(Yicai) June 4 -- Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, and Hong Kong actor Stephen Chow, most known for his appearances in Kung Fu Hustle and CJ7, have released the first episode in their mini-drama series to much acclaim as the mini-drama format, which involves short videos up to 15 minutes long, becomes more specialized and refined.

The first episode in Chow’s mini-drama tie-up with Douyin, first announced in January, has amassed 30 million views since it was released on June 2 to today. The first season, which is made up of 24 five-minute-long episodes, tells a story about online fraud and can be viewed for free.

The mini-drama industry is developing very fast and competition is intensifying, Qian Lili, head of Beijing-based Douyin’s mini-drama business, told Yicai in a previous interview. So it is necessary to invest in original script writing, including characters and story lines, and hire a professional team for producing, filming, and editing,

The mini-drama sector is becoming more specialized, thanks to the support of regulators and platforms, and its business model more robust, Huaan Securities said in a research report. Content producers and platform operators will attract more investment.

As the mini-drama market grows, China is strengthening regulation. Starting June 1, anyone who wishes to distribute a mini-drama online must apply for permission from local authorities, the National Radio and Television Administration said in April. And mini-dramas with an investment of over CNY1 million (USD138,000) will be managed directly by the regulator.

Editor: Kim Taylor