The advent of AI in scriptwriting, video editing, and quick production of micro dramas is reshaping the landscape of the film and television industry. Since 2026, the rapid integration of AI-driven micro dramas, virtual production, and smart storyboarding has fueled the trend of making “content creation for everyone” more accessible. However, this surge in efficiency brings with it a new anxiety within the industry: as technological advancements lower the barriers to creativity, what ultimately defines the value of content?
This question lies at the heart of the micro drama sector as it navigates a new phase of adjustment. Previously thriving on fast-paced narratives, emotional rollercoasters, and traffic-centric marketing, the industry is now experiencing viewer fatigue and content uniformity. In response, platforms have shifted their focus from merely chasing views to emphasizing retention, emotional engagement, character depth, and high production quality. The sector is transitioning from a period of rapid growth to one of refined competition.
Amidst this evolution, a new wave of producers with diverse skill sets is emerging, gaining recognition for their expanded roles that now encompass audience insight, narrative development, data analytics, and streamlined workflow management. Liu Yixian exemplifies this trend, as his recent projects showcase a departure from traffic-driven storytelling towards prioritizing “emotional operation” and sophisticated content management. His approach integrates audience profiling, process oversight, and data-driven evaluation into the production process.
Liu’s works, such as “The Breakfast Beauty Wants a Divorce,” which combines themes of marriage, female empowerment, and urban emotions with realistic storytelling, have garnered over 260 million views. Similarly, “The Puzzling Noble Groom,” focusing on psychological tension and character evolution, has attracted 68 million views. These successes highlight a growing preference among audiences for authentic characters and genuine emotional connections over formulaic plots.
While AI’s ability to standardize production and lower costs is undeniable, the essence of content value remains in capturing real emotions and social contexts—elements that technology cannot replicate. Liu predicts a bifurcation within the industry: AI will continue to produce standardized, cost-effective content, while works of emotional and cultural significance become increasingly rare. The debate has shifted from concerns about AI replacing creators to identifying irreplaceable content. According to producers like Liu, enduring resonance lies in understanding human emotions and closely observing societal dynamics—skills that remain uniquely human.