China has hosted its first-ever industry event dedicated to mini-dramas, highlighting the rapid growth and influence of the short-form digital entertainment sector. The “Starlight Shines • Mini-Drama Night” series took place in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from 7 to 9 January 2025, co-hosted by the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations and Xi’an Jiaotong University, in collaboration with Chengdu city authorities.
The event introduced the “FanXing Index”, an evaluation system designed to promote and assess mini-drama content. The initiative reflects the increasing importance of mini-dramas as a mainstream form of online entertainment, drawing attention from government officials, industry experts, streaming platforms, and investors.
Mini-Dramas Gain Widespread Popularity
The centrepiece of the event was the Mini-Drama Industry Development Conference, held on 8 January, where over 500 attendees gathered to discuss the future of the industry. Among them were academics, media executives, government officials, and content creators.
During the conference, Wang Wenbin, Dean of the School of Journalism and New Media at Xi’an Jiaotong University, presented the “FanXing 2024 Mini-Drama Industry Insight Report”. The report revealed that 70% of internet users now engage with mini-dramas, underscoring their growing role in digital entertainment. It also highlighted how major video platforms, traditional film studios, and broadcasters are increasingly investing in the format, leading to a diversification of content and higher production standards.
Celebrating the Industry’s Best
The “Starlight Shines • Mini-Drama Night” Gala, held on the evening of 8 January, celebrated outstanding achievements in the industry. A total of 65 productions, platforms, and organisations were recognised across seven categories, reflecting the expanding creative landscape of the mini-drama sector.
The event also included four key forums, focusing on:
- Raising Mini-Drama Production Standards – Discussing quality improvements and storytelling techniques.
- Global Opportunities for Expansion – Exploring international markets for Chinese mini-dramas.
- AI and Content Creation – Examining the role of AI-generated content (AIGC) in mini-drama development.
- Investment and Entrepreneurship – Addressing funding, business models, and emerging opportunities.
These discussions encouraged collaboration between producers, technology experts, and investors, further solidifying mini-dramas as a vital segment of China’s entertainment industry.
A New Era for Short-Form Entertainment
With mini-dramas gaining a foothold both in China and internationally, industry leaders see them as a key driver of digital storytelling innovation. The FanXing Index aims to streamline content evaluation and boost production quality, potentially shaping the sector’s growth in the coming years.
As major streaming platforms and traditional media companies continue investing in the format, mini-dramas are set to play a more prominent role in the future of entertainment.
