TikTok's Tiny Dramas: A Global Hit Facing Censorship in China

The global spread of short-form Chinese dramas on TikTok has taken the world by storm. These 'micronovelas,' typically one to two minutes in length, boast dozens of episodes and have garnered millions of downloads across the US, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Their rapid production and addictive format have made them a global phenomenon. However, their popularity hasn't been without controversy. In China, these dramas are facing increasing censorship due to concerns about their content, labeled as 'vulgar' and promoting 'bad values.' More than 1,200 series were removed from apps in February. Oscar Zhou, a professor at the University of Kent, commented, "The whole industry is so new, therefore the censorship, the whole mechanism is falling behind." Despite the censorship, the global reach of these short dramas continues to grow, highlighting the evolving landscape of digital entertainment and the challenges of regulating online content. The success of these micronovelas also underscores the power of short-form video platforms in shaping global cultural trends.