By: Skye Wang
As mobile-first entertainment surges worldwide, leading editor Wu pioneers new formats that merge speed, creativity, and cinematic quality.
As mobile devices dominate the way audiences consume entertainment, short-form vertical series are rapidly reshaping global viewing habits. Xinyue(Alaia) Wu, a leading editor in this emerging field, is bringing her expertise and creativity to redefine storytelling for streaming audiences.
In the winter of 2023, Ms. Wu received an unexpected invitation: to edit vertical short-form series for streaming platforms. Initially skeptical, she soon realized that platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram were embracing the format. “It felt like a new era of storytelling was arriving,” Ms. Wu recalls, “and I wanted to be part of it.”
Since then, Ms. Wu has emerged as a pioneering voice in the vertical series space, a rapidly growing sector of entertainment designed for mobile-first audiences. She has served as the lead editor on more than ten short-form series, collaborating with creative teams across multiple streaming platforms. Her projects for DramaBox, LoveShots, and DramaWave have drawn millions of views worldwide, not only boosting the visibility of these platforms but also helping to set industry standards for narrative pacing, character development, and editing techniques in this new storytelling format.
One of the driving forces behind this transformation is ReelShort, a mobile app built on the idea that compelling stories can unfold in just a few minutes. By packaging drama into quick, digestible episodes, ReelShort has tapped into an audience eager for entertainment that fits the rhythm of daily life. It has also bridged cultural gaps by introducing overseas series to U.S. viewers, opening the door for international storytelling to reach new markets. Ms. Wu joined ReelShort at an early stage as a post-production assistant, where she observed the platform’s meteoric rise firsthand. Her dedication and editorial skill quickly earned her a promotion to editor, giving her a front-row seat to the rapid evolution of vertical series.
ReelShort’s most-watched titles—including The Double Life of My Billionaire Husband, I Got Married Without You, and Bound by Vendetta: Sleeping With the Enemy—are notable not just for their addictive premises but for their sharp dialogue, dynamic performances, and surprisingly high production value given their brevity. Through careful editing choices, Ms. Wu has helped these series balance the intensity of drama with the limitations of short runtime, proving that even the briefest episodes can leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Ms. Wu’s transition from documentary and commercial editing to vertical series has also given her a unique perspective on shifting viewer habits. While documentaries often demand patient, reflective viewing and commercials prioritize persuasive brevity, vertical series strike a balance by offering fast-paced storytelling without sacrificing depth. She notes a clear cultural shift toward shorter, more immediate narratives—a reflection of audiences’ desire for stories that can be consumed in moments but remembered much longer. Platforms like ReelShort embody this trend, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the streaming industry, sometimes even rivaling larger platforms when it comes to capturing audience attention.
Her insights also extend to the broader industry climate. The 2023–2024 Hollywood strikes temporarily halted many traditional film and television productions, leaving countless professionals out of work. In contrast, vertical series became an unexpected lifeline for creatives, offering new opportunities at a time when the industry needed them most. “Vertical series allow creators to experiment with new stories and get immediate audience feedback,” Ms. Wu explains. “It’s a stage full of possibilities.” For editors, directors, and writers alike, this format has proven to be more than just a trend—it is a sustainable ecosystem of creativity.
By combining the urgency and accessibility of short-form storytelling with the layered emotional resonance she honed in documentary editing, Ms. Wu is redefining the possibilities of digital narratives. Her work demonstrates that vertical series are not just fleeting entertainment but a legitimate art form capable of delivering both excitement and meaning. With her vision and skill, Ms. Wu continues to shape a medium that is not only entertaining but also deeply resonant with audiences across cultures and continents.