Core Viewpoint - The micro-short drama industry in China has rapidly transitioned from a niche market to a mainstream segment, with significant growth in user base and market size, driven by advancements in technology and changes in production and distribution models [4][5][21]. Industry Growth and Trends - The micro-short drama user base in China reached 696 million by July this year, with the market size expected to exceed 500 billion yuan this year, building on last year's figures [4]. - The industry has seen a shift in focus from fragmented content to a more structured production process, with a notable increase in production bases across various cities, including Zhengzhou, which has become a hub for short drama production [5][6][18]. - Zhengzhou has over 820 production companies and approximately 30,000 industry professionals, producing around 100 short dramas daily, accounting for nearly half of the national output [18]. Production and Infrastructure - The 聚美航空港竖屏电影基地 in Zhengzhou has produced nearly 500 micro-short dramas, making it one of the largest production hubs in Henan [13]. - The competition for production resources has intensified, with crews frequently "competing for venues and personnel" due to the high demand for short drama production [16]. - Other cities like Xi'an and Qingdao are also developing their production bases, with Xi'an hosting over 10 crews daily and Qingdao implementing financial incentives for productions [19][20]. Technological Advancements - The integration of AIGC technology is transforming the production landscape, allowing for a reduction in production steps from 11 to 3, significantly increasing output and lowering costs [21]. - AI's involvement is enabling the exploration of high-cost genres like sci-fi and war in micro-short dramas, expanding the creative boundaries of the industry [22]. - The animation micro-short drama segment is emerging as a new growth area, with the potential to create a market worth hundreds of billions, following the success of live-action micro-short dramas [22].