YouTube Formalizes Episodic Microdrama Viewing Across Shorts and TV

YouTube is adding episodic organization and sequential playback to Shorts, supporting season-style viewing and larger-screen access for vertical scripted series. Reported first-half figures of 6.5 billion views, over 50% watch-time growth, and more than 90% TV-viewing growth suggest momentum; the key business question is whether discovery converts into paid episode consumption.