The growing preference for short videos over traditional TV dramas among modern audiences stems from a complex interplay of technological advancements, psychological triggers, and shifting socio-cultural dynamics. As contemporary life accelerates, individuals grapple with heightened work pressures and increasingly fragmented schedules—commutes, lunch breaks, and fleeting moments of downtime have become the norm. In this context, short videos, with their concise, fast-paced narratives often wrapped up within minutes, offer a perfect antidote to time-scattered routines. Reports suggest that 70% of short video users belong to middle- or low-income groups, who prioritize efficient access to entertainment or information within tight time constraints.
The very design of short video platforms fuels this trend. The "swipe-to-switch" interface triggers dopamine release, creating a cycle of instant gratification akin to behavioral addiction. Users bypass the need for prolonged plot buildup, instead diving straight into emotional highs, as seen in viral clips like Moonlight in My Heart, which captivated audiences with visually stunning scenes and climactic moments. Unlike TV dramas, which demand sustained time investment, short videos allow viewers to sample content snippets, minimizing the risk of committing to unsatisfying narratives.
Technologically, platforms leverage sophisticated algorithms to analyze user behavior—likes, watch duration, and interactions—to curate hyper-personalized content feeds, effectively trapping users in "information cocoons." For instance, uplifting short dramas that align with societal cravings for warmth and positivity have seen annual viewership spikes of 50%. Production costs for short videos pale in comparison to traditional TV series, and industrialized workflows—standardized topic selection, market-driven distribution—enable rapid mass production. A prime example is Linmon Pictures’ Joy of Life: The Emperor’s Ambition, which garnered over 300 million views per episode, showcasing the scalability of short-form content. Moreover, the diversity of short video themes—ranging from humor and educational snippets to emotionally charged tropes like revenge or underdog triumphs—resonates broadly, often tapping into visceral reactions that conventional TV narratives avoid.
Social engagement further cements the appeal of short videos. Platforms thrive on user interaction: likes, comments, and shares amplify content virality. The family-themed drama A Grandchild’s Billion-Dollar Gratitude, for example, sparked over 60 million social interactions, while the rise of User-Generated Content (UGC)—empowered by smartphone cameras and intuitive editing tools—has democratized creativity, allowing ordinary users to become storytellers. This participatory culture fosters a sense of community, as seen in how shows like Marrying Into a Rich Family, blending whimsical fantasy with familial themes, became social talking points among older demographics.
Technological infrastructure has also played a pivotal role. The ubiquity of smartphones and 5G networks has made short videos effortlessly accessible, with users now spending an average of 1.38 hours daily on these platforms—far exceeding traditional video consumption. Economic downturns have further driven a "downgrade" in entertainment preferences, as costlier offline activities like cinema outings or escape rooms lose ground to free or low-cost short videos. By 2024, the short video market surged to ¥50 billion, with projections hinting at a ¥100 billion valuation by 2027, eclipsing box office revenues. Cross-industry integrations, such as Voyah Auto’s brand-boosting short dramas or Meituan’s regional product promotions, underscore the format’s commercial versatility.
Psychologically, short videos cater to modern anxieties. Fast-paced plots—rags-to-riches arcs or cathartic revenge stories—deliver instant "emotional payoffs," offering viewers a temporary escape from reality. Surveys indicate 67% of elderly users find such content therapeutic. Meanwhile, younger audiences forge identities by mimicking viral challenges or特效-driven trends, while older generations seek solace in family-centric narratives. The immediacy of emotional resonance—epitomized by Moonlight in My Heart’s poignant confession scenes—contrasts sharply with TV dramas’ slower, more deliberate emotional buildup.
Yet, the rise of short videos carries pitfalls. Prolonged exposure risks eroding attention spans and critical thinking, while market saturation has led to formulaic, low-quality content reliant on melodramatic clichés. Health concerns, particularly among elderly users, highlight issues like eye strain and sedentary habits. In contrast, TV dramas retain irreplaceable value through their artistic depth and narrative coherence. Epic series like Game of Thrones exemplify how long-form storytelling can intricately map character evolution and societal shifts, while TV dramas often endure as cultural milestones—unlike the transient "fast-fashion" nature of short videos.
Ultimately, the dominance of short videos reflects a world prioritizing speed, convenience, and instant connection. Yet, the enduring allure of TV dramas lies in their capacity to weave rich, immersive tales. The future may see both forms coexisting: short videos dominating fragmented attention spans, while TV dramas evolve into premium, interactive experiences. For audiences, the challenge lies in balancing the quick hits of digital snacking with the nourishing depth of cinematic feasts.