ReelShort made $1.2 billion on werewolf romances. Watch Club wants to do it better.

In recent years, a new genre of mobile applications has emerged, rapidly transforming into a lucrative industry worth billions. These apps, known as 'microdramas', offer short-form, scripted shows tailored for vertical viewing on smartphones. Imagine a blend of soap operas and TikTok, complete with riveting storylines involving secretive billionaires, disapproving werewolf in-laws, and cliffhangers designed to keep audiences engaged. The frontrunner in this space, ReelShort, generated an impressive $1.2 billion in consumer spending last year, showcasing the immense potential of this format. In a recent episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Rebecca Bellan and Amanda Silberling engaged in a conversation with Henry Soong, the founder of Watch Club. Soong believes that the microdrama sector is still in its early stages, likening it to the 'MySpace era' of social media. He envisions what could be a transformative moment for the industry, akin to Facebook's rise. To dive deeper into this evolving landscape, tune into the full episode available on platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, and Spotify. Additionally, you can follow updates from the Equity team on X and Threads at @EquityPod.