Microdramas are set to upstage Hollywood's A-list
XLC•ReelShort and other apps offering two-minute video serials rival Netflix and Disney for views, with low costs and smartphone users helping drive their success. YouTube said microdramas surpassed 6.5 billion views in the first half of 2026.
1. Short-form serials gain views
ReelShort and other apps offering two-minute video serials rival Netflix and Disney for views. The format, which has taken China by storm, is succeeding with low costs and smartphone users; YouTube said microdramas surpassed 6.5 billion views in the first half of 2026.
2. Streaming growth context
YouTube said vertical shorts watched on TVs increased by over 90% year-over-year in the first half of 2026. Netflix co-Chief Executive Ted Sarandos said at an industry conference on September 30 that the streaming service was not growing as fast as he would like.
