Vertical Dramas: An Emerging Trend in the Entertainment Industry

In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, new formats, and storytelling techniques constantly emerge to meet the changing demands and appetites of audiences. One of the most recent developments in the world of television and digital content is the rise of vertical dramas or micro dramas as they’re sometimes known.

This article explores the concept of vertical dramas, how writers can break into this emerging medium, and why it has become such a popular trend in the industry.

What Are Vertical Dramas?

A vertical drama refers to a narrative that is specifically created and formatted to be viewed on mobile devices in a vertical (portrait) orientation. This format is a direct response to the increasing dominance of mobile platforms in everyday media consumption. 

Unlike traditional TV shows or films, which are produced with a horizontal viewing perspective, vertical dramas are optimized for the way people use their phones—holding them upright – portrait mode. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, which all predominantly feature vertical video formats, has significantly contributed to the appeal of this format.

Vertical dramas are often short-form, with episodes typically running between 5 to 15 minutes (the shorter, the better), making them ideal for on-the-go, limited time viewing. These dramas typically appeal to younger demographics who are more likely to engage with content on mobile devices and prefer quick, bite-sized narratives over traditional, hour-long episodes.

This offsets being-viewing fatigue or the constant attempt to always catch up on TV series.

The Appeal of Vertical Dramas: Why Are They a Trend?

Several factors have contributed to the rise of vertical dramas. First and foremost is the rapid growth of mobile-first (which isn’t just a shortened version or teaser of content intended for larger screens) media consumption. 

As smartphone usage continues to increase, especially among younger generations, more and more people are turning to their phones as their primary means of accessing entertainment. According to a 2021 report from eMarketer, the average U.S. adult spends about 3.5 hours per day on mobile devices, much of it engaging with video content. This shift in consumption habits has pushed platforms and creators to rethink how they present content to large audiences.

Secondly, vertical dramas are highly compatible with the portable formats of social media platforms. Snapchat was one of the pioneers in creating mobile-first content, and Instagram Stories, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts have all capitalized on the short-form, vertical video trend. These platforms thrive on short bursts of entertainment, and the mobile-friendly, easily digestible nature of vertical dramas fits seamlessly into their ecosystems. 

This integration with social media also encourages a high level of interactivity—viewers can comment on episodes, share clips with friends, or even engage with creators through live streaming features such as Q & As and second screen content.

Another reason for the rise of vertical dramas is the increasing importance of global accessibility. Mobile devices and apps are used worldwide, providing creators with the opportunity to reach a world-wide audience simultaneously without the obstacle of geographically-restricted content. 

Vertical videos have become a universal language for content creation that transcends regional and cultural boundaries. This cross-cultural appeal is especially important for writers and producers seeking international distribution, as the format can easily adapt to different languages, cultural contexts, and viewing habits.

Finally, vertical short form dramas are seen as a democratizing force in the entertainment industry. Their low production costs, especially compared to traditional television shows or films, make them an attractive option for independent creators and smaller production companies. With the right equipment (often just a smartphone), anyone can create and upload vertical videos. This has opened up opportunities for new voices and diverse storytelling that may not have found a place in traditional television or film industries.

Studio executives are also paying attention as they scope additional avenues to adapt into films and televisions series.

How Writers Can Break Into the Vertical Drama Space

As the vertical drama format continues to grow in popularity, many aspiring writers are eager to break into this new and dynamic medium. Breaking into vertical dramas requires a combination of creativity, understanding of the format, and a willingness to adapt to the unique demands of mobile storytelling.

1. Understand the Medium: The first step for any writer is to understand the specific requirements of vertical drama. Traditional scripts for television or film typically follow a three-act structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Vertical dramas, on the other hand, often feature shorter, faster-paced narratives. Writers need to think in terms of hooks that grab the audience’s attention immediately and sustain their interest within a limited time frame. Characters need to be quickly introduced, and story arcs must be succinct and impactful. The vertical format also encourages more dynamic, visually compelling storytelling that makes use of the unique framing to create intimacy and focus.
2. Collaborate with Platforms: One of the most effective ways to break into vertical dramas is by working directly with the platforms that specialize in short-form mobile content. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube offer avenues for creators to showcase their work and build a following. Writers can team up with video creators, directors, and producers to create original vertical dramas tailored to the unique style of each platform. It’s important for writers to experiment with different types of content (e.g., comedy, drama, thriller) to see what resonates best with mobile audiences.
3. Experiment with Interactive Elements: Vertical dramas often incorporate interactive elements, such as viewer choices or engagement through comments. Writers can experiment with ways to integrate interactivity into their scripts, allowing the audience to influence the direction of the story. For example, they could craft “choose-your-own-adventure” style narratives, where viewers select the path that characters take.
4. Leverage Short-Form Content: Writers must be adept at delivering concise, impactful dialogue and visual cues that convey information quickly. Writing scripts that are under 10 minutes long are a good way to practice and refine these skills.
5. Build a Digital Portfolio: In the digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for any writer. Aspiring vertical drama writers can build portfolios by posting their work on social media platforms or by using websites like Medium or Vimeo. This allows them to gain visibility and demonstrate their talent to potential collaborators or employers in the entertainment industry.

Why Vertical Dramas Are Here to Stay

The popularity of vertical dramas is not a fleeting trend, but rather a shift in how content is consumed in the modern world. With mobile devices continuing to dominate our lives, the vertical format is likely to remain an integral part of the entertainment landscape. For writers, vertical dramas present an exciting opportunity to explore new forms of storytelling and engage with an audience that values quick, accessible, and innovative content.

Furthermore, the success of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories has proven that short, mobile-optimized video content can be just as impactful as traditional, long-form television. The vertical format allows for a new kind of creativity, one that embraces brevity, immediacy, and audience participation. As audiences demand more mobile-first experiences, the production of vertical dramas is expected to grow, offering more opportunities for writers, creators, and producers to innovate and thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

by Staff Writer

From our in-house editorial team.