IMDA and TikTok Singapore have launched the IMDA-TikTok Microdrama Programme to train local media professionals in producing short-form dramas across live-action and AI-enabled animation. The inaugural run will involve professionals from 20 accredited companies, with participants developing and producing 50 to 100 episodes lasting one to three minutes each.
The initiative forms part of IMDA’s Digital Content and Capability Development programme, announced earlier in 2026. It combines hands-on production training with commercial and platform-specific skills intended to help participants develop original intellectual property, take projects from concept to market and build strategies to commercialise their stories.
Two tracks cover live-action and AI animation
Participants will choose between two training tracks during the six- to nine-month programme. Across the curriculum, TikTok and its partners will provide instruction in vertical content production, shot design and composition, cliffhanger design and the responsible use of technology, including AI.
The live-action track focuses on content filmed with actors, locations and sets for mobile viewing, with productions also able to incorporate Artificial Intelligence Generated Content or other forms of AI assistance. Meanwhile, the AI-enabled animation track covers formats such as anime and comic-style animation, offering training in prompt engineering, character consistency planning and visual effects quality review. Participants in this track will also use Seedance 2.5, an AI video generation platform from TikTok parent company ByteDance.
Storytelling remains central to both tracks. Through mentorships, workshops and masterclasses, participants will develop and produce microdramas rooted in Singapore’s culture and perspectives while learning production techniques suited to short-form vertical content. The programme is designed to strengthen participants’ existing storytelling abilities alongside the additional production and technology skills introduced through the training.
Commercial skills form part of the training
Drawing on TikTok’s market insights and expertise, the programme also covers paywall strategies and audience monetisation. These elements extend the training into commercial and platform-specific capabilities as participants move their projects from initial ideas towards production and distribution.
IMDA and TikTok cited a projection that microdramas and other short-form vertical video content could generate US$150 billion in global revenue in 2026. They also referenced Singapore TV Audience Measurement System data showing that 87% of people in Singapore aged 15 and above accessed top social media video sites such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook weekly between April 2025 and March 2026. According to the release, an increasing share of that time is being spent watching and engaging with short-form content.
IMDA and TikTok said future editions could expand the programme to a wider pool of participants, extending its training beyond the initial group of accredited companies.
Singapore-made projects are aimed at global audiences
Participants will be onboarded onto TikTok’s wider content ecosystem, giving them access to the content journey from delivery and distribution to audience engagement. Bespoke consultancy will also be provided to help Singapore-made stories reach global markets.
Yvonne Tang, Assistant Chief Executive at IMDA’s Media Industry Group, said, “IMDA is excited to partner with TikTok to equip our media professionals with the skills to create compelling Singapore-made microdrama for global audiences. With TikTok’s reach and insights, our talent and companies are well-placed to seize new opportunities on a global platform, harnessing new tech tools with the same care and craft they bring to any creative work. This partnership is an important step towards building a vibrant, globally competitive media sector.”
Candera Chan, Public Policy Lead for Singapore and ASEAN, said, “TikTok is proud to partner with IMDA to grow Singapore’s microdrama ecosystem and equip our local media industry with the capabilities to capture new opportunities in this fast-growing format. By combining Singapore’s creative talent with TikTok’s global reach and expertise in short-form storytelling, we can help made-in-Singapore content reach audiences around the world. We look forward to deepening our partnership with IMDA and the industry to build a vibrant and globally connected creative ecosystem.”
