TikTok-like microdramas are going to make billions this year, even though they kind of suck

City: The microdrama trend is really taking off! These quick TikTok-like dramas are gaining huge popularity and making billions. In these shows, stories are often silly or exaggerated and have a lot of cheesy acting. But people love watching them!

One college student named Emily works at a strip club at night to pay for college. What happens when her English teacher unexpectedly appears? You can find out by paying with “tokens,” watching ads, or buying a VIP pass.

In China, microdrama apps became popular first. Now they are becoming a big deal in the U.S. For example, one app, ReelShort, made about $1.2 billion, which is 119% more than last year! Another called DramaBox made $276 million, more than double its earnings from before.

TikTok is also joining this trend with its own microdrama app called PineDrama. Plus, a new app, GammaTime, just raised $14 million from famous investors like Kim Kardashian.

This growth is surprising because just a few years ago, a similar app called Quibi failed. Quibi wanted to create short shows for phone users but did not succeed. It had big names like Reese Witherspoon and Liam Hemsworth, but people didn’t want it.

Now, microdramas like “My Sister Is the Warlord Queen” are hits. Eric Wei, an expert, says these dramas are like OnlyFans, aimed mainly at women. They hook viewers with interesting titles and ask for money to continue the story, which keeps people watching.

Many microdrama apps work like games. You can earn free in-app currency by logging in, but soon you need real money to unlock more episodes. Sometimes, you can choose how the story goes, but the best options often cost tokens.

As viewers get hooked, they may buy a $20 weekly pass, costing more than Netflix and Disney+ combined! With AI helping create faster content, more microdramas are likely coming. These stories are usually simple and don’t require complicated writing.

Some studios are even using AI to help writers create stories that keep viewers engaged. Microdramas are popular because they fit with short attention spans and in-app purchases, making this a successful model for many creators.