Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast The Great BTN Bake (Take) Off — Top Trends for 2026: Micro-Dramas Break Out and Online Consumer Trust Tanks | Behind the Numbers
Dec 12, 2025
Max Willens, a principal analyst specializing in social media's economic impact, predicts that micro-dramas will birth a new wave of creators, supported by social platforms and entertainment studios. Jacob Bourne, an analyst focused on AI, warns that the rapid creation of AI-generated content could undermine consumer trust. They delve into how micro-dramas cater to young audiences and the likelihood of AI altering viewer perceptions of authenticity. This dynamic discussion offers unique insights into upcoming trends shaping digital content.
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Platforms Push What Keeps People Watching
- Social networks will aggressively promote formats that maximize time spent as overall social time plateaus and then declines from 2026.
- Micro dramas fit that need because they're short, mobile-native, and highly shareable, aligning incentives for platforms and studios.
Short Episodes, Big Opportunity
- Micro dramas are vertical, episodic stories broken into 1–3 minute installments for mobile viewing.
- They cost far less than traditional TV or film but more than typical creator posts, creating a middle ground for studios and creators.
Market Micro Dramas Via Social Ads
- Advertise micro dramas heavily on social platforms because users are already accustomed to film and TV clips there.
- Use social ad spend to drive awareness, downloads, subscriptions, and views for micro drama apps.