https://verticastapp.com/ Vertical Drama Love is supported by VertiCast - The Vertical Microdrama Casting App. Swipe, Cast, Create! 📱What does it really take to build a successful vertical drama app from scratch? In this in-depth conversation, Jen sits down with the team behind the Shorts app — including executives AJ Letterel, Sylvain Daressy, and lead writer Rachel Zilberg — to explore how Shorts went from a brand-new idea to one of the most respected names in vertical drama. Together, they unpack how Shorts approaches original storytelling, why credits and creative respect matter, how data shapes writing decisions, and what the future of vertical drama could look like as the space continues to explode. Key Learnings 📱How Shorts was born from mobile app innovation, not traditional film or TV 📱Why Shorts prioritises original stories over recycled or licensed content 📱What makes a vertical drama “successful” from an app and storytelling perspective 📱How retention data and audience behaviour actively shape the writing process 📱Why Shorts is one of the only apps to properly credit actors and writers 📱The importance of collaboration, respect, and creative culture on set 📱How rom-coms, pacing, and casting have helped Shorts stand out 📱What’s changing in vertical drama audiences — and what’s staying the same 📱Where the team sees vertical drama heading in 2026 and beyond This is a must-watch for vertical drama fans, creators, writers, actors, and anyone curious about where this fast-growing format is heading next ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Meet the team 01:43 – From mobile apps to vertical drama 07:07 – Rachel’s journey into vertical storytelling 08:28 – Why Shorts focuses on original stories 14:41 – Building a curated content library 17:54 – What success looks like for a vertical drama app 19:40 – Writing to data without killing creativity 24:08 – Favourite projects and proudest moments 30:07 – The future of vertical drama in 2026 ☕ Like what we’re doing? Support the channel by subscribing, sharing, and buying Jen a coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/verticaldramalove Every little bit helps keep the vertical drama love going! ******* Shorts Website https://web.shorts-drama.com/ Shorts Instagram https://www.instagram.com/app.shorts/?hl=en Luni Website https://www.luni.app/ Rachel Zilberg Instagram https://www.instagram.com/r.a.zilberg/?hl=en ******* Welcome to Vertical Drama Love, your ultimate destination for all things vertical drama! Vertical Drama Love is dedicated to celebrating and exploring the captivating world of vertical dramas—short-form video series designed specifically for vertical viewing on smartphones. Originating in China, this innovative format has rapidly gained global popularity, offering viewers fast-paced, engaging storylines filled with beloved tropes like enemies to lovers, contract marriages, and supernatural elements. At Vertical Drama Love, I offer: 💫 In-Depth Reviews: Discover our curated selection of the best vertical dramas to help you choose your next favorite series. 💫 Behind-The-Scenes Access: Gain exclusive insights into the creative processes of talented actors, directors, and production crews who bring these stories to life. 💫 Community Spotlights: Meet fellow fans and creatives through our interviews and features. 💫 Industry News and Features: Stay updated with the latest developments in the vertical drama industry through our journal and media articles. 💫 Fan Awards: Participate in our annual Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions in the vertical drama sphere. Connect with us across our platforms: Website: https://www.verticaldramalove.com/ Sign up for The Vertical Fix, weekly exclusives about the Vertical Drama World: https://www.verticaldramalove.com/get-the-vertical-fix Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verticaldramalove/ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL If you like what I do, please consider buying me a coffee. It will help cover the costs of Vertical Drama Love, which at the moment come out of my own pocket! Thank you! https://buymeacoffee.com/verticaldramalove #appdevelopment #appstartup #buildanapp #startuplife #appgrowth #mobileapps #techfounders #creatorbusiness #entertainmentstartup #verticaldrama #verticalseries #shortformdrama #mobileentertainment #contentplatform #streamingapps #storytelling #digitalmedia #womenledcontent #creatorindustry #futureofmedia