Chinese Drama Revenue Reaches Rp156 Trillion in 2025, America Becomes the Largest Market Outside Domestic

Kapanlagi.com - The year 2025 will be a significant moment for the Chinese entertainment industry. After long series dramas successfully penetrated the global market, now it's the turn of short Chinese dramas to capture the world's attention. A format that was initially considered a digital experiment has now become a gold mine for the Asian entertainment industry.

Their popularity has surged on various platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, with millions of viewers from abroad. Latest data from Media Partners Asia (October 31, 2025) shows that the total revenue from the Chinese short drama industry has reached USD9.4 billion or around Rp156 trillion. The highest figure globally and not yet at the end of the year.

1. Short Chinese Drama Rakes in Big Profits

This surge in revenue is partly due to very efficient production costs. Imagine, a short drama with a duration of 3–5 minutes per episode only requires about 8–10 days of production time. With costs around USD150,000–300,000 (IDR2.3–4.6 billion), the results can reach hundreds of millions of views worldwide.

This phenomenon began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people spent more time on their phones. Quick, light, and easily digestible content became a new necessity. Now, the short drama format has evolved into a global entertainment lifestyle.

2. America Becomes the Largest Market Outside China

Short Chinese Drama - Rest of World

Interestingly, the largest market for Chinese dramas actually comes from the United States. According to a report from Sensor Tower, apps like ReelShort, DramaBox, and GoodShort are the three most downloaded platforms there, even dominating 50% of the international short drama market.

The majority of viewers in America are women aged 30–60 who live in big cities. Their favorite genre? Of course, stories of handsome CEOs pretending to be poor, domestic conflicts, and revenge among conglomerate families. Who would have thought that themes commonly associated with Asian soap operas would also make 'foreigners' addicted!

3. Simple Plot but Addictive

short chinese drama - reelshort

Although many consider the storyline clichéd and the acting somewhat lacking, that is precisely where the appeal of short Chinese dramas lies. The story is easy to follow, the conflict escalates quickly, and the endings always leave you hanging, making you curious.

Many viewers who initially just casually watched one episode end up binge-watching dozens of episodes because they are hooked by the cliffhangers at the end of each story. It's what you might call a "teaser"—it leaves you wanting more and unable to stop watching!

4. 5 Most Popular Short Chinese Dramas in 2025

My Ex Is My Boss Now - Daily Motion

CEO's Hidden Wife

A story about a cold CEO who secretly marries his employee without an official status. This drama was a huge success in America thanks to its unexpected plot twists and the intense acting of the main cast.

My Ex Is My Boss Now

Telling the story of ex-lovers who reunite at work with a new status, while the ex is now the boss! The story is funny, cringe-worthy, but relatable for many viewers.

The Billionaire's Maid

A poor girl working as a housekeeper ends up making the heir of a wealthy family fall in love. A clichéd story but packaged quickly and emotionally engaging.

Marry Me for Revenge

This short revenge-themed drama became trending on TikTok thanks to its unexpected ending. A tale of love, revenge, and betrayal wrapped up in 3 minutes per episode.

Unexpected Heir

A young man suddenly discovers that he is the heir to a long-lost prominent family. This story full of family intrigue went viral on Facebook Watch and YouTube Shorts.

5. 6 Most Popular Chinese Short Drama Actors and Actresses in 2025

Popular Actors in Chinese Short Dramas

Zhao Tianyu

Known for CEO’s Hidden Wife, Zhao Tianyu has become a new idol thanks to his strong charisma. A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, he is often dubbed the “CEO of Microdrama” by international fans.

Lin Yichen

A young actor who successfully captured attention through Marry Me for Revenge. His charm lies in his emotional expressions and distinctive cool style.

Xu Haoran

Popular through The Billionaire’s Maid, Xu Haoran has a natural acting style and a memorable face. He also began appearing in long dramas since 2024.

Most Popular Actresses

Chen Yuxi

A versatile actress who achieved great success with My Ex Is My Boss Now. She is known for her funny expressions and ability to portray hardworking characters.

Li Mengyao

Her name skyrocketed after playing the main character in Unexpected Heir. Besides acting, Li Mengyao is also active as a model and influencer on Weibo.

Tang Yiran

Gained attention for her role in Marry Me for Revenge. This actress is often praised for her ability to showcase an elegant and emotional side in a short time in each episode.

6. Have You Ever Watched a Chinese Drama?

The success of short Chinese dramas in 2025 proves that short content cannot be underestimated. With concise storytelling, quick production, and smart digital distribution strategies, this genre has become the new face of global entertainment.

From Asia to America, viewers seem to agree that short Chinese dramas are a guilty pleasure that is hard to let go of.

Well, have you ever watched a Chinese drama?

(kpl/chn)