From June 26 to 27, the 2025 Mini Series Global Outreach & Branding Conference, themed "Openness, Connectivity, and Empowerment," will be held at Oriental Intelligent Media City, Shanghai.

The conference is guided by the China Netcasting Services Association and the Shanghai Network Audio-visual Association, sponsored by Oriental Intelligent Media City, organized by CRI Online, and co-organized by Entertainment Team Media Group Co., Ltd., Chinese For You, Integrity Law Firm, Mini Series Study Room, Asia Television and Honghui Culture. It will focus on the "mini series plus" action plan launched by the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), addressing key issues in mini series sector, including distribution, investment, business models, copyright governance, and legal compliance.

Mini series, as an emerging form of cultural and artistic expression that deeply integrates culture and technology, have become a new driver of growth in China's cultural industry. As of December 2024, China's mini series user base had reached 662 million, with a half-year growth rate of 14.8%. Meanwhile, through the joint efforts of platforms, producers, and brands, innovative development models such as "mini series + e-commerce" and "mini series + culture and tourism" continue to emerge and evolve.

In overseas markets, Chinese mini series are showing strong growth momentum. According to available data, as of March 2025, a total of 237 Chinese mini series apps have entered international markets, with cumulative global downloads exceeding 270 million. Market growth has been led by North America, followed by expansion into Europe, Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

At the beginning of 2025, the NRTA launched the "mini series plus" action plan. This initiative aims to promote the integration of mini series across various industries and to encourage broader public engagement in the creation of internet-based cultural and artistic content. It also seeks to expand the thematic scope and stylistic diversity of mini series to better meet audiences' needs, while contributing to broader social and economic development. Against this backdrop, the 2025 Mini Series Global Outreach & Branding Conference is particularly timely. Over the two-day conference, leading experts and industry representatives from around the world will convene to explore innovative development pathways for mini series and to contribute to the industry's shift from a focus on traffic to an emphasis on high-quality content.

The conference will comprise opening session and four themed sessions, focusing on four key areas: AIGC, investment and financing, distribution, and new business model. An additional sub-venue will be held in Tongxiang, Zhejiang. Adopting a hybrid format, the event will combine offline and online participation. In addition to on-site sessions, live-streaming channels will be available to boost audience engagement. Furthermore, the conference will leverage a wide range of promotional channels, spanning domestic and international media outlets, as well as major social media platforms.

As a leading platform and primary hub for the high-quality integrated development of media under Shanghai Media Group, Oriental Intelligent Media City is committed to building a new media and mini series industry base driven by mobile internet and AI technologies. Guided by the principles of client service and industry empowerment, it actively connects various stakeholders and organizes alliance platforms covering IP, investment and financing, production, and distribution. It has also achieved notable breakthroughs in areas such as content review and copyright confirmation. The goal is to provide micro-drama enterprises with efficient, one-stop services across the entire industry chain.

As a news portal under China Media Group with a focus on international communication, CRI Online has actively expanded its presence in the mini series sector in recent years. By embracing this light and accessible format of cultural expression, CRI Online seeks to enhance its capacity for effective international engagement and emotional resonance across cultures. Currently, CRI Online has established the PANDA SHORTS International Mini Series Communication Hub (Shanghai), located in Oriental Intelligent Media City. The base is supported by a framework comprising one platform (Loulan Global Intelligent Digital Marketing Service Provider), two operation pillars (the PANDA SHORTS International Mini Series Communication Platform and the Silk Road Expo Live Broadcasting Room), and three key services (content, big data, and copyright transaction). This framework is designed to provide full-chain support for the global promotion of mini series, contributing to the international reach and influence of Chinese storytelling.

The 2025 Mini Series Global Outreach & Branding Conference is set to bring together leading industry stakeholders and global resources to foster a high-level platform for exchange and collaboration within the mini series sector. The official registration channel (https://www.quickdrama.cn/i) is now open. Industry practitioners, content creators, and organizations across the value chain are warmly invited to register via the official platform and participate in exploring new opportunities for cultural export and international engagement. (Wen Yanqing)