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The Next Big Thing -     Vertical Dramas

Feb 24, 2026
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Everybody is talking about vertical dramas being the next big thing for Hollywood.

The numbers are staggering — $350M made in the first quarter of 2025.

I saw someone yapping about how we can’t let this one be built on the back on marginalized communities like Tubi was and not participate in the profit.

 

So yeah — this is Quibi 2.0. Kim Kardashian’s jumping in, Miramax, Fox Studios — a lot of big names!

Does this mean we should all be making vertical dramas?

Those 90 second stories.

Both are getting attention for totally different reasons.

Eh… well here’s what else is going on — PODCASTS.

Audio fiction podcasts are a great way to build your IP.

That’s basically writing a whole series with anywhere from 8–12 episodes. Each one being as short as 15 mins or as long at 45 mins.

This may leave you wondering what to do.

And I point this out intentionally. We’ve been conditioned as artists to chase the golden ring to finally get to tell the stories we want to tell.

But what if you just — tell your story.

I don’t believe in chasing the money or clicks. I believe we create art because we have something to say.

And if you can say it in 90 seconds — cool! If you need 45 mins and 10 episodes

—DO IT.

Long form content is up too.

There are so many ways to tell your story.

Nothing should be stopping you.

If you want support in making your project dreams a reality, come to my free class in two days!

Talk soon,

Nicki Micheaux

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