Advanced Info Service (AIS) is expanding into the vertical series market by partnering with global storytelling platform ReelShort, strengthening its content leadership with the partner’s vertical drama library of more than 4,000 premium titles across every genre.
The move taps into the growing “verticaltainment” trend of short, easy-to-watch, binge-worthy content accessible anytime, anywhere, said Lertchai Kodsup, chief mobile business officer of AIS.
He said AIS data shows that usage of vertical short-drama apps expanded by 56% last year compared with the previous year, with an additional 3 million users.
Currently, around 9 million AIS customers access vertical series apps each month.
To meet this demand, AIS has launched the 5G ReelShort package, starting at 39 baht per month, offering both entertainment access and value-packed data to suit today’s digital lifestyles.
In addition, customers who register a new number, switch to AIS, or convert from prepaid to postpaid can enjoy one year of free ReelShort access, along with 5G maximum-speed internet, continuous data, and free calls, when subscribing to the 5G Max Experience package starting from 499 baht per month.
The partnership also marks ReelShort’s first collaboration with a telecom operator in the world, positioning Thailand as a key launchpad for its global expansion, Mr Lertchai said.
He added that the partnership marks another important step forward as AIS joins forces with ReelShort, the global leader in vertical short-series platforms, which offers a library of more than 4,000 titles from around the world at launch, including those with Thai subtitles and Thai dubbing.
The collaboration also positions AIS as the only platform in the market to offer the most comprehensive vertical series library and more than 500 new original titles per year.
Joey Jia, chief executive of Crazy Maple Studio, which owns ReelShort, said short drama, or vertical series, is one of the fastest-growing entertainment trends today, driven by demand for mobile-first, bite-sized, and emotionally engaging content.
Today, ReelShort is the number one global platform in the micro-drama category, with millions of daily viewers.
“Backed by Crazy Maple Studio, headquartered in Silicon Valley, our shows are produced in Hollywood for a global audience, blending premium-quality storytelling with a seamless mobile-first viewing experience.”