2026 is proving to be the breakout moment for vertical video, according to Joey Jia, whose Crazy Maple Studio, owner of the ReelShort app, is on track to top $1 billion in revenues this year.

Vivian Yin's Y+X Entertainment Group has enlisted more than 50 authors and screenwriters, including several New York Times best-selling writers, for its LumiCreator network ahead of the launch of its new premium vertical video platform, LumiView.

Microdrama revenues outside of China are expected to hit $3.6 billion this year, rising to $9.5 billion by 2031, according to Media Partners Asia (MPA), with ReelShort/Crazy Maple Studio among a handful of dominant players, generating revenues of more than $1 billion this year.

The Walt Disney Company and TikTok have entered into a global alliance, piloting first in the U.S. with other markets to follow, around Disney-focused creator-generated content.

Another major SVOD platform is entering the vertical video space: HBO Max has added a mobile scrolling feed intended to help subscribers discover new content.