S4C expands digital-first strategy with second vertical drama
July 23, 2026 12.34 Europe/London By Julian Clover


S4C has commissioned a second vertical drama for its Hansh TikTok channel, building on the success of its first short-form series as the broadcaster continues its digital-first strategy.

Signal, a 60-episode romantic drama produced by Mojo Productions, has begun filming at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells. The series follows the relationship between a boy from Cardiff and a girl from rural Wales, with episodes designed specifically for smartphone viewing on social media.

The commission follows Yr Alwad, S4C’s first vertical drama, which received nominations at the National Film Awards and the Broadcast Digital Awards.

As well as targeting younger audiences, S4C said the production is intended to develop emerging creative talent. The writing team includes Brynach Higginson, Mari Izzard, Rhiannon Williams and Yr Alwad writer-director Alexander Williams, led by Gwenno Hughes. The cast also features several newcomers selected through an open casting process.

Guto Rhun, S4C’s Young Audiences Commissioner, said evolving viewing habits require the broadcaster to be “bold” in developing content that reaches younger viewers on the platforms they use.

Chief Content Officer Llion Iwan said vertical dramas are an increasingly popular international format that supports S4C’s ambition to become a digital-first broadcaster. He added that the success of Yr Alwad had demonstrated the potential for Welsh-language short-form content to reach wider audiences.