The 2026 Valentine's Vertical Drama Challenge

Begins: February 1, 2026

Ends: Feb 14, 2026

Hello, hello, party people! I am excited to announce that I am hosting the inaugural edition of The Valentine's Vertical Drama Challenge. If you're a vertical drama fan - or are just curious about the genre and want to dip your toes in without a major time commitment - I hope you will participate in this 'vert' watching challenge.

Just a reminder:

Vertical dramas, also known as microdramas, are short-form video series created to be viewed on mobile devices in the 9:16 aspect ratio. 'Verts' are ideal for people who prefer watching quick, bite-sized content, over traditional long-form television shows.

I am all about simplicity and having fun, so there will be no formal sign-up for this event. You don't even need a blog or a social media account to participate. While - of course - I would love to hear what microdramas you are watching and enjoying, it's not necessary to share that info. Unless you want to. If you would like me to check out your challenge progress on any platform, please link me in the comments or tag me on Instagram.

There are 14 prompts, one for each day leading up to Valentine's Day (February 14th), with a few alternate options in case a couple of the required tasks don't suit your fancy.

THE PROMPTS:

1. February is Black History Month. Watch a vertical drama featuring a prominent African-American character.

2. The Grammy Awards are this month. Watch a musical vert or one with a beautiful musical score.

3. February 3rd is Doggy Date Night. Watch a vert with a dog or other domesticated animal in it.

4. This month, celebrate Spunky Old Broads Day by watching a vert with a prominent female character over the age of 50.

5. Another day celebrated in February is National Sickie Day. Watch a vertical with a prominent character who is ill. (The illness doesn't necessarily have to be life-threatening. It can be a simple cold or a case of the flu.)

6. Fancy taking a vacation? Then give Take a Cruise Day a chance. Watch a vertical where a character goes on some kind of trip.

7. On National Wedding Ring Day, watch a vertical where the leads are already married or get married in one of the episodes.

8. Facebook celebrates its birthday this month. Watch a vertical where one of the main characters uses social media.

9. Women rule! Let's celebrate the ladies this month on National Girls and Women in Sports Day by watching a vert with an athletic female character.

10. Let's conserve water in February with National Shower with a Friend Day. Watch a vertical with a shower scene (one character shower scenes are allowed, as are scenes featuring a companion or companions).

11. Smile, everybody! Give Kids a Smile Day is this month. Watch a vertical drama with a young child as a prominent character.

12. This month, commemorate Who Shall I Be Day? by watching a vertical with a character who hides their true identity.

13. It's Galentine's Day! Watch a vert that features a group of female friends.

14. It is finally Valentine's Day! Watch a romantic vertical drama on your favorite app. Any trope goes.

THE ALTERNATES*:

*Alt. Tasks cannot be repeated.

Alt. 1: It's National Wear Red Day in February. Watch a vert where someone featured on the cover art (poster) is wearing the color red.

Alt. 2: Sometimes you just have to laugh and especially on Laugh and Get Rich Day. Watch a vertical drama with a wealthy main character.

Alt. 3. Single people are important too! On Satisfied Staying Single Day, watch a vertical with a single-parent character.

Alt. 4. It's Presidents' Day this month. Watch a vert with a political figure.

Alt. 5. Celebrate the Chinese New Year. Watch a vertical C-Drama.

Reminder: February is the month of love, so if you love verticals, give this challenge a try!

P.S. Please consider helping me advertise this challenge by snagging & sharing the full-sized banner on your social media account. You can find it here.