Chinese short dramas are becoming a big hit overseas, not only in the US but also in many other countries. Over the past year, they made $151 million in the US alone, making up nearly 65% of all overseas income. As more people want to watch these shows, some less famous actors are now earning seven times more per day than before.
These short dramas often tell stories about rich families arguing, substitute brides, or creatures like werewolves and vampires. Surprisingly, women over 50 in the US are especially interested — half of them are willing to pay to watch, which is five times higher than in China. One popular show, The Playboy’s Substitute Wife, cost only $170,000 to make but earned $2 million.
People love these dramas because each episode is short and full of surprises. They often end at the most exciting part, making viewers curious to see what happens next. Many watch during breaks or while waiting, and they are happy to pay to continue watching. A fan even shared online, “The story is so dramatic, but I just can’t stop!”
A Chinese director, Gao Feng, has also found success abroad using similar methods. His show, The Divorced Billionaire Heiress, cost only $200,000 but earned $25 million in just three months. He says that his team makes dozens of dramas quickly, and half of the actors get paid in cash right after filming.
By March 2025, there were already 237 Chinese short drama apps available overseas — almost four times more than the year before. These apps were downloaded more than 270 million times around the world in just the first three months of the year. Besides the US, Southeast Asia is also a major market.
Still, some experts warn that focusing only on popular topics may limit creativity. They suggest that producers should balance familiar ideas with new ones and pay more attention to local culture when bringing these dramas to other countries.
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