Every new format goes through a predictable cycle. At first, it isn't taken seriously. Then early creators emerge and start attracting audience attention. After that, bigger players enter, and breaking into the industry gradually becomes more difficult.

Vertical series have already passed the first stages of this journey.

The format is no longer experimental. Platforms and studios are actively entering the space. For example, ReelShort has already reached around 50–55 million users worldwide, while DramaBox has 40+ million monthly active users.

Individual projects within these platforms are gaining hundreds of millions of views, and the apps themselves regularly rank at the top of the App Store and Google Play in both downloads and revenue.

The Market Opportunity

Looking at the market as a whole, the picture is even more telling:

  • In just the first quarter of 2025, these apps generated nearly $700 million in revenue
  • The entire short drama segment is already approaching billions of dollars annually

This is a rare moment when the audience is already in the tens of millions, while the market is still taking shape.

For independent creators, this creates a unique situation. On one hand, there is massive demand for the format. On the other, the level of competition typical of mature industries hasn't formed yet.

The Next Phase Begins

But there's something else that matters.

The arrival of major players is not the end — it's the signal of the next phase beginning.

They enter where there is already scale and money.

Which means what follows is inevitable:

  • Increased competition
  • Stronger production quality
  • A higher barrier to entry

The window of opportunity in new formats is always limited — and it usually closes faster than it seems.

Why Timing Matters Right Now

First, the audience is already formed and continues to grow as vertical content consumption becomes a habit.

Second, the short series market is still not standardized — there is no single "correct" format yet.

Third, viewers are not yet fatigued by the genre and remain open to new creators.

In a few years, the situation will change. The format will become more structured, competition will increase, and audience attention will become more expensive.

Starting now means working at a moment when growth is still possible without significant resources.

Waiting means entering an environment where teams, budgets, and experience are already competing for attention.

So the question today is no longer "should you start?" — it's a question of timing.

Will you take advantage of this window while it's still open?