Will Vertical Dramas Be The Big Thing in 2026?

If you’ve been looking at the global content trends, one format is standing out as the one moving rapidly from niche to mainstream: vertical dramas. What started as short-form storytelling on mobile platforms has exploded in markets like Japan and South Korea, where a growing percentage of dramatic content is now conceived, shot and distributed in portrait orientation. And now with Europe beginning to embrace the vertical frame it’s clear this isn’t just a fleeting experiment; it could define how stories are told across screens in 2026.

We wrote a short piece about this on our sister website Kit Cabin only a few months ago. Back then it was a ‘look at this new thing which is taking off in Asia’, but only a few months later it’s something we are hearing more and more about it moving into huge mainstream commissioning and production here in the UK.

The Vertical Boom: Why Japan & Korea Went Portrait-First

In Japan and South Korea, mobile consumption habits dominate entertainment. Platforms such as LINE TV, KakaoTV, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts have fuelled demand for long-form vertical dramas that feel native to how people hold their phones. Today, a significant volume of scripted drama work in these regions is created specifically for portrait viewing — not adapted from widescreen, but designed from the ground up for vertical storytelling.

This shift isn’t just about format — it’s about narrative structure, performance framing and even pacing. Vertical drama creators are exploring a new cinematic language, catching the attention of global studios and production houses.

Why Are Vertical Dramas So Popular?

Vertical dramas are becoming a hit for several compelling reasons:

Mobile-First Viewing

Audiences increasingly consume premium content on mobile devices. Smartphones are the dominant screen worldwide, and the vertical frame fits naturally in your hand. This works very well with modern audience and how media is consumed; commuting, whilst having lunch, or sat curled up on the sofa.

Higher Engagement

Vertical content keeps viewers closer to the subject. A narrower frame focuses attention and reduces visual noise, increasing emotional engagement — particularly in close-up dialogue and character moments.

Instant Accessibility

Social platforms are optimized for vertical video, making discovery and sharing easier than ever. Episodes, clips and behind-the-scenes content all perform better when shot vertically. The new platforms we are seeing emerge are putting vertical dramas front and centre of their library, meaning a large selection of ongoing stories are available to fans on a subscription basis.

New Creative Grammar

Vertical dramas offer fresh visual storytelling opportunities: layered depth, asymmetric compositions, and dynamic movement that’s suited to a portrait frame. It’s not just a different crop — it’s a different visual language.

Cameras & Lenses for Vertical Drama Production

Adapting to the vertical frame isn’t just about rotating your camera. Equipment choice, rigging and workflow all play a role in making production smooth, efficient and cinematic.

Top-Tier Cinema Cameras

At the high end of the market, cameras like the ARRI Alexa Mini LF are already a staple in drama and film production — and they have adapted beautifully to vertical work in Japan and Korea. Its outstanding dynamic range, colour science and sensor size has always ensured premium picture quality, and this is no different for vertical orientation, so has been one of the go-to cameras for the higher-end Vertical Drama productions.

Great Mid-Tier & Lower-Budget Options

The RED Komodo is an ideal choice for vertical shooting, especially on a tighter budget:

• Compact & lightweight — easy to rotate or rig in portrait without complicated custom hardware
• Global shutter sensor — great for action and controlled lighting
• Flexible lens mount — use cinema primes, zooms, vintage glass or anamorphics

Because it’s small and balanced, with a centre of gravity largely central, rotating the Komodo into vertical orientation is simple and reliable, even on handheld rigs or Gimbals.

The Sony FX6, FX3 and A7S will also be an excellent choice. A cleaner look but when the frame is to be dominated by a crisp close up, these will give a high quaity image and also have the versatility for various lenses, as well as supporting the native face-recognition auto-focus with Sony G Master lenses, which could be very handy for a gimbal-heavy setup.

Lens Considerations

Vertical drama tends to favour lenses that:

• Create pleasing depth (medium primes like 35mm, 50mm)
• Maintain natural foliage and foreground separation on portrait framing
• Support wide and close compositions without distortion
• Wide Angle lenses are less popular, due to the way framing is more concise centrally
• Telephoto lenses and Macro lenses allow stylish shots which get your audience very close and intimate with on-screen objects. Macro lenses allow very close up shots.

Cinema primes and versatile zooms both have their place, depending on the story and shot list.

We expect lenses like the Canon CNE to be very popular with the exceptional 4K image as well as reasonable weight and size, as well as Sony G Master lenses and maybe Zeiss Distagon Vintage lenses for the more subtle look. Whilst wide angle and anamorphic lenses may not be suited to this style (however we may be surprised as the format develops!)

At the higher end, especially if used with the Alexa Mini LF, then the Zeiss Supremes should be a fantastic choice, with their amazing clarity and crispness, whilt also supporting full-frame shooting.

Supporting Vertical Drama Production at Media Dog Hire

Vertical dramas present new technical challenges — and we’re excited to equip productions for this evolution. Media Dog Hire is expanding our inventory and services to support portrait-oriented storytelling with practical, ready-to-shoot solutions:

Monitoring Portrait Plates

Standard monitor rigs are designed for 16:9 or wider — but vertical drama demands portrait monitoring. We now stock and support portrait plates so directors, DPs and ACs can easily view and frame in vertical orientation on set.

Vertical Adapters for Gimbals & Grips

Rotating a rig for vertical shooting is not just about tilting a camera — it’s about balance, stability, and workflow. We provide vertical adaptation gear for popular gimbals and grip setups to ensure smooth movement and consistent performance.

Lighting and Tracking Bundles

Vertical compositions will slightly change how subjects are lit and how camera movement feels, so we will be working on developing lighting kits and tracking solutions tailored for portrait frames as required, as well as the usual lighting selections which we continue to grow, whether its for 16:9 or 9:16.

So — Will Vertical Drama Be the Next Big Thing in 2026?

All signs point to yes.

With mobile consumption dominating viewing habits and vertical formats flourishing in Asia’s biggest media markets, the shift toward portrait drama is already underway. As European broadcasters, streamers and independent creators experiment with the format, it’s becoming clear that vertical isn’t just a short-form trend — it’s a versatile narrative choice that’s here to stay.

With the potential Netflix takeover of Universal Studios (still ongoing at the time of writing), many signs point to big investment in this format, with rumours of a vertical drama department in the pipeline as well as a big push towards commission and production of many vertical dramas and series.

Whether you’re shooting a gritty character piece, a youth-oriented series, or a visually inventive serialised drama, vertical storytelling unlocks new creative potential — and Media Dog Hire is ready to support that journey.

Interested in vertical drama production gear?
Contact us or browse our range of cameras, monitoring solutions, adapters and lighting kits designed with portrait workflows in mind.

We are continuing to evolve and develop our ranges as the requirements for vertical dramas grow, so if you are doing a vertical drama and require something you cannot see on our site, please contact us so we can look into sourcing or creating what you need.