What is the "Future Is Vertical" conference about?

The "Future Is Vertical" conference, organized by Crisp, aims to chart the next phase of the booming microdrama industry, which is projected to reach $26 billion in global revenues by 2030.

Who is Adrian Cheng and what is his role in the microdrama industry?

Adrian Cheng, the chair of Crisp and the founder of Almad Group, will keynote the "Future Is Vertical" conference. Cheng, a Harvard graduate, pioneered the "cultural commerce" model and founded Almad Group in 2025 as a global conglomerate dedicated to harnessing opportunities across culture, entertainment, and media.

What is the current state of the global microdrama market?

The global microdrama market outside China, which generated $1.4 billion in 2024, is forecast to reach $9.5 billion by 2030, with Japan, Southeast Asia, and Latin America leading the growth.

Home / Business and Economy / Crisp Spearheads Global Microdrama Revolution Towards $26B Market

Crisp Spearheads Global Microdrama Revolution Towards $26B Market

13 Nov

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Summary

Crisp organizes "Future Is Vertical" conference on short-form content
Microdrama market outside China forecast to reach $9.5B by 2030
Almad Group founder Cheng pioneers "cultural commerce" model

Crisp Spearheads Global Microdrama Revolution Towards $26B Market

On November 13, 2025, key stakeholders in the microdrama industry will converge in Seoul for the "Future Is Vertical: The Global Rise of Short Form Media" conference, organized by short-form video content company Crisp. The event aims to chart the next phase of an industry racing toward $26 billion in global revenues by 2030.

Spearheaded by Adrian Cheng, chair of Crisp and the newly formed Almad Group, the conference will bring together operators, platforms, content creators, and technology providers to discuss the rapid growth of microdrama ecosystems worldwide. Cheng, a Harvard graduate who pioneered the "cultural commerce" model, founded Almad Group in 2025 as a global conglomerate dedicated to harnessing opportunities across culture, entertainment, and media.