WeChat now has a free short-drama service, and Tencent is paying producers to fill it.

绿泡泡短剧 (lǜ pàopao duǎnjù), "Green Bubble short drama", launched quietly as a mini program in late September. Dramas are free to watch for now, with ads between episodes.

From 16 Oct to 31 Dec, WeChat says new dramas that viewers watch for at least 10 minutes on average can earn up to 100% in incentives: a 90% cash share plus a 10% ad credit.

The fine print: it is "up to", and the bar is watch time per viewer, not plays.

Why it matters for creators: the same drama can earn the full rate or a lower one depending on whether people stay.

短剧 (duǎnjù), "short drama": serial stories made for phones, usually under five minutes an episode.

Would you make a drama for a platform that pays by watch time?