Latin America’s media scene is changing fast. Short drama platforms, often linked to Chinese companies, are capturing more viewers. These bite-sized shows, typically lasting just three minutes, are winning over audiences looking for quick entertainment.
According to a recent report by Sensor Tower, the download rate for these short-drama apps soared by 186% in one year. In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, these platforms reached a staggering 733 million downloads. This is a jump beyond major players like Netflix and Disney+, which had 658 million downloads combined.
Wenjia Tang, a research associate at the University of Sydney, explains that short dramas pull viewers in with quick, emotional stories. Originally popularized in China through apps like Douyin (similar to TikTok), they’ve spread globally. Platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox are now producing content in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
These short dramas cater to a preference for fast-paced content. Seema Shah, from Sensor Tower, notes they’re appealing to a generation used to TikTok and Instagram. The demand for these shows has led Latin America to become a major hub for engagement. The region has seen a 402% increase in downloads for short-drama apps in just one year.
The similarities between short dramas and traditional telenovelas also boost their popularity in Latin American countries. Maria Rua Aguete from Omdia highlights that as users increasingly consume content on their mobile devices, platforms like DramaBox and ReelShort are resonating well with viewers.
Interestingly, even while short-drama platforms are growing, they are not directly challenging giants like Netflix. According to Tang, they target different audiences and offer a different viewing experience. These platforms lean heavily on ads and pay-per-view income, which often results in lower profit margins compared to established streaming services.
Omdia estimates that short-drama streaming revenue outside of China could hit $3 billion by 2026. In comparison, Netflix revealed $12 billion in revenue for Q4 2025 alone. So while the landscape is shifting, it appears there’s room for both short dramas and traditional streaming services to coexist.
As these new platforms continue to grow, they are likely to add diversity to the video market. “They might not replace streaming services entirely,” Shah points out, “but they are definitely making an impact on how audiences consume content.”
To learn more about this evolving media landscape, check out the Sensor Tower report.
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