arXiv:2410.16058v1 Announce Type: new
Abstract: The emerging short-form video platforms have been growing tremendously and become one of the leading social media recently. Although the expanded popularity of these platforms has attracted increasing research attention, there has been a lack of understanding of whether and how they deviate from traditional long-form video-sharing platforms such as YouTube and Bilibili. To address this, we conduct a large-scale data-driven analysis of Kuaishou, one of the largest short-form video platforms in China. Based on 248 million videos uploaded to the platform across all categories, we identify their notable differences from long-form video platforms through a comparison study with Bilibili, a leading long-form video platform in China. We find that videos are shortened by multiples on Kuaishou, with distinctive categorical distributions over-represented by life-related rather than interest-based videos. Users interact with videos less per view, but top videos can even more effectively acquire users’ collective attention. More importantly, ordinary content creators have higher probabilities of producing hit videos. Our results shed light on the uniqueness of short-form video platforms and pave the way for future research and design for better short-form video ecology.
The Rise of Short-Form Video Platforms
Short-form video platforms have become a dominant force in the world of social media, captivating the attention of millions of users. In recent years, platforms like Kuaishou have experienced tremendous growth, sparking interest among researchers who seek to understand how these platforms differ from traditional long-form video-sharing platforms such as YouTube and Bilibili.
In an effort to bridge this gap in understanding, researchers have conducted a large-scale data-driven analysis of Kuaishou, one of China’s largest short-form video platforms. By examining the vast collection of 248 million videos uploaded to the platform, they have identified several key differences that set short-form video platforms apart from their long-form counterparts.
Distinctive Characteristics
One of the most notable differences uncovered in the study is the shortened length of videos on platforms like Kuaishou. Unlike long-form platforms where videos can span several minutes or even hours, videos on short-form platforms are significantly shorter. This shift to brevity reflects the evolving preferences of users who seek concise and easily consumable content.
Furthermore, the study reveals that short-form video platforms have distinct categorical distributions. Rather than being heavily focused on interest-based videos like those found on YouTube or Bilibili, short-form platforms like Kuaishou have a greater emphasis on life-related videos. This finding suggests that users on these platforms prioritize content that is relatable, personal, and relevant to their daily lives.
Engagement and Attention
When it comes to user engagement, the study discovers that users interact with videos less frequently on short-form platforms compared to long-form platforms. However, it is important to note that top videos on short-form platforms have a unique advantage in acquiring users’ collective attention. This highlights the potential for viral content to quickly gain traction and reach a wide audience.
Moreover, the research findings indicate that short-form video platforms provide a greater opportunity for ordinary content creators to produce hit videos. Unlike long-form platforms where established creators often dominate the landscape, short-form platforms allow newcomers to have a higher probability of creating viral content. This democratized aspect of short-form platforms opens up new avenues for aspiring creators to gain recognition and success.
Implications and Future Research
These findings shed light on the distinctiveness of short-form video platforms and lay the groundwork for further research and design improvements within this burgeoning field. Understanding the specific characteristics and preferences of users on short-form platforms is crucial for developers and content creators alike.
From a multi-disciplinary perspective, the study aligns with the field of multimedia information systems, where the interplay between technology, content, and user behaviors is carefully examined. The analysis of video length, categorical distributions, user engagement, and content creation sheds light on the complex dynamics that underpin short-form video platforms.
Furthermore, the study’s insights are relevant to the wider domains of animations, artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities. As short-form video platforms continue to evolve, there is a growing need to explore how these platforms can integrate with emerging technologies to further enhance user experiences and create immersive content.
In conclusion, the research conducted on Kuaishou provides valuable insights into the unique nature of short-form video platforms. By unraveling the differences between short-form and long-form platforms, researchers can better understand user preferences, improve platform design, and foster the growth of a vibrant short-form video ecology.