In recent months, actor pay in short-form dramas has become a hot topic among Chinese netizens. Figures such as “30,000 CNY per day” or “annual incomes reaching tens of millions of yuan” have circulated widely, creating the impression of a gold rush within the industry. Indeed, some top-tier short-drama actors are reportedly earning more than many second-tier stars in traditional television and film. However, this prosperity is limited to a very small group at the top.

At the peak of the pyramid are elite short-drama actors benefiting directly from the explosive growth of the market. Their daily fees typically range from 30,000 to 50,000 CNY (approximately 4,300 USD to 7,200 USD), with some cases reportedly reaching 80,000 CNY (around 11.4 thousand USD) per day.

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Because short dramas often film for just five to seven days, a single project can bring in more than 200,000 CNY (about 28.7 thousand USD). Ke Chun, one of the most recognizable faces in the genre, previously revealed that he earned 20,000 CNY per day, a figure comparable to many second-tier actors in long-form television dramas.

Thanks to productions achieving billions of views, combined with revenue sharing from platforms, advertising, and livestreaming, some top actors reportedly earn over 10 million CNY (more than 1.4 million USD) annually.
The income surge is also driven by new monetization models. Many platforms now offer “minimum guarantees plus lifetime revenue sharing,” effectively turning actors into content partners rather than simple wage earners. In some cases, actors can make millions of yuan from a single short drama, not including advertising and e-commerce income.

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Salary growth can be extremely rapid. One actor reportedly earned 8,000 CNY per day in 2024, only to see their rate jump to 25,000 CNY per day in 2025 after a breakout role. Luxury hotels, private teams, and premium working conditions are increasingly becoming standard for this elite group.

In contrast, second-tier actors in China’s traditional entertainment industry are facing mounting difficulties. After government regulations capped actor pay, their incomes declined sharply. Television drama projects have decreased, working periods have shortened, and advertising fees have been cut. As resources shift toward short dramas, seen as lower-cost but highly efficient in commercial conversion, many top short-drama actors have surpassed traditional second-tier stars in earnings.

At the bottom of the pyramid are thousands of background performers and mid-level actors struggling to survive. Extras reportedly earn around 80 CNY for nine hours of filming, which amounts to less than 9 CNY per hour, with monthly incomes rarely exceeding 3,000 CNY. Mid-level actors, while earning 5,000–8,000 CNY per day, often face delayed payments, unclear contracts, and grueling work schedules stretching 18 to 20 hours per day.

This stark income polarization reflects the short-drama industry’s explosive growth outpacing regulatory and labor protections. While some positive adjustments, such as working-hour guidelines and measures to protect performers’ rights, are beginning to emerge, many believe they are still insufficient.

Sources: LD