For decades, the sinetron was the backbone of Indonesian entertainment. Characterized by dramatic plots, rigid moral binaries, and often sensationalist storylines, sinetron shaped the "mainstream" Indonesian taste. While still popular, the format has struggled to adapt to the binge-watching culture. Traditional producers have attempted to bridge this gap by moving sinetron storytelling to apps like Vidio (an Indonesian OTT platform), creating "exclusive series" that maintain the familiar dramatic style but with higher production values.

However, this rapid evolution is not without its challenges. Critics argue that the algorithm-driven nature of short videos promotes a short attention span, reducing complex issues to simplistic trends. Furthermore, the pressure to create viral content has led to a rise in konten negatif (negative content), including pranks that cross into public disturbance or the spread of hoaxes. The government, through the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, frequently intervenes, demanding platforms remove content deemed to violate norma kesopanan (norms of decency) or national unity.