Asian streamers expand microdramas and AI content
Major Asian streaming platforms like ReelShort, Viu, and iQiyi are increasingly adopting AI to produce short-form, vertical-format microdramas. Executives note that AI helps reduce production costs and increases responsiveness to market trends.
Why it matters
The shift toward AI-generated entertainment signals a significant disruption in content production models and competitive strategies within the global streaming industry.
5.9 Relevance Score Photo: console.kr-asia.com · rights & takedowns Quick Summary Hide Nikkei Asia reports that major Asian streaming services, including ReelShort , Viu , and iQiyi , are boosting microdramas and AI-generated content to capture and retain audiences in a crowded regional market. The outlet reports that very short, vertical-format dramas, typically several-minute episodes and often 50-100 episodes long, have gained popularity, especially in romance genres, and that an increasing number are being produced with AI. Reporting by Nikkei Asia quotes ReelShort founder Joey Jia as saying AI is "completely changing" the competitive landscape; Nikkei Asia also reports ReelShort has doubled its AI team after rapid growth. At the APOS 2026 conference in Bali, Nikkei Asia quotes Viu CEO Janice Lee saying AI lets teams "do things faster, be more responsive to market, perhaps at a lesser cost."
The article reports on industry trends and executive statements without taking a stance on the quality or ethics of AI content.
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