Meet the New Wave of Vertical Video Creators Behind Microdramas Worldwide
Microdramas Surge Globally: A Trend Transcending Borders
What began as a trend in Asia has rapidly captured attention in Europe, the United States, and beyond. Microdramas, which gained significant popularity last year, are projected to generate annual revenues between $20 billion and $30 billion by 2030. Major industry players like Fox, Cineverse, and Access Entertainment have recently begun investing in this emerging medium, with various vertical video apps and creators gaining traction worldwide.
Introducing Holywater: A New Player in Microdrama
Holywater, a Ukrainian media company, is at the forefront of this trend, boasting notable projects such as Spark Me Tenderly and The Diamond Rose. Utilizing a hybrid model of advertisements, subscriptions, and a landmark deal with Fox, Holywater is poised for growth.
Bogdan Nesvit, co-founder of Holywater, draws inspiration from a 1957 Walt Disney flowchart that outlined how to leverage intellectual properties across various media. “The chart is genius,” he remarked. “We are not doing anything different from this. We are simply refurbishing it for the 21st century, using new distribution models relevant for the current world.”
Originally launched in 2020 as a book supply firm, Holywater evolved into a media entity that transforms written works into interactive stories. Their pivot to microdramas was influenced by the need to incorporate artificial intelligence for enhanced storytelling.
Holywater’s flagship series, Spark Me Tenderly, has achieved over seven billion social impressions and generated $20 million in revenue—surpassing the average U.S. theatrical box office per film in 2025. As of last year, 70% of their revenue stemmed from subscriptions, but the company anticipates a shift towards increasing ad revenue in 2026.
Nesvit expressed optimism regarding the synergies between Hollywood and vertical video creators. “Hollywood knows how to create great IP, and microdramas are distributed on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Take those two things together, and you will get evolution for both.”
AppReel: Israel’s Innovative Approach
In Israel, AppReel is carving a niche by merging cost-effective content production with gaming elements. With projects like Survivors of the Heart and The Cinderella Trials, the company aims to leverage its understanding of both content and technology.
Yoav Gross Productions, known for its work in microdrama, is launching the AppReel platform, which is currently in testing and slated for a global launch soon. Co-founder Yoav Gross noted the lack of traditional media backgrounds among many microdrama entrepreneurs, presenting a unique advantage for his team: “We understand content and can produce cost-effectively.”
The app is set to debut with 25 shows, each produced at budgets of $25,000 to $30,000, focusing on pushing the boundaries of vertical video genres. Co-CEO Osher Assouline highlighted that the competition extends beyond traditional television to platforms like TikTok and popular games.
Tattle TV: A British Take on Microdrama
In the UK, Tattle TV aims to bring the essence of classic British television to vertical formats. Founders Philip McGoldrick and Marina Elderton are developing a library rich in diverse content, including their MMA-themed film Tramp and the reality show Dog Dates.
“We are looking to access audiences that may not be familiar with vertical formats,” Elderton explained. Drawing on their experiences from past productions, the duo is convinced that microdrama can invigorate a stagnant industry by offering culturally relevant narratives.
Black Forest Studios: Germany’s Push into Microdrama
Black Forest Studios in Germany is venturing into the microdrama space, inspired by successful models from China and the U.S. The company plans to launch its yet-to-be-named app this summer, featuring series such as Black Forest Royale and Mountain Medical.
Co-founder Sebastian Weiland acknowledged the potential of microdramas, remarking, “These are huge businesses out of China and now the U.S., and we’re very excited about the format’s possibilities.” The studio aims to produce between one and three new series monthly while navigating initial resistance from talent facing lower pay rates.
Shorts: The French Connection
Meanwhile, the French microdrama business Shorts is also preparing to launch captivating vertical video originals aimed at the U.S. market. With projects like Oops I Married My Enemy, the platform has secured a deal for over 40 English-language series, blending classic short drama with modern themes.
Co-founder Alejandro Fumero described vertical storytelling as “a new cinematic language,” indicating the evolution of content delivery in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.
As microdramas find their footing globally, the medium’s growth signifies a shift in storytelling and audience engagement, promising lucrative opportunities for creators and investors alike.
