LayarHijau– 2025 marks an important year for mobile apps in Asia, especially for short drama enthusiasts. Google Play has announced the Best of 2025 Awards, highlighting the most creative and inspiring apps and games of the year. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of global winners came from the Asia-Pacific region, confirming the dominance of regional innovation.
In Indonesia, short drama streaming apps like Melolo and DramaWave have soared in popularity, landing in the Top Trending category on Google Play Indonesia. Their success reflects strong demand for mobile-first entertainment that is fast, light, and emotionally engaging.
Melolo offers free viewing with a coin system that users can collect through check-ins or watching content, which can then be converted into digital balances, making it more than just entertainment but also a form of micro-economy for users.
DramaWave stands out with a massive catalog — over 30,000 short episodes lasting 1–5 minutes — in vertical video format, multilingual subtitles, real-time comment interactions, and subscription options for ad-free viewing and offline downloads. These features make both apps distinct from other short drama platforms, attracting young users who want quick yet emotionally rich stories.
Short dramas are already a major trend in China, the home of many popular micro-dramas. According to DataEye’s Short Drama 2025H1 report, nearly 70% of internet users in China watch short dramas, spending an average of 101 minutes per day. The Chinese micro-drama market is valued at tens of billions of yuan, primarily supported by advertising while still offering high-quality and interactive content. This trend shows how micro-dramas have become an integral part of the digital lifestyle in China.
In Indonesia, the trend is also rising. According to the Indonesia Millennial & Gen Z Report by IDN Research Institute, 61% of Millennials and Gen Z watch micro-dramas almost daily or several times a week. The short, mobile-first, and emotionally engaging format makes micro-dramas perfect for viewing during breaks or scrolling, and they also serve as an emotional escape for many young users.
Besides Melolo and DramaWave, local innovation is also evident in other apps. Cotton Match – Match 3 Game from Wisageni Studio won Best Made in Indonesia for incorporating traditional woven fabric patterns into its puzzle gameplay. Meanwhile, apps like Paxel, Riliv, and Finku received awards in utility, mental health, and financial categories, showing that local creators are not only focusing on entertainment but also digital solutions that provide real value in users’ daily lives.
