Chinese Internet Dramas: Analysts: Better regulation will create healthier development

World
Europe

Advisors at the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference are calling for better regulation of the entertainment industry. The Chinese internet is now full of new entertainment formats, and the programs draw millions of viewers. Our reporter Chen Tong has more.

The internet drama craze began two years ago when the series "Go Princess, GO" took over the market with 3 billion views. Literally hundreds followed. Data from Guduo Media show about 300 were produced last year, some 55 percent of them from iQiyi, and many others from Tencent and Youku. They're especially popular with an important demographic, the young.

"The production is really good, the animations and the storylines."

"Watching traditional dramas is a waste of time. The internet dramas are faster moving."

Internet dramas usually have fewer episodes than those broadcast by the television stations and make for easier viewing. Guduo Media lists comedy, suspense and love stories as the most popular, and they draw a young audience.

WANG CE, CEO SHANGHAI FIRSTAKE CONSULTING "The genres of the internet dramas are more innovative, they cater to the taste of a young audience. More and more people are tuning in, and they will be increasingly popular. I think internet dramas will eventually replace traditional dramas and dominate the market."

Many competing video websites are noticing the potential of the internet drama. In addition to major players such as iQiyi and Tencent, even news provider Toutiao.com is planning to produce its own dramas. The new market seems too good to be true, but experts warn that the profit model of internet dramas is still not clear. Some rely on advertizing, while others make their money from subscription fees.

WANG CE, CEO SHANGHAI FIRSTAKE CONSULTING "Many websites are burning money to make internet dramas, but there is no clear profit model at the moment. Many websites are making them just to make a splash in the market. People are saying the online video platforms will eventually replace television stations, but they have no fixed and mature way to make money."

That may be true, but what is undeniable is the dramatic growth of internet dramas -- some are even going abroad. Domestic internet dramas including Fanhei and "Day and Night" have been broadcast on the American video website Netflix.