Are micro-dramas the next big thing in India? 47% find AI-generated content creative, says report

In recent times, short-form videos have surged in popularity across various social media platforms, transforming the landscape of digital content consumption. Among these trends, micro-dramas—concise, episodic narratives crafted for viewing on smartphones—are rapidly becoming a significant force in the entertainment industry. A recent study published by Meta and Ormax Media highlights this shift, revealing that micro-dramas are not just a fleeting trend, but a new category that is taking hold in India. The report, titled 'Micro Dramas: The India Story,' was revealed on March 17 during the Meta Marketing Summit: Micro-Drama Edition in Bengaluru. It indicates that audiences are dedicating about 3.5 hours weekly, equating to roughly 30 minutes daily, to watch these engaging short stories. Shweta Bajpai, Director of Media & Entertainment (India) at Meta, emphasizes the significance of this format, stating, "Micro drama isn't a passing trend; it's rewriting the rules of Indian entertainment. In under a year, an entirely new category of platforms has emerged, building audience habits from scratch and establishing a rapidly scaling business vertical." Interestingly, the report also highlights a growing interest in AI-generated content, with nearly 47% of viewers finding these micro-dramas to be creative and distinctive. However, a notable 38% of respondents still prefer traditional performances by real actors due to a sense of familiarity. Designed for the mobile user, micro-dramas enable quick engagement with narratives throughout the day. The format itself tends to be quite personal, as approximately 90% of the viewing occurs solo. Currently, the genres of romance, family drama, and comedy lead the preferences among audiences enjoying these personal viewing experiences. This comprehensive report is based on 50 in-depth interviews and feedback from 2,000 respondents aged 18 to 44 across 14 states, conducted between November 2025 and January 2026, showcasing a clear trend in the evolving habits of Indian viewers.