TikTok has introduced a new standalone app called PineDrama in the US and Brazil, focusing exclusively on short-form serialized dramas. The app allows users to watch bite-sized episodes for free without ads, marking an expansion into the growing micro drama market. This move builds on TikTok's earlier experiments within its main platform.
TikTok is venturing deeper into the micro drama space with the launch of PineDrama, a dedicated app available in the US and Brazil. These micro dramas, often featuring romance intertwined with supernatural elements like vampires or werewolves, consist of serialized stories delivered in one-minute video clips. The app's interface mirrors TikTok's familiar feed but is tailored solely to these mini series.
Popular titles on PineDrama include "Love at First Bite," which has attracted 18 million views, while the top three trending shows each surpass 100 million views. Users can access full episodes of series such as "The Officer Fell For Me," "The Return of Divorced Heiress," and "My Unwanted Billionaire Ex" at no cost by logging in with their TikTok accounts. Notably, the app currently operates without advertisements or paywalls, differing from competitors like DramaBox and ReelShort, where free episodes lead to subscriptions costing $20 weekly or more.
Hernan Lopez, founder of streaming consulting firm Owl & Co., described PineDrama as an innovative experiment. "What's interesting about this one is it's the first time they're launching it advertising-free, and it doesn't yet have a paywall," Lopez said. He anticipates the addition of subscription-based monetization in the future and views it as evidence of evolving vertical video formats. "It's a sign that vertical video is evolving," he added. "You're going to see more announcements this year from many other companies."
This launch follows TikTok's introduction of the "Minis" section in its primary app, featuring content from suppliers like Dreame, Stardust TV, and ShortMax—many of which appear on PineDrama. ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, has a strong presence in micro dramas via its Chinese counterpart Douyin and Asian apps such as Melolo and Red Fruit. Owl & Co. projects that the format generated $1.3 billion in the US in 2025, primarily through viewer payments, though high user acquisition costs have raised investor concerns.
