Character.AI is diving into the microdrama trend with c.ai Series — short, vertical videos you can interact with on your phone. Think less cheap live-action shows and more AI-animated stories spanning romance, horror, and sci-fi. Each episode runs under two minutes, and after watching, you can chat with the characters. They’re launching three series: a summer romance anime, a deadly card game, and a VR adventure. The first eight episodes are free; the last two cost extra. The initial batch was made by a human team using AI, but soon creators can make their own with Character.AI’s tools. CEO Karandeep Anand says this is a natural step toward becoming a broader storytelling platform — not just chasing a trend. Why it matters: As microdramas become a predicted $26 billion industry, Character.AI is betting that giving users a way to interact with stories beyond just watching — by talking to characters — could be the edge it needs to stand out in a crowded space.