Data as of Sep 2026 · Updated monthly · Built on public sources only — every number names its source.
IAP = in-app purchases only (Appfigures / Sensor Tower net scope) · Total = incl. advertising (IAA), subscriptions, web paywalls & B2B custom (DataEye scope). Ranges presented as midpoints — directional.
Content is no longer scarce — brand, distribution and provenance are.
Related datapoints: production cost −80~90% (AI-native pipeline) · 38,722 new overseas titles in Jun 2026 alone · 19.6M ad creatives in H1 2026 (+324% YoY) · session growth +679% YoY.
Top-2 download share loosened from 83% to ~65.5% — new entrants still break through.
| Tier | Platforms | Trait |
|---|---|---|
| Leader | ReelShort (Crazy Maple) · DramaBox (StoryMatrix) | Revenue duopoly, growth slowing, M&A budgets ready |
| Challenger | DramaWave · GoodShort · ShortMax · NetShort | Fastest growth, in/near fundraising, brand upgrades |
| Riser | Melolo (ByteDance) · VibeShort · FlexTV | Regional breakout, need investor narratives |
| Follower | Kuku TV (IN) · My Drama (UA) · Vigloo (KR) | Local forces internationalizing, need English brands |
Regional preferences: EU/US — thriller & diverse romance · SEA — family ethics · LATAM — rags-to-riches.