The integration of AI into scriptwriting, video editing, and the production of micro dramas is reshaping the film and television landscape. Since 2026, advancements in AI-driven micro drama production, virtual settings, and intelligent storyboarding have surged, democratizing content creation. However, this rapid technological progress has sparked a debate over the essence of content value in an industry where creative barriers are diminishing.
This issue becomes critical as the micro drama industry transitions from explosive growth to a phase of refinement. Previously driven by rapid plot twists and marketing strategies focused on traffic, the sector now emphasizes viewer retention, emotional engagement, character development, and production quality. The shift reflects a broader industry trend towards valuing deeper audience connections over sheer viewership numbers.
In this evolving landscape, a new cadre of producers with diverse skill sets is emerging as pivotal figures. These producers are expanding their roles beyond traditional resource management to include audience analysis, narrative development, data-driven insights, and streamlined production processes. Liu Yixian exemplifies this trend with his approach that integrates emotional engagement and meticulous content management, leveraging audience profiling, process control, and data evaluation in his projects.
His works, such as “The Breakfast Beauty Wants a Divorce” and “The Puzzling Noble Groom,” highlight this shift in focus. The former, intertwining themes of marriage, female empowerment, and urban life, has garnered over 260 million views, while the latter’s exploration of psychological tension and character development has attracted 68 million views. This success underscores a growing audience preference for authentic storytelling and genuine emotional resonance over formulaic narratives.
The industry faces a potential bifurcation: AI’s capability to mass-produce low-cost, standardized content may coexist with a scarcity of works imbued with emotional depth and cultural significance. The debate now centers on the type of content that remains irreplaceable by AI. Producers like Liu argue that enduring content arises from a profound understanding of human emotions and social contexts—elements that technology cannot replicate.