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| Short Drama Kings: These 10 Actors Are Owning China’s Microdrama Scene (Pics: Weibo/Douyin/Upmedia) |
These compact shows, usually under 10 minutes an episode, are blowing up across platforms like Douyin, Kuaishou, and MangoTV. And while they might be short in runtime, they’ve launched some seriously big names.
From heartfelt romances to revenge thrillers, these dramas are making room for a whole new wave of leading men — most of them skipping the big-budget primetime slots and going straight for virality instead.
Here are 10 of the most in-demand microdrama actors in 2025, whose faces you’ve probably already seen more times than your ex’s Insta.
1. Yao Guanyu — Mr. Urban Cool
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He’s the undisputed king of microdramas this year, with 9 series under his belt and counting. Yao Guanyu has built a name playing calm, emotionally complex men who always look like they’ve got something deeper going on. Whether it’s a struggling husband or a mysterious CEO, Yao brings that quiet intensity fans can’t resist. He’s become a favourite for directors who want subtle but striking male leads.
2. Wang Yilei — Drama School Darling Goes Digital
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Fresh out of the Central Academy of Drama, Wang Yilei made waves with his breakout in Housewife’s Counterattack (2023), and hasn’t looked back. With 5 microdramas in his portfolio by mid-2025, he’s known for giving strong, grounded performances — perfect for roles that require a bit more emotional bite. His blend of poise and charisma is making him a must-watch in this format.
3. Ke Chun — Realism Reigns Supreme
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If you’ve cried watching a family drama on Douyin, odds are Ke Chun had something to do with it. Hailing from Yueyang, Hunan, he’s nailed the art of playing conflicted husbands, tired sons, or the "other man" in stories that blur the lines between love and loyalty. With 5 hits this year alone, Ke’s understated style and emotive expressions keep audiences glued.
4. Chen Si — The King of Short Romances
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Chen Si has taken the “boyfriend role” and turned it into an artform. With 9 microdramas — mostly in the romance genre — under his belt, he’s got fans swooning with every close-up. He knows how to deliver big emotions in tiny moments, and always leaves a lingering impression. If you’re a fan of love stories with a soft touch, he’s your guy.
5. Zhang Chi — Mr. Versatile
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Funny best mate one day, twisted villain the next — Zhang Chi does it all. This chameleon-like actor has starred in 9 dramas across every genre from family chaos to spicy toxic romance. His fast chemistry-building skills and layered performances make him a go-to for writers and directors who need range, even with a short script.
6. Wang Yiran — The Award Nominee
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With 15 microdramas under his name, Wang Yiran is hands down one of the most consistent faces in the scene. He was even nominated for Best Male Performance at the 2024 National Micro-Short Drama Character Ceremony. From Wrongly Married Bride (2022) to his latest emotional turns, Wang’s soft-spoken but powerful presence makes him a standout — especially in domestic drama roles.
7. Chen Tian Xiang — Revenge Specialist
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Revenge, betrayal, broken hearts — Chen Tian Xiang is your man. He’s carved out a niche in emotionally intense dramas, especially those about infidelity and emotional fallout. With 8 appearances so far, his piercing stare and serious vibes are a perfect match for roles that need emotional weight in a short timeframe.
8. Ma Xiaoyu — Campus Crush Material
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With his boyish looks and laid-back charm, Ma Xiaoyu is the poster boy for teen romances and feel-good relationship dramas. He’s starred in 6 series this year, mostly focusing on school life or young adult love triangles. A favourite among Gen Z viewers, Ma’s easygoing screen presence feels like a breath of fresh air.
9. Zhao Zhendong — The Workhorse
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17 dramas in one year? Zhao Zhendong might not be the flashiest name on the list, but he’s easily the busiest. Known for being the reliable male lead in anything involving families, affairs, or domestic drama, Zhao brings a groundedness to every role. His recognisable face has become synonymous with the microdrama genre itself.
10. Cao Tiankai — The Quiet Thinker
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Closing out the list is Cao Tiankai, whose thoughtful, introspective roles have struck a chord with fans who love a bit of melancholy. He’s played closed-off intellectuals, emotionally repressed husbands, and everything in between — usually with a quiet grace that hits harder than expected. 9 dramas deep into the scene, he’s one to watch for serious storytelling in a short format.
Quick FAQs – Microdrama 101
Q: What exactly is a microdrama or Short Drama?
A: It’s a super-short series — usually under 10 minutes per episode — made for online platforms like Douyin, WeTV, Kuaishou, and MangoTV. Think of it as bingeable drama snacks.
Q: Are these actors in regular dramas or films too?
Some are starting to cross over, but most built their fame within the microdrama format, which has its own huge following now.
Q: Where can I watch them?
Most are available on Chinese streaming apps, with some subtitled versions making it to YouTube or global versions of iQIYI and Tencent Video.