The best short drama apps to feed your mini-binge addiction

Is it just us, or has everything we’ve seen online been getting shorter lately? Gone are the days when we’d sit for hours on end watching lengthy YouTube videos. This time, especially with platforms like TikTok, the way we consume media has changed, and that includes the way we watch TV dramas. Case in point: micro dramas.

These mini shows usually run for less than a minute per episode and are designed to be watched straight from your phone. Think of them as the entertainment equivalent of a quick coffee break — fast, easy to consume, and surprisingly addictive.

It’s no wonder they’ve become so popular. Between work, social gatherings, and endless notifications, most of us barely have the attention span to commit to a 12-episode K-drama anymore. And that’s where micro dramas fill that gap perfectly. They deliver the emotional highs and cliffhangers we crave, but in a format that fits into our commute, lunch break, or even that awkward five minutes before a meeting starts.

The trend first exploded in Asia, with advertisements popping up everywhere, especially on Instagram and TikTok. But now, the rest of the world is catching on. You’ll find these snappy dramas on dedicated apps like Drama Box, GoodShort, and FlexTV.

That being said, if you’re planning to dive into the world of micro dramas, consider these apps:

GoodShort 

GoodShort offers a surprisingly wide range of bite-sized dramas and movies, available in multiple languages, including simplified Chinese and English. Many of these are adapted from popular web novels, covering genres like revenge, romance, suspense, and thrillers — basically, all the drama you could ever want in under a minute.

Recurring themes include everything from live-in sons-in-law and genius “magic doctors” to powerful CEOs, billionaires, queens, and even gods of war — the kind of over-the-top storytelling that’s oddly addictive when condensed into short, snappy episodes.

Instead of a standard subscription, GoodShort runs on a coin-based system, where you purchase episodes individually. But if you’d rather binge without limits, there’s a weekly VIP option at $19.99 a week for unlimited access.

Price: 500 coins - $4.99 | 1000 coins - $9.99 | Weekly VIP - $19.99 

iOS | Google Play

ShortMax 

ShortMax has an impressive lineup of short dramas to get lost in, with genres ranging from heart-fluttering romance to gripping suspense and edge-of-your-seat mysteries. If you’re a sucker for time-travel plots or love a good fantasy-meets-billionaire love story, this platform will have you hooked in no time.

The app offers several subscription tiers, but the real deal lies in its Weekly Pass Pro at $19.99 per week, which unlocks wider access to its shows. For those planning a full-on binge marathon, there’s also a Monthly Pass Pro at $39.99, which is perfect if you want to completely immerse yourself in its whirlwind of drama.

Price: Weekly Pass Pro - $19.99 | Monthly Pass Pro - $39.99 

iOS | Google Play

Drama Box

Did you know that this platform is actually operated by a Singapore-based company called Storymatrix Pte. Ltd.? Since its launch in 2022, it has skyrocketed in popularity — racking up over 140 million downloads and $600 million in cumulative sales within just 20 months.

The app offers an impressive mix of high-quality productions, from indie films to award-winning TV series in various languages, like the Korean drama A Stormy Married Life, starring Lee Sang-yeop, with Choi Young and Jo Yi-haeng in supporting roles.

Subscriptions start at $16.98 per week or $179.98 per year if you’re planning a longer binge commitment. Still, it’s worth keeping an eye out — the platform occasionally rolls out attractive discounts on its plans, so you might just snag a better deal.

Price: Weekly - $16.98 | Yearly - $179.98 

iOS | Google Play

FlexTV

From Hollywood hits to K-dramas, J-dramas, C-dramas, and more, FlexTV really has it all. The platform boasts a massive library of shows, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a hit. Their catalogue is constantly updated with the latest drama shorts, featuring popular tropes like modern romance, urban intrigue, fantasy adventures, time travel, CEO power plays, billionaire rivalries, werewolf thrillers, and even warrior legends. Plus, everything’s available in multiple languages, so you’re never short of options.

Plus, what’s great about FlexTV is its accessibility. You can stream shows directly from your phone or tablet, or cast them to your TV for a full-screen binge.

The app also offers different subscription tiers: a Weekly VIP plan priced at $29.99, or a Monthly VIP plan starting from $49.99 if you’re looking to settle in for the long haul.

Price: Weekly VIP - $29.99 | Monthly VIP - $49.99 

iOS | Google Play 

MoboReels 

The shows on MoboReels are made to spark your imagination. You’ll find short films that dive into romance, fantasy, martial arts, and Singapore’s top genre at the moment, time travel. New episodes drop weekly, and the platform constantly refreshes its lineup with new series, so there’s always something to binge on during your commute or coffee break.

When it comes to pricing, MoboReels offers several tiers. You can start small with coin packs from $9.99, or go for the Weekly VIP subscription at $29.99 if you’re after full access. For those in it for the long haul, the Monthly VIP plan at $49.99 gives you more value and endless hours of entertainment.

Price: Coin Pack - $9.99 | Weekly VIP - $29.99 | Monthly VIP - $49.99

iOS | Google Play

TopShort

TopShort is another platform to check out if you’re into short-form dramas. It offers an entertaining mix of mini-series, with plenty of familiar favourites — from heartwarming romances to storylines that draw you in before you even realise you’ve been scrolling for an hour. It’s the kind of content that’s perfect for when you just want something quick yet satisfying to watch.

The app offers several subscription options: a weekly plan at $15.99, a monthly subscription for $39.99, or a quarterly package at $79.99 if you’re in it for the long run.

Price: Weekly VIP - $15.99 | Monthly VIP - $39.99 | Quarterly VIP - $79.99 

iOS | Google Play