Move over, TikTok—there’s a new obsession vying for people’s screen time. Vertical dramas are the latest scroll-worthy phenomenon, filling phone screens with short, drama-packed scripted series that are like soap operas on steroids. The vertical series craze has created a new frontier for first-time actors and aspiring talent, and now even Hollywood veterans are beginning to take notice.
“Vertical content is its own medium, and it requires a specific skill set. Just like actors train for theater, film, or commercials, we’re now seeing training programs emerge specifically for vertical storytelling,” says GoodShort’s Head of Casting, Alex Amsellem. “The pacing, tone, and emotional beats differ, and actors who understand that format immediately stand out.”
If you’re wondering how to break into this fast-growing format, now is the perfect time. Microdrama studios and production companies are popping up across the U.S. and beyond. Here’s an inside look at the major players in the space and our advice for how to get involved.
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Vertical series—also called vertical dramas, microdramas, or short dramas—are scripted, short-form shows built specifically for mobile viewing. Inspired by the addictive nature of TikTok, Instagram Reels, Snapchat, and YouTube Shorts, these mini shows are shot in a vertical 9:16 ratio—hence the name—and first exploded in popularity in China about five years ago.
Today, platforms like ReelShort, DramaBox, CandyJar, My Drama, and GoodShort dominate the vertical series space. A single series can run anywhere from 20 to 100 episodes, each about two to five minutes long. Most platforms tempt viewers with a handful of free episodes, then switch to utilizing paywalls or advertisements to finish watching the series.
Part of the appeal of vertical dramas lies in their melodramatic episodes. Written for a primarily female audience, the plots lean into common soap-opera tropes, such as forbidden romances, rags-to-riches transformations, family betrayals, and secret identities. Supernatural themes are popular, too, often including werewolves, vampires, and magical powers in the storylines. Thanks to the close-up format, vertical series actors rely heavily on slaps, dramatic gasps, exaggerated facial expressions, and heightened sensuality.
As you might have guessed, the budget and production schedules for these bite-size dramas are just as condensed. Total budgets typically range from $100,000 to $200,000, and most shoots wrap in about a week. Lead actors earn roughly $200 to $500 per day, but because the work is nonunion, pay and working conditions can vary widely. According to Variety, discussions are underway for a potential SAG-AFTRA agreement with microdrama producers, which could significantly reshape the fast-growing phenomenon.
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The vertical series industry is expanding quickly. Dozens of streaming apps are already live, with more popping up almost weekly, and there’s a growing wave of producers, writers, and casting directors rising to meet demand. Kansas City–based production company 9:16 Productions distributes its vertical dramas across multiple platforms, while popular streaming app ReelShort recently transitioned to in-house casting for all lead roles and now manages all of its productions internally.
The space is also drawing attention and investments from Hollywood names. In August 2025, new vertical drama app MicroCo was formed by Lloyd Braun’s Banyan Ventures and Chris McGurk of Cineverse, with former Showtime president Jana Winograde joining as CEO.
Then, in October 2025, former Miramax CEO and Artisan Entertainment founder Bill Block launched GammaTime, a new vertical series platform backed by big-name investors including Alexis Ohanian, Kris Jenner, and Kim Kardashian, according to Deadline. Variety also recently reported that Fox Entertainment has taken an equity stake in Ukrainian microdrama company Holywater, operator of the My Drama app, and has committed to producing 200 vertical drama titles over the next two years.
While vertical dramas often cast first-time actors, the landscape is shifting fast. Working with a professional acting agent is a smart way to stand out, especially as major studios begin moving into the microdrama format.
Check out vertical series casting calls right here on Backstage, including the following listings:
You can also keep tabs on vertical series casting calls in cities that are becoming unofficial microdrama production hubs, such as Kansas City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Sydney, Australia.
Vertical dramas are known for their lightning-fast production schedules, over-the-top plots, and steamy romance scenes. As a vertical video actor, you’ll need to quickly learn lines, lean into big emotions, and captivate viewers from the get-go in order to be successful.
We sat down with a top micro-drama casting director to find out exactly what skills get you hired. Here is the expert advice on what it takes to land a lead role, along with targeted guides to help you sharpen your craft:​​
- How to Memorize Lines Fast: Tips and Advice for Actors
- 7 Need-to-Know Tips for Acting On Camera
- How to Convincingly Slap Your Costar
- The 5 Major Emotions All Actors Must Master
- How Can I Get Better at Improv? Exercises + Advice
- Melodrama: A Guide to the Genre
- How to Act With Your Eyes
- Do Actors Really Kiss? How to Prepare for Love Scenes
And finally, since vertical series are a great way for new actors to gain experience and exposure, why not consider creating your own microdrama? Follow these tips for shooting vertical videos and then start sharing your content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube. You never know where it could lead.