Hongguo Short Drama, a popular platform for short-form video content, has announced a significant change to its monetization model. The app plans to gradually phase out its coin feature, a move that will impact how users access and pay for content on the platform.
Phased Rollout of Feature Removal
According to an official announcement from the Hongguo Short Drama account, the transition will begin on November 1, 2026. On this date, new users who activate their accounts will no longer have access to the coin feature or any related entry points within the app. However, existing users who are already utilizing the coin functionality will not be affected by this initial change and can continue to use it as normal.
The full deprecation of the coin feature for all users is scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2026. By December 31, 2026, Hongguo Short Drama will cease issuing coins and will completely remove the feature from the platform. Further details regarding the specific arrangements for this complete rollout will be communicated in subsequent announcements.
User Assets Remain Unaffected
Importantly, the platform has assured users that their accumulated coins and existing cash balances will not be impacted by this change. Hongguo Short Drama stated that they will provide continuous reminders through relevant in-app pages and notifications to ensure users have ample time to exchange their remaining coins and withdraw their cash balances before the feature is fully deactivated. The exact deadlines and specific procedures for these actions will be announced later. Users with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Hongguo Short Drama App customer service.
Context: Growth of the Short Drama Market
This strategic shift by Hongguo Short Drama occurs against the backdrop of significant growth in the short-form drama industry. A report by QuestMobile highlights the industry’s expanding user base, with total unique users reaching 851 million by May 2026. Hongguo Free Short Drama, in particular, has seen remarkable user engagement, boasting 356 million monthly active users. This figure represents a substantial year-on-year increase of 79.1%, indicating a sustained period of high-speed growth for the platform over the past year.
The decision to phase out the coin feature may reflect a broader industry trend or a strategic pivot by Hongguo Short Drama to streamline its operational model and potentially introduce new monetization strategies. As the short drama market continues to mature, platforms are continually exploring ways to optimize user experience and revenue streams.
