PRODUCT RESEARCH
FOD SHORT
This research note is kept separate from the app profile so the main page stays focused on ranking data.
One-line positioning
An official vertical short-drama app launched by Japan's Fuji Television in July 2025, featuring roughly one-minute episodes with five free episodes per day, built around original Japanese titles and licensed overseas content such as Mango TV dramas. According to Sensor Tower, it ranked first among Japan's short-drama publishers in both revenue and downloads in December 2025, and began its global rollout in North America in April 2026.
Product & company
Fuji Television Network, Inc., a subsidiary of Fuji Media Holdings (TSE: 4676); jointly developed and operated with Fuji Nextera Labo within the same group.
Business model & format
Subscription-led paid model: five free episodes per day, in-app currency (FOD SHORT Gold) for episode unlocks, and weekly/monthly subscriptions (SHORT Unlimited for ad-free unlimited access), supplemented by ad-based unlocks.
Growth & market
According to Sensor Tower (third-party), it ranked first among Japan's short-drama publishers in both revenue and downloads as of December 2025. It launched in North America (US/Canada) on April 15, 2026 with 39 English-subtitled original titles, and plans to expand to over 100 countries and more than 10 languages. Distribution relies on free first episodes on YouTube, a social media presence, and AI and ad-creative support from Fuji Nextera Labo.
Risks & watchpoints
The overseas expansion is still early with North America live only since April 2026, requiring heavy compliance and localization investment to reach the 100+ country and 10+ language target. Competition from Chinese-backed platforms such as DramaBox in Japan remains intense, while licensing and review complexity rises with external content such as Mango TV titles and the planned open-platform model. App-store ratings are based on a small sample, so user reputation is still building. Ownership evidence is solid; risks are mainly product and market related.