World news
๐ Micro-Dramas Outpace Netflix in Downloads
The global streaming industry is experiencing a tectonic shift. According to Sensor Tower's annual report, video service downloads grew 39% in 2025, but this surge was driven not by Hollywood giants, but by micro-drama apps.
Short drama app downloads doubled to 2.3 billion for the year. Meanwhile, traditional online cinemas lost 4% of installations.
The global ranking of most downloaded apps was led by DramaBox and ReelShort, pushing Netflix to third place. Disney+ barely made the top ten.
Overall video viewing time has barely grown. This means micro-dramas are eating into time users previously spent on regular series and social networks.
While the US and Europe remain loyal to feature-length content, Latin America and Asia are rapidly shifting to “vertical” format.
Experts warn: Western viewing habits run deep, but the onslaught of ultra-short content can no longer be ignored.
Mediabaza