Core Insights - The micro-short drama industry is transitioning from rapid expansion to a focus on quality, driven by both policy regulations and market demands [1][2] Policy Support: Comprehensive Regulation Strengthens Industry Foundation - The National Radio and Television Administration has established a comprehensive regulatory system for micro-short dramas, including classification, registration, and AI governance [2] - The "classification and tiered" management approach implements differentiated reviews based on content themes and target audiences, particularly for youth-oriented works [2] - The number of industry violations reported decreased by 78% from 2022 to 2024, indicating a shift towards a more regulated and standardized industry [2] Market Upgrade: From "Traffic Chasing" to "Content Deepening" - The market size of micro-short dramas in China grew from 368 million yuan in 2021 to over 37.39 billion yuan in 2023, with projections of reaching 50.4 billion yuan in 2024, marking a hundredfold increase in three years [3] - Content creation has evolved from relying on high twists and strong excitement to exploring real-life themes and cultural depth [3] - Successful examples include "Home Inside and Outside," which resonated with audiences through its portrayal of intergenerational family relationships, achieving over 800 million views [3] Diverse Themes Addressing Social Needs - Micro-short dramas have become a significant force in cultural consumption, with platforms releasing high-quality works that resonate with contemporary societal issues and youth interests [4] - Notable productions include "Mountain River Echoes," which addresses fraud prevention, and "Cloud Catcher," which explores AI ethics, both generating significant viewer engagement [4] Societal Impact: New Business Model Releases Diverse Value - The micro-short drama industry created 647,000 jobs in the first half of 2025, spanning various roles from scriptwriters to flexible employment opportunities [5] - The integration of micro-short dramas with cultural tourism has led to a 30% increase in visitor numbers at filming locations [6] - The "micro-short drama + legal education" model has emerged as a new tool for grassroots governance, with productions like "Rental Pitfalls" helping to reduce local rental disputes by 22% [6]