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| China’s Short-Drama Gold Rush: Who Are the Actors Earning the Most Per Day? (Photo: Weibo) |
China’s short-drama scene is having its moment — and honestly, it’s getting bigger (and louder) by the day. With vertical episodes lasting barely one or two minutes, the format has hooked millions of young viewers on platforms like Douyin and WeTV.
While audiences are getting their daily dose of micro-romance and blink-and-you-miss-it cliffhangers, the actors behind these mini hits are quietly pocketing pay rises that would make even established TV stars do a double take.
Report has it that the top names in the vertical-drama world are now earning up to 30,000 yuan per day, driven by insane viewing numbers and the industry’s need to churn out content at lightning speed.
Although exact numbers still vary depending on ratings and production scale, these eight actors are said to be sitting comfortably at the top of the pay ladder — and they’ve become favourites among digital producers hungry for bankable faces.
1. Liu Qing — 10,000 yuan/day
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Once a wedding-suit model, Liu Qing’s rise has been anything but predictable. With a background in music, he’s known for expressive, rhythmically clean emotional beats — something short-drama directors love because he can nail a scene in seconds.
His consistent popularity has made him a household name among vertical-drama fans.
2. Yu Long — 15,000 yuan/day
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Yu Long is one of the genre’s most recognisable faces. His following grew even faster after he announced his engagement to actress Yang Mie Mie in 2025, sending his fan discussions and casting value soaring.
Producers now regularly queue up to secure him, pushing his reported daily rate to around 15,000 yuan.
3. Yan Zixian — 17,000 yuan/day
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Yan Zixian made his acting debut back in 2017, appearing in network dramas like Hi Venus before pivoting to the booming short-series market.
And it’s paid off — literally. In 2025 alone he’s appeared in seven different short dramas, a momentum that allegedly brings him around 17,000 yuan per filming day.
4. Zeng Hui — 22,000 yuan/day
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Originally from Henan, Zeng Hui’s path to fame is the definition of unconventional. Before acting, he was an athlete and even worked selling gym memberships.
A production company later spotted his onscreen potential — and that gamble has clearly paid off. At roughly 22,000 yuan a day, he’s become a go-to lead for action-tilted and tough-hero short dramas.
5. Sun Yue — 23,000 yuan/day
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Born in Xi’an and a graduate of Zhejiang University of Communication, Sun Yue stepped into entertainment through the 2015 urban romance LOVE EXPRESS.
He’s now a familiar presence across digital platforms and is said to pull in around 23,000 yuan daily thanks to his well-rounded acting profile.
6. Ma Xiao Yu — 25,000 yuan/day
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With roots in Anhui and training from Sichuan Film and Television Academy, Ma Xiao Yu first made waves as a model.
His strong visuals and polished, elegant acting style helped him transition smoothly into short dramas, where he’s now considered one of the most in-demand actors. His estimated pay sits at a healthy 25,000 yuan per day.
7. Shen Haonan — 27,000 yuan/day
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Chongqing-born Shen Haonan studied Broadcasting and Hosting before turning to acting.
He gained early attention through the live-action film School Housemates Are Poisonous, later leading the drama HELLO GENTLEMEN (2019). Fast forward to today, and he’s pulling around 27,000 yuan per day — making him one of the highest earners in the format.
8. Ke Chun — 30,000 yuan/day
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Topping the list is Ke Chun from Yueyang, Hunan — the name everyone in the short-drama world seems to know right now.
With natural charisma and a warm, easy-to-watch acting style, he’s become a consistent viral magnet on online platforms.
Industry chatter places his daily earnings at up to 30,000 yuan, making him the current king of China’s vertical-drama pay scale.