A new telenovela format is now a reality. Check out the new micro-telenovelas and find out where and which ones to watch!
Have you heard of vertical soap operas? Also known as micro-telenovelas or vertical series, they are a true modern phenomenon.
And look... I, who grew up watching the 8 p.m. soap opera in the living room with my family, am now addicted to these quick videos that tell complete stories in just a few minutes.
It's like a pocket-sized soap opera, made especially for those who live with their cell phone in their hands.
The great appeal of vertical soap operas is their format: short episodes, designed to be watched with a mobile phone held vertically.
They usually last between 1 and 5 minutes and you can watch them while waiting for coffee to brew or while standing in line at the bank.
It's so practical! And don't think they're shallow just because they're short. They have drama, suspense, romance, unexpected twists... everything we love, but concentrated in bite-sized doses of entertainment.
I started watching them out of curiosity. I was on Kwai when they started an episode of a series called "The Intern's Secret." At first, I thought it was just another funny video, but by the time I watched it, I was already on the eighth episode, wanting to know who was behind the mysterious disappearances at the company!
A friend of mine, Dani, watched it all on her bus ride to work. She became a fan.
Today, there are several platforms that embrace this format. Below are some suggestions for free apps and vertical series you can try right now:
Apps to watch vertical soap operas
Kwai
One of the pioneers in this format, it features hundreds of micro-novels divided by genre: romance, horror, comedy, and drama.
You can follow the actors and comment in real time.
ReelShort
Specializing in high-production vertical series. Episodes are subtitled and cinematic in quality.
Includes popular titles such as "My Unexpected Husband" and "The Double Life of My Secretary."
DramaMe
A Brazilian app focused on vertical soap operas and web series. It features a wealth of national productions, ideal for those looking to identify with the characters and settings.
Ideal for those who enjoy teenage and everyday stories.
YouTube Shorts
Some production companies release exclusive episodes through Shorts. Look for channels like @SerieExpressa, @HistóriasEm1Minuto, or @MicroDramaBR.
TikTok
Many independent creators create original series and keep us engaged with creative scripts. They have everything from comedies like "The Ombudsman" to dramas like "She Followed Me Home."
Watch the new micro-telenovelas
"To the Ombudsman" (TikTok)
A lighthearted comedy about a bossy building manager and the neighbors who try to overthrow her. Friendly, contemporary, and with hilarious characters.
«Love in 30 Seconds» (Kwai)
Each episode showcases a romantic situation filled with unexpected twists and turns. Perfect for those who love drama and surprising endings.
"The Nanny Diaries" (ReelShort)
A nanny discovers a secret about the wealthy family she works for. The perfect cliffhanger!
"Neighbors at War" (DramaMe)
A conflict between two building residents takes on absurd proportions, mixing comedy and intrigue.
"I hooked up with my sister's ex" (YouTube Shorts)
A family drama in which we love to get involved and take sides.
I've found myself picking up my phone before bed just to watch "one short episode" and ending up watching five.
The truth is that these micro-novels are a reflection of our times: short, intense, and perfect for a busy routine.
And you know what's most interesting? Many of these contents are interactive. Some series ask "what would you do?" at the end and even let the audience vote on the story's direction. This creates a great connection with those who watch them.
If you haven't given this type of content a try yet, go for it! Download one of these apps and try some of the series I recommended. But don't say I didn't warn you: it's hard to watch just one episode and stop.
Watch the new micro soap operas now!
