China's $5 billion a year micro drama industry is booming, producing short-form, low-budget, high-drama series that are streamed directly to mobile devices. These micro dramas, often featuring narratives about revenge or Cinderella-like rags-to-riches journeys, have gained significant popularity among viewers. The industry has become an increasingly potent competitor to China's traditional film industry, which is second in size only to Hollywood. Many Chinese micro drama producers are now eyeing Western markets, where cultural exports from China have often struggled. The rise of this industry comes at a time when upward mobility in China is low, and youth unemployment is high, resonating with viewers who find these stories relatable. The industry is also facing scrutiny from the Communist Party.