India’s Microdrama Boom Is Here, But Can The Unit Economics Work?

India has just begun its microdrama journey, with startups entering the space and larger entertainment platforms following suit

According to industry experts, 68% of microdrama viewers belong to households earning more than ₹10 Lakh annually, suggesting the format is increasingly becoming a mainstream entertainment proposition for the masses

The next two to three years will likely be less about whether microdramas can grow and more about who can capture the value created by that growth

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With short-form content everywhere, a three-hour movie now feels like a commitment. That is where microdramas have entered the picture. 

Think of microdramas as an evolved version of soap operas designed for fast-paced generations, not for television screens, living rooms or two-hour movie slots, but for phone screens. Microdrama episodes are shot vertically and are built around cliffhangers, emotional reversals and rapid storytelling.

The format originated in China, where it has grown into a multi-billion-dollar entertainment business. India, meanwhile, has just begun its microdrama journey, with startups entering the space and larger entertainment platforms following suit.  

The opportunity is significant, as India’s microdrama market is projected to be at ₹650 Cr and is expected to grow at more than 50% annually through 2028, according to the report “Stories, scale and impact: Unlocking India’s media and entertainment economy” by FICCI and EY India.

Microdrama platforms are competing for the same attention as Reels, YouTube Shorts and other short-form platforms, while rising........

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