ReelShort
Chinese video streaming application
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ReelShort is a Chinese short-form video streaming app specializing in duanjus.[1] It is owned by Crazy Maple Studio, which is backed and partially owned by Beijing-based digital publisher COL Group.[2]
| ReelShort | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Crazy Maple Studio |
| Initial release | August 2022 |
| Operating system | Android, iOS |
| Platform | Mobile app |
| Type | Video on demand, Short-form video |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | reelshort |
ReelShort's duanjus (short drama) emphasize rapid plot twists, heightened emotional conflicts, and minimal character development.[3][1] The production values are notably low, with simple sets, costumes, and a cast of predominantly unknown actors.[1]
Background
Despite the failure of similar short-format television platforms in the United States, such as the closure of Quibi in 2020, it has become a popular format in China.[1] Initially filling a void created by movie theater closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, duanju became popular with Chinese viewers seeking quick entertainment.[4][1] ReelShort was founded in August 2022 to introduce duanju to an international audience.[1][5][6]
In January 2024, French outlets including France Inter, France Info, Midi Libre and Courrier International introduced ReelShort as the "TikTok of series," marking its first broad media coverage in France.[7][8][9][10][11]
Production
Business model
ReelShort uses a virtual currency system where users can purchase coins to unlock additional episodes of their shows.[12] These coins can be acquired by watching advertisements within the app or by purchasing them directly.[12][6]
Reelshort has seen a 992% increase in downloads between 2023 and 2024, from 3.4 million in Q1 2023 to 37 million in early 2024.[13]
In 2025, the app reportedly reached over 370 million downloads and generated $700 million in revenue.[14]
Programs
- Move Aside! I’m the Final Boss starring Adam Daniel[15]
- You Fired a Tech Genius[15]
- Don't Miss Me When I'm Gone[16]
- Fated to My Forbidden Alpha[17]
- Married at First Sight[1]
- Never Divorce a Secret Billionaire Heiress[4]
- Snatched a Billionaire to Be My Husband[1]
- Son-in-Law's Revenge[4]
- The CEO's Contract Wife[1]
- The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband[3]
- True Luna[6]
- True Heiress vs. Fake Queen Bee[18]
- Maid for my Nemesis[18]
- The Virgin's Bucket List[18]
- Love Me Two Times[19]
- Daddy December[20]
- Breaking the Ice[21]
- The Senator's Son[22]
- Saved by the Sexy Cowboy[23]
- Wings of Fire: The Dragon Slayer Is My Ex-Lover
- The Cursed Alpha's Mute Bride
- Mommy Don’t Cry, Daddy is Sorry
- Summer Situationship[24]
- The Lost Son Returns as the Duke (in production)