Short video platforms are shaping how audiences engage with dramas in 2025, and Douyin has proven to be a central hub for this cultural shift. From emotional edits to memorable slow-motion kisses, Chinese dramas have found a second home among millions of short clips. The first quarter of 2025 has seen a wave of hits, but one series stood tall above the rest.
The First Frost, starring Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan, claimed the top spot with an impressive 22.49 billion views. As a spiritual sequel to the hit Hidden Love, the drama tells a heartfelt tale of roommates slowly falling for each other. Its high school to adulthood arc resonated deeply with audiences, and the emotional storytelling translated perfectly to short-form content.
Douyin users couldn’t resist the nearly-kiss scenes, subtle glances, and nostalgic background music. The edits featured aesthetic filters, wistful narration, and that classic coming-of-age charm. Bai Jingting’s transformation from the gentle boy next door to a grown man in love was a consistent fan-favourite moment.
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| Douyin's Most Watched Dramas in Q1 2025 |
Zhang Ruonan also received widespread praise for her warm yet grounded portrayal of the female lead.
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Many Douyin creators focused on her quiet strength and emotional maturity as the narrative progressed. The result was a storm of fan edits that drove up replays and engagement.
Coming in second place was Moonlight Mystique, a fantasy romance starring Bai Lu and Ao Ruipeng. With 18.05 billion views, the show leaned heavily into the xianxia genre, complete with swordplay, reincarnations, and the classic forbidden love storyline. Viewers fell in love with the story of a mortal and a demon god bound by fate.
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Despite mixed critical reception, the series found an enthusiastic fan base on Douyin. Edits highlighting dramatic confrontations and beautiful scenery helped boost its popularity. Romantic quotes and intense eye contact were frequently remixed into trending audio snippets.
Third place went to Flourished Peony, which earned 16.03 billion views. Yang Zi led the story of a woman rising through the corporate world after a personal betrayal. It combined family drama, business intrigue, and female empowerment in a compelling package.
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Douyin audiences latched onto the theme of rebirth and resilience. Empowering edits showed Yang Zi’s character evolving from heartbreak to strength. Combined with dramatic boardroom scenes and sisterhood bonds, the show became a favourite for those who love a modern-day underdog arc.
Fourth on the list was Six Sisters, raking in 11.55 billion views. This family-focused drama told the story of six women coping with the loss of their father. Traditional values and emotional storytelling made it an unexpected Douyin hit. Edits focused on tearful reunions, sibling loyalty, and self-sacrifice.
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At fifth place, Perfect Match drew 9.53 billion views by offering a comedy twist on arranged marriages. With five daughters and five prospective matches, the drama played up chaos, humour, and heartfelt moments. Wang Xingyue and Lu Yuxiao’s chemistry turned them into a fan-favourite couple, often featured in romantic edits.
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Guardian of the Dafeng, starring Wang Hedi, reached sixth place with 9.21 billion views. Despite early criticism, Douyin helped revive interest in the historical action-fantasy. Clips of time-travel mysteries, witty banter, and supernatural battles gave it a fresh online appeal.
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Seventh place went to The Glory, which gathered 7.53 billion views. Featuring Chen Duling and Xin Yunlai, this revenge drama centred around court politics and love lost. Popular Douyin edits highlighted dramatic betrayals, elaborate palace costumes, and haunting monologues.
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Ski Into Love claimed ninth place with 6.73 billion views. This romantic winter drama starred Esther Yu and leaned heavily into snowy aesthetics and cosy intimacy. While light on plot, it found success through mood-setting edits and warm visuals.
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Rounding out the top ten was Drifting Away, a gritty crime thriller with 6.42 billion views. Dark themes and a long-term investigation gave it a serious tone, but Douyin users embraced its suspenseful mood and shocking scenes. It found a unique niche among fans of the genre.
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Looking across the top ten, a few themes emerge. Romance continues to dominate, whether in contemporary, historical, or fantasy settings. Female-led dramas saw massive engagement, often centring on transformation, growth, and emotional resilience.
Short-form video played a crucial role in these dramas’ success. A single 15-second clip could spark widespread interest in an entire series. Whether it’s a powerful quote, a tearful scene, or a musical montage, Douyin served as both a promotional platform and a storytelling extension.
The data also reflects a shift in audience consumption. Viewers are increasingly discovering dramas through algorithms and trends, rather than traditional broadcast schedules. Word of mouth has been replaced by likes, shares, and reposts.
As the line between full-length dramas and short-form highlights continues to blur, production companies are paying closer attention to Douyin analytics. From soundtrack choices to casting chemistry, the platform’s influence now shapes creative decisions.
Ultimately, the success of these ten dramas in Q1 2025 is not just a matter of script and acting. It’s about connection, resonance, and timing — all amplified by a few seconds of perfectly edited emotion.