Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZIMBABWE and other countries in the Global South have been urged to tap into the fast-growing micro-drama industry, which is emerging as a cheaper and faster way of producing and distributing content while creating new revenue streams for filmmakers.
Micro-dramas are short-form films, usually running for less than 15 minutes, designed primarily for online platforms and mobile phone audiences.
Unlike traditional film productions that require huge budgets and longer production cycles, micro-dramas can be produced within shorter periods and distributed instantly through digital platforms.
The growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has further transformed the sector by reducing production costs, improving editing processes and enabling creators to produce quality content with fewer resources.
China, one of the world’s leading markets in micro-drama production, is targeting to generate about US$14 billion from the sector by 2027 as demand for short-form digital entertainment continues to rise.
Speaking during the official opening of a Seminar for Journalists and Media Professionals from the Global South in Beijing on Tuesday, Director-General of the International Cooperation Department of the National Radio and Television Administration of China, Ms Zhou Jihong, said developing countries had an opportunity to use micro-dramas to tell their own stories while benefiting from the growing global market.
She said technological advancements had lowered barriers to entry, allowing creators from developing countries to produce and share content with international audiences.
“Micro-dramas provide an opportunity for countries to tell their stories and allow creators to participate in the global digital content economy,” Ms Zhou said.
China’s micro-drama industry has recorded significant growth in recent years, with short-form productions attracting millions of viewers through online streaming platforms.
In 2025, the sector reportedly surpassed China’s traditional film industry in market performance, driven by the popularity of platforms such as ReelShort, which specialises in short episodic content.
She said the use of AI was expected to further accelerate growth of the sector by assisting with script development, translation, visual effects and post-production, making it easier for creators to reach audiences across different countries.
For Zimbabwe, where the creative industry continues to search for sustainable revenue models, micro-dramas present an opportunity to promote local stories, culture and talent while exploring international markets.
Currently, most Zimbabwean micro-drama creators rely heavily on social media platforms such as Facebook to distribute their productions.
However, creators say the platforms have limited monetisation opportunities, making it difficult for them to fully benefit financially from their work.
