Why This New Form of Media Is Taking Over Entertainment

Published: January 9, 2026

content creator — Getty Images/ Tatiana Maksimova/2190793738

By Gavin Boyle

Vertical shows, movies and microdramas are taking the entertainment world by storm, so much that some studios focus solely on these projects that can reach tens of millions of people.

“This seems to be one of those things that may have been born out of a down time in Hollywood,” Kelly L. Carter, a senior entertainment reporter for ESPN’s Andscape, told ABC News, explaining how the recent struggles in the industry have given rise to this new form of content. “You watch one minute, then the next minute, then the next minute, and eventually, you have to sign up for a subscription that you’re paying for in order to know how the story ends.”

This form of content first became popular during the pandemic as the most exciting parts of TV shows and movies were cut into multiple one-to-two minute videos that would be shared on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. The vertical stories told now, however, are specifically created for this genre, meaning they’re written around the constraints of this time limit.

“It’s a really different level of content experience we bring to the table that’s broader and deeper and more systemic. We’ve built and run the systems that create hits, not just produced individual titles,” explained Jana Winograde, the CEO of MicroCo, a company producing this content. “And in doing that we have a real 360 perspective of not just how to make a good show, but how to make something more enduring.”

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Meanwhile legacy Hollywood companies’ interest in the format grows, given its popularity, and verticals are becoming a legitimate way for budding actors to break into the industry. At the same time, the industry is working to get established actors into the genre, and SAG-AFTRA recently released a new contract aimed at covering actors working on verticals.

“Our members are always on the lookout for good work opportunities. As technology develops and our industry looks for creative ways to engage audiences, new formats emerge. SAG-AFTRA perceives the advent of so-called ‘verticals’ as an exciting new space,” said SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin. “This fast-evolving format is catching on and we are here to support our performers as they pursue their craft and engage this new business model. By offering a contract that is tailored to the unique needs of these projects, our union is meeting the moment. As the business of verticals experiences substantial growth, so too will our relationship with the producers.”

While it remains to be seen how verticals will evolve in the next years or if they will just be a fad, for now, the industry is very interested in them, and it seems like their popularity will only continue to explode.

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