concluded. “This is not just a trend — it’s the next wave of content evolution.”

As the global media landscape continues to evolve, microdramas stand as the latest disruptor — compact in length, massive in impact, and increasingly central to the future of digital storytelling.