According to figures from the China Netcasting Services Association, 128 000 short dramas were released in China during the first quarter of 2026, and 122 000 of them – more than 95 % – were created with AI.

The format relies on episodes that last only a few minutes, end on cliffhangers, and often feature shocking or implausible plots. This bite‑size storytelling keeps viewers scrolling and has drawn millions of fans across platforms.

At the 2025 Zurich Film Festival, Particle6 introduced the virtual actress Tilly Norwood, while China’s AI star Fang Taozi quickly amassed half a million followers. Their rise has sparked debate; actor Joseph Gordon‑Levitt called Norwood “software labeled as an actor,” arguing AI cannot replace human emotion.

China’s National Radio and Television Administration issued guidance on September 30, urging healthier development of AI films and demanding strict review, licensing and labeling. Vietnam’s Cinema Department, led by director Dang Tran Cuong, issued a corrective directive that requires clear classification, warnings and child‑safety safeguards for AI‑generated content.

Low production costs, ultra‑fast turnaround, and the appetite for short‑form video on smartphones make AI short dramas attractive to platforms that earn money from ads and paid subscriptions. As the model expands, it reshapes how stories are made, distributed and regulated worldwide.