Global Resonance of Micro-Narratives: How Chinese Short Dramas Open Doors to the American Market—A Dual Logic of Cultural Deconstruction and Technological Empowerment

Abstract

In recent years, Chinese short dramas have achieved remarkable success in global markets, demonstrating particularly strong competitiveness in the American market. This paper challenges the traditional cultural discount theory by analyzing the reasons behind the explosive popularity of Chinese short dramas in North America through a dual logic of cultural deconstruction and technological empowerment. It also provides recommendations for the overseas expansion of Chinese cultural products.The study found that the overseas success of Chinese short dramas stemmed from their industrialized production model and their distinctive features of low cost, lightweight format, and high emotional value. Crucially, the key to China’s cultural exports did not lie in mere cultural transplantation but rather in achieving value co-creation through technological empowerment.