Micro-Drama Forum Experts Explore Shift from Quantity to Quality in AI Era

The transformation of the AI-empowered micro-drama era from "quantity" to "quality" was the focus of an industry forum held at the ongoing 31st Shanghai Television Festival on June 23.

The forum, with the theme "Riding the AI Wave: The Path to Exquisite Micro-Dramas," highlighted the current problems faced by micro-drama producers and discussed how to create more high-quality products.

The stark reality of the situation was highlighted by data which showed the number of AI micro-dramas launched in the first quarter of 2026 has already exceeded 95% of the entire industry output. It was tabled at the forum by Jin Jianhong, deputy director of Xuhui District Bureau of Culture and Tourism, 

A senior executive of Tencent Online Video, Li La, pointed out the micro-drama industry has officially transitioned from an "incremental era of high-speed expansion" to an "era emphasizing long-term value and improving stock quality."

"A team with creative vitality is the most valuable asset of Tencent Video's high-quality short drama,” said Li, deputy general manager of content production. “Knowledge is cash flow, and accurately capturing user needs and adhering to the original intention of creation are our unchanging principles,” she added

Wei Qintao, head of Hongguo Premium Short Dramas, said he believed that realistic themes were the breakthrough point for improvement. He said the more that technology develops, the clearer the value of short dramas rooted in real life becomes.

“The faster the technological development, the clearer are the advantages of live action short dramas,” Wei emphasized. "Their value is that they can take root in life and be closer to people's hearts.”

The forum’s attendees reached a consensus that the industry will adhere to a range of objectives in the new era of AI. These will involve technological advancement and human-machine collaboration, embedding mainstream values into creation, producing outstanding works worthy of the era, exploring cross-cultural narratives, accurately capturing user needs, and promoting continuous upgrading of the industry.