ReelShort expands SEA footprint through Singtel, Telkomsel, Globe and AIS

share on

twitter /
facebook /
linkedin /
- email
- telegram
- whatsapp
- wechat
- pinterest
- line
- snapchat
- reddit

ReelShort is expanding its presence across Southeast Asia through partnerships with Singtel in Singapore, Telkomsel in Indonesia, Globe in the Philippines and AIS in Thailand, giving the vertical microdrama platform access to more than 275 million mobile connections across four markets.

The latest launches on Singtel CAST in Singapore and Telkomsel in Indonesia follow partnerships with AIS in Thailand in April 2026 and Globe in the Philippines in June. The expansion gives ReelShort a distribution network spanning markets that collectively account for close to 70% of Southeast Asia's population.

“Our Southeast Asia strategy is precise, data-driven and focused on markets where mobile entertainment is accelerating fastest,” said Joey Jia, founder and CEO of Crazy Maple Studio, owner of ReelShort. “Indonesia gives us unmatched scale, the Philippines delivers the region’s most engaged mobile users, and Thailand is Southeast Asia's highest-ARPU mobile market. Singapore, meanwhile, is the region’s premium digital hub. Securing distribution across Singtel, Telkomsel, Globe and AIS within six months positions ReelShort at the centre of Southeast Asia’s next wave of digital entertainment growth.”

Don't miss: Vidio partners with ReelShort to bring hundreds of short dramas to Indonesia

The expansion comes as vertical microdramas gain traction beyond their original short-form niche.

According to Media Partners Asia (MPA), microdrama consumption in Thailand increased 56% year on year, while ReelShort's partnership with AIS has surpassed eight million subscriptions. MPA projects the wider ex-China microdrama market to grow from US$2.7 billion in 2025 to US$3.6 billion in 2026, before reaching US$9.5 billion by 2031.

The distribution strategy gives ReelShort access to four markets with distinct opportunities for scale and monetisation.

In Indonesia, Telkomsel reaches more than 150 million subscribers, while Globe provides ReelShort with access to approximately 67 million subscribers in the Philippines. In Thailand, AIS reaches approximately 47 million subscribers, while Singapore provides a premium digital entertainment market through Singtel and Singtel CAST.

Together, the four operators represent more than 275 million mobile connections. Singtel's ownership stakes in Telkomsel, Globe and AIS also give the network an interconnected regional structure.

“With more than 150 million customers and a deep understanding of Indonesia’s diverse digital lifestyles, Telkomsel is well positioned to bring world-class entertainment closer to more people across the country. As the first digital telecommunications service provider in Indonesia to establish a direct partnership with ReelShort, we are opening practical and convenient access to its distinctive mobile-first stories,” said Kemas M. Fadhli, vice president of digital lifestyle at Telkomsel.

Globe's chief marketing officer KD Dizon said the partnership reflects the growing role of short-form drama in Filipino entertainment habits.

“Filipinos have always embraced stories that fit into the rhythm of daily life, and short-form drama is now a meaningful part of that entertainment habit, which is why Globe is proud to be the first telco in the Philippines to partner with ReelShort,” said Dizon. “By making world-class short-form content more accessible and affordable, we’re giving Filipinos more ways to see stories that feel close to home, while creating new value for the way they discover and enjoy entertainment every day.”

The four partnerships were brokered by AR Global Media Network, ReelShort’s exclusive Southeast Asia distribution representative.

For Crazy Maple Studio, which operates ReelShort, the regional expansion adds distribution scale to its broader digital storytelling business. The company says its portfolio has generated more than 400 million downloads across short dramas, interactive games and novel-reading platforms.

Discover what's next in Indonesia's fast-moving digital landscape at DMA Indonesia 2026 on 13 October in Jakarta, where marketing leaders will explore how AI, creator ecosystems, social commerce, and omnichannel strategies are reshaping customer engagement and business growth.

share on