Starting September 1st, the "Unified Label for Micro-dramas" was officially launched, with a badge inspired by the moss flower, featuring a red background and gold design, appearing at the beginning of a specific category of micro-dramas. For the first time, the industry has a standardized identity marker. On the same day, the Measures for the Administration of Micro-drama Development (Order No. 16 of the National Radio and Television Administration) took effect, marking the first dedicated regulatory document for micro-dramas. It establishes unified industry standards, addresses existing issues with specific constraints, and clarifies responsibilities.
That same day, the Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau activated a new version of distribution licenses and filing numbers. The first batch of six micro-dramas received distribution licenses, while another five obtained online filing numbers.
Market Expansion Accelerates While Striving for Healthy Growth
In the first half of 2026, Douyin's native AI-generated animation and drama series saw 221,900 new titles released, with the user base surging from 120 million in 2025 to 600 million. Yet, the flip side of this boom reveals a harsh reality: only one in every 77 new productions breaks even, and 98.7% fail to reach the profit threshold within six months. Among them, AI-animated dramas, which carry the lowest costs—averaging just 800 to 1,200 RMB per minute for mid-tier production, roughly one-fifth the cost of live-action shorts—have seen supply multiply a hundredfold in a short period. However, the traffic allocated to each individual work has also been diluted exponentially, making profitability a rare outcome.
Content violations and copyright disputes remain persistent issues undermining the sector's healthy development. Reports indicate that Hongguo Short Drama intercepted and removed 205 non-compliant micro-dramas in February alone, with many flagged during the review stage. In July, Kuaishou intercepted, rectified, or removed over 700 violating works and dealt with a number of rule-breaking accounts. WeChat's August announcement detailed the removal of dozens of micro-dramas containing harmful content or infringing on rights, along with actions against violating mini-programs.
Clearer Review Mechanisms and Stricter Algorithm Oversight
According to the Management Guidelines (Micro-drama Classification and Tiering Standards), the Measures for the Administration of Micro-drama Development stipulate that qualified broadcasting platforms must fulfill content management duties for three categories of micro-dramas. For Category 1 and 2 productions, platforms must verify the Micro-drama Distribution License or approval documents before broadcast. Category 3 productions require completed reviews prior to airing, with program details and codes submitted to regulators. Additionally, platforms must establish credit evaluation systems and enforce key management for major accounts distributing micro-dramas.
Algorithms are now under scrutiny as well: broadcasting platforms are required to periodically audit, evaluate, and verify their algorithmic mechanisms, models, data, and outcomes, prioritizing high-quality micro-dramas. The use of algorithmic models designed to induce user addiction or excessive spending is prohibited. Furthermore, platforms must conduct regular inspections of content providers and promoters, establishing a tiered management system and exit mechanism based on metrics such as content volume, user numbers, and daily traffic.
Regulating AI Creation and Cultivating Premium Output
Regarding AI-generated content, Article 34 of the measures requires that any micro-drama created or produced using artificial intelligence must display a clear prompt label in a prominent position in each episode. This requirement aligns with the previously enacted Measures for Labeling AI-Generated Synthetic Content, ensuring full-chain traceability from production and distribution to cross-platform circulation.
Looking at Beijing's first batch of 11 projects operating under the new licenses and filing numbers, the themes are diverse, showcasing sustained vitality in premium micro-drama creation.