China's Booming Micro-Drama Industry Faces New Regulatory Scrutiny
Micro-dramas, also known as short dramas or mini-dramas, are serialized video content typically lasting one to three minutes per episode, designed for mobile viewing on platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou. These bite-sized stories have surged in popularity across China and internationally, often featuring dramatic plots involving romance, revenge, workplace intrigue, or family conflicts delivered in vertical format optimized for smartphones.
The format's accessibility has fueled rapid growth. In 2025 alone, more than 4,000 micro-drama productions launched in China, far outpacing traditional long-form dramas. Export revenues from these productions exceeded $2.3 billion that year, with popular apps such as DramaBox and ReelShort gaining millions of users worldwide. The domestic market has at times surpassed China's traditional box-office revenue, highlighting the sector's economic significance.
NRTA Announces Two-Month Special Campaign
China's National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) launched a nationwide two-month special campaign in early June 2026 targeting harmful and vulgar content in micro-dramas. Provincial authorities received directives to intensify oversight of locally produced content. The initiative focuses on standardizing creation and dissemination practices while fostering a healthier industry environment.
Officials emphasized the need to address content that deviates from mainstream values. The campaign builds on earlier efforts to guide the sector toward positive themes and responsible production.
Eight Key Areas Targeted in the Crackdown
The NRTA outlined eight specific issues for rectification during the campaign. These include content harmful to minors, soft pornography or sexually suggestive scenes, money worship and ostentatious displays of wealth, distorted views on marriage and relationships, feudal superstitions or remnants, violent revenge themes, vulgar or sensationalist titles, and copyright infringement or piracy.
Producers must avoid plots that glorify extreme materialism, promote unhealthy relationship dynamics, or feature graphic violence and revenge narratives. Sensationalist titles designed purely for clicks also fall under scrutiny. Platforms are expected to strengthen self-review mechanisms and report violations promptly.
- Material harmful to children receives priority attention to protect young audiences.
- Sexually suggestive elements and soft pornography are explicitly prohibited.
- Wealth-flaunting and money-worship themes are flagged for promoting unrealistic values.
- Violent revenge stories and feudal superstitions are targeted to reduce negative social influences.
Industry Growth and Content Challenges
The micro-drama sector expanded quickly due to low production costs, short production cycles, and high engagement potential. Many productions rely on formulaic plots with cliffhangers to keep viewers scrolling through episodes. This model drove commercial success but also led to criticisms of repetitive, low-quality, or sensationalist storytelling.
Earlier regulatory actions removed thousands of non-compliant titles. Between late 2022 and early 2023, authorities took down approximately 25,300 programs containing vulgar, violent, or low-brow elements. More recent initiatives have included licensing requirements for distribution and industry self-regulation pledges against vulgar performances.
Photo by Phopsiri Pianphatikul on Unsplash
Stakeholder Perspectives on the Measures
Industry participants, including production companies and platforms, have begun adjusting workflows to comply with the new guidelines. Some creators welcome clearer standards that could improve overall quality and long-term sustainability. Others note the challenges of balancing creative freedom with regulatory expectations in a fast-paced market.
Viewers have expressed mixed reactions online. Many appreciate efforts to reduce overly explicit or misleading content, while fans of the dramatic style worry about reduced variety. Platforms such as Douyin and Kuaishou have historically supported rectification by removing problematic titles and refining recommendation algorithms.
Previous Regulatory Steps and Licensing Requirements
Regulation of micro-dramas has intensified progressively. In 2020, authorities formally incorporated the format into broader audiovisual oversight. Subsequent measures introduced tiered review systems where provincial bodies examine key productions and platforms handle routine content checks.
By early 2025, all micro-dramas required an online drama film distribution permit before release. Platforms cannot promote unlicensed content. These steps aim to curb piracy and ensure alignment with national content standards.
Economic and Cultural Implications
The crackdown occurs amid strong export growth, with Chinese micro-dramas reaching audiences in Southeast Asia, North America, and beyond. International platforms have begun developing similar formats, sometimes partnering with or competing against Chinese producers.
Domestically, the measures seek to align content with broader cultural goals, including the promotion of positive social values. Successful compliance could enhance the sector's reputation and support sustained economic contributions through tourism tie-ins and brand partnerships.
International Context and Global Trends
Similar short-form drama formats have gained traction outside China, with producers in South Korea and the United States investing in vertical video series. Chinese innovations in production efficiency and distribution have influenced global approaches, though regulatory environments differ significantly.
Observers note that China's experience offers lessons on balancing rapid innovation with content oversight. Export-oriented productions sometimes adapt storylines for international markets while navigating domestic rules.
Future Outlook for Creators and Platforms
Industry analysts expect increased emphasis on high-quality scripts, diverse themes, and professional ethics following the campaign. Recommendations include greater investment in original storytelling and collaboration with cultural tourism initiatives.
Platforms may enhance AI-assisted review tools and user reporting systems. Creators who adapt early could benefit from preferential promotion of compliant content. Long-term success likely depends on delivering engaging stories without relying on sensational elements.
Practical Guidance for Industry Participants
Production teams should conduct thorough pre-release reviews focusing on the eight targeted areas. Consulting NRTA guidelines and provincial requirements early in development helps avoid costly revisions. Platforms are advised to update content policies and train moderation teams accordingly.
Viewers can support healthier content by favoring titles that align with positive values and reporting concerns through official channels. The campaign represents an opportunity for the sector to mature while maintaining its appeal to mobile audiences.
