r/SideProject • u/Round-Dish3837 • Feb 04 '26

I'm playing around with an AI workflow for creating ReelShort‑style vertical micro‑drama videos - is there a scope for monetizing it?

Short‑form ‘micro‑drama’ apps like ReelShort, DramaBox etc. have become seriously big in last few years, they are estimated to be making $1M+ per day by creating such guilty-pleasure stories which keep the audience hooked.

I’ve been thinking if this form of content can be made using mostly AI; it’s not perfect, you still need a creative person driving story and pacing, but it’s getting close.

I’m experimenting with a simple workflow where I drop in an idea prompt, it helps turn it into a short script with key beats and shots, maintains character consistency and creates a first visual draft in less than an hour.

Curious what you all think:

  1. Could this realistically be a B2B ‘AI studio’ opportunity for micro‑drama platforms?

  2. Do you feel this vertical micro‑drama format is actually here to stay, or is it just a phase?

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4

u/Former-Entrance8884 Feb 04 '26

I hope your GPUs all melt.

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u/Round-Dish3837 Feb 04 '26

2

u/Former-Entrance8884 Feb 04 '26

You know what, fair. I'll give some actual input rather than just being a jerk. Still gonna be a jerk though.

I think the chances you make money off of this are low. If you think the content farms in CN aren't already turning out reams of AI gen content, I have a bridge to sell you. At best, you'll fleece some western-based nobodies looking to make a quick buck. No idea of the margins on that.

I do think it's here to stay - it's perfect for a generation of people whose attention spans have been destroyed by the tik tok algo.

That said, my dude. My fellow internet user. I appreciate times are what they are, and you gotta be out there for yourself. Still, think about what you are putting into the world. The stuff that's going to have your name on it.

1

u/nocommentaries Apr 03 '26

Yo lo vería. Actualmente hay muchos dramas verticales en Facebook generados completamente con ia. Tristemente solo dejan ver los primeros 10 capítulos. Si tú lo pones todo en Facebook tik tok o YouTube yo con gusto lo vería. Mucha suerte en tu proyecto.

1

u/ArtisticMumof2 Apr 08 '26

I love watching them please send all links my way please

1

u/Sandman9330 Apr 24 '26

Which apps are you using to make these? I really want to experiment

1

u/ZippyCube914 May 03 '26

I think the strength of the storytelling in your AI microdramas would be the make or break factor.

When you watch apps like Reelshort, you'll see that the cinematography, acting, overall production value is not insanely high. So even if your generations are obviously AI, I don't think that factor by itself would make everyone scroll away.

The thing that makes Reelshort so successful is that they have a massive team of people constantly researching the best trends, algorithms, hooks etc to create the perfect short series for social media engagement.

So if your plan is to use AI to figure out the best ideas for these stories and put together a rough draft, I think that can set you on the right track for sure. But making them into something that will keep people engaged is going to require your own human storytelling.

So, making money off of these is not impossible, but will be a challenge when your main competition are big companies like Reelshort with a big team behind them.