Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Microdramas are a global $26bn revolution, primarily targeted at adults for now but increasingly becoming popular with teens. With this in mind, how do we ensure quality when much of the current output can be superficial, sensationalised and formulaic?
Microdramas are a multi-billion dollar phenomenon that’s rewriting the rules of scripted content, but the boom is primarily in East Asia and it’s only just in its infancy in the western world. More and more vertical dramas are being targeted at teens, however criticism of the vast majority of the content is that it’s overly superficial, sensationalised and formulaic in its approach. Often AI algorithms are used to identify key storybeats and create the cliffhanger moments.
Could vertical storytelling be the way to reach tweens and teens who’ve already abandoned linear TV? And how do we ensure quality, when much of the current output is formulaic, and quality is becoming a competitive differentiator?
This session explores the creative and commercial opportunity for children’s media makers in vertical/microdrama, what the format demands from writers, how AI tools are being used in production workflows, and whether UK indie creators can compete in a space currently dominated by East Asian and US platforms.
Microdramas are a global $26bn revolution, primarily targeted at adults for now but increasingly becoming popular with teens. With this in mind, how do we ensure quality when much of the current output can be superficial, sensationalised and formulaic?
Microdramas are a multi-billion dollar phenomenon that’s rewriting the rules of scripted content, but the boom is primarily in East Asia and it’s only just in its infancy in the western world. More and more vertical dramas are being targeted at teens, however criticism of the vast majority of the content is that it’s overly superficial, sensationalised and formulaic in its approach. Often AI algorithms are used to identify key storybeats and create the cliffhanger moments.
Could vertical storytelling be the way to reach tweens and teens who’ve already abandoned linear TV? And how do we ensure quality, when much of the current output is formulaic, and quality is becoming a competitive differentiator?
This session explores the creative and commercial opportunity for children’s media makers in vertical/microdrama, what the format demands from writers, how AI tools are being used in production workflows, and whether UK indie creators can compete in a space currently dominated by East Asian and US platforms.
