Why the “XL” Trend in Verticals Needs to Stop

I’ve been thinking about writing this FanTalk for a while, hoping the “XL” trend in Verticals would simply fade away on its own. Unfortunately, it hasn’t, and after seeing yet another “promotion” today, I’m done staying quiet.

The Disappointment Behind the Poster

Imagine coming home from a tough day, ready to unwind with your favorite vertical app. You see a new series on the front page with “XL” in the title and a plus-size actress on the poster. Finally, some representation! You hit play, excited to see a plus-size lead in a love story… only to be hit with the same tired, harmful narrative:

The plus-size lead is bullied, mocked, and humiliated, only to take a “magic pill” (or serum, or smoothie—pick your poison) to lose weight overnight. Suddenly, a new skinny actress takes over, the character gets revenge, wins over the handsome male lead, and reveals who she “really” is.

It’s lazy. It’s harmful. And as a fat woman myself, I’m telling you: it’s cruel.

Representation Isn’t a Gimmick

Some people will argue that overweight bodies are unhealthy and shouldn’t be “promoted.” That’s not what I’m asking for. I’m asking platforms to stop mocking plus-size bodies and using them as clickbait for cheap drama.

Representation matters. Diversity matters. VertiLand has a lot of work to do in this area, and it’s about time platforms did better.

What’s next? A storyline where a Black girl suffers in a racist workplace, then magically turns white to get a promotion and find love? (Please never let this happen, it’s just an example of how wrong and cruel these plotlines are.)

A Better Way: Learn from Keily

You want to see how it’s done right? Look at CandyJar’s Keily. No misleading “XL” title. No magic weight loss. Keily faces bullying, yes, but she stays true to herself, fights for her worth, and gets the guy in the end without changing herself to fit society’s standards. The series is engaging, emotional, and respectful—proof that stories can be powerful without relying on lazy tropes.

To Platforms and Creatives

Platforms: If you need fresh, diverse storylines, ask your viewers. We have ideas, and we know what we want to see. Stop recycling problematic narratives for views.

Creators: I get it. When you’re new in the industry, it’s hard to turn down roles. You need the work. But being part of these harmful series won’t build your fanbase—it might do the opposite. The biggest names in VertiLand are big because of fan support. Viewers won’t rally around actors in problematic series.

Final Thoughts

This post was written after yet another “XL” series dropped, with the platform claiming it was “different.” Spoiler: it wasn’t. These platforms only care about views, and once they get your money, your complaints don’t matter to them.

If you want VertiLand to evolve into a space that respects all bodies and all people, do not watch these series—not even out of curiosity. Every view tells them you’re okay with these harmful narratives.

We deserve better. Let’s demand it together.