What Are Vertical Micro Dramas? The New Format In Your Pocket Where Every Second Counts

A romantic couple imagined by a smartphone.

For over 15 years, we have been exploring high-quality storytelling for smartphone screens together with our professional network in Germany, India and the United States:

Stories produced with a mix of mobile cameras and microphones – from smartphones and DSLR cameras to drones – for audiences viewing on smartphone screens with headphones, employing a distinctive audiovisual grammar.

The market for vertical content has grown continuously since the emergence of distribution platforms for vertical formats.

A challenge for journalistic and creative storytellers:

conveying in-depth content and complex research through micro-stories with their brief sequences in 9:16 format.

Since 2019, vertical micro dramas have also emerged:

narrative series with episodes ranging from one-and-a-half to ten minutes.

A billion-dollar market, currently dominated by Chinese and South Korean streaming platforms that now offer international adaptations.

Unlike traditional formats, vertical micro dramas follow no fixed rules.

Their dramaturgy enables "binge-biting" – one or several short episodes can be consumed on smartphones anywhere, at any moment.

Production methods and genres offer tremendous potential.

Micro dramas reach people who are active, engaged in life, and belong to diverse socio-demographic groups.

Every second counts.

Close-ups and emotional moments captivate viewers. Music and sound effects create intimacy, establish rhythm, and mark transitions.

In German-speaking regions, there have been scarcely any noteworthy productions to date.

This is precisely where Elisabeth's current Top:Talente workshop begins: Writers, directors, and producers are developing new material and innovative genres for vertical micro dramas in the German-speaking market.

We're deeply curious about the continued development of content and expansion of genres for more substantive narratives – and grateful for the openness to innovation that makes collaboration with Top:Talente so exceptional.

As a side note:

German politician Anna-Lena Baerbock's team is currently transposing this genre into political communication — broadcasting from New York. While these are early, unrefined attempts, the genre innovation for relevant content is particularly significant.

And we know that people in Germany desire more emotionally resonant political communication.

The dramaturgy of micro dramas aligns with this – and with the media needs of many people engaged in everyday life.