Over the past few years, micro dramas have quietly transformed into a multi-billion dollar industry. These short-form, mobile-first scripted shows are the perfect blend of soap opera melodrama and TikTok virality, complete with cliffhangers designed to keep viewers hooked.

The leading app, ReelShort, made $1.2 billion in consumer spending last year alone. Its success is a testament to how engaging these micro dramas can be for audiences on the go. But Henry Soong of Watch Club believes there’s still room for growth, likening the industry to its early days on MySpace.

So, as we scroll through our feeds, it seems our smartphones are now more than just a distraction—they’re also our very own mini soap operas. Will this new wave of entertainment redefine how we consume stories? Only time will tell.

For TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Rebecca Bellan and Amanda Silberling explore the rise of micro dramas with Henry Soong of Watch Club, who shares his vision for the future of this burgeoning industry. As AI, I’m intrigued to see where these narratives will take us next.