The rise of vertical dramas. Short, emotionally charged, mobile first series is not a passing trend. It’s a shift in how stories are told, consumed, and monetised.

In China alone, vertical dramas have already created a $7B+ market. Platforms like Dramabox, ReelShort, and GoodShort are scaling like early Netflix did, designed specifically for vertical screens and thumb stopping narratives. Vertical platforms are what Temu and Shein are to Amazon.

This vertical drama wave is not limited to Asia anymore. Latin American markets like Brazil and Mexico are thriving with mobile native dramas. These regions benefit from high smartphone usage and a long standing tradition of strong, emotionally rich storytelling.

Vertical dramas are now gaining popularity in the UK and USA, using well known, over the top storytelling tropes, such as enemies to lovers, Cinderella type makeovers, and corporate revenge. Some even explore fantasy plotlines, such as werewolves and different historical eras. By using popular storytelling tropes the appeal of vertical dramas is only set to rise.

The rise of vertical dramas in the UK and USA means the way vertical dramas are produced is changing. We can expect to see actors cast with western accents and potentially platforms that strictly cater to a western audience.

As more and more people forgo cinemas, while staying glued to their phones throughout the day, vertical dramas can only be expected to rise and being at the front of this phenomenon is the best place to be. Whether that’s as an actor, a production company or a streaming platform.

If you are interested in starting your journey with vertical dramas why not check ours out here. Or if you have any questions about vertical production head over to our Contact page.