Microdrama Apps and Platforms

The big dedicated apps

ReelShort launched in August 2022 and comes from COL Group's Crazy Maple Studio. It is one of the best known apps in the United States.

DramaBox, DramaWave, ShortMax and FlexTV are also widely used. Several are owned by companies based in Asia, and most run the same coin and subscription model described in our guide to how microdramas make money.

My Drama is made by Holywater, a Ukrainian company. Deadline reported Fox's investment in Holywater, tied to a plan for a large slate of vertical series.

Social platforms

TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts carry free episodes and clips. For many series the social feed is the top of the funnel and the app is where viewers pay.

Studios and new entrants

Hollywood studios and media companies are moving in. VDJ's complete guide covers new entrants, including MicroCo and GammaTime, and notes that Disney, Fox and Netflix have each shown interest, with details varying by company.

VDJ's guide counts more than 200 platforms and predicts that most will not survive, a prediction it does not source. Its research describes the market as moving from the app explosion into consolidation.

How to pick where to release

Match the platform to the deal. Some commission shows and own them. Others license finished series. A few let creators keep their IP and share revenue. Ask who owns the audience data, how long the license lasts, and what happens to the show after the term. Those three answers matter more than the headline fee.