视频生成模型大幅降价，百度为何如此激进？

Core Viewpoint - Baidu's video generation model, Steam Engine, has undergone a significant upgrade just 50 days after its launch, enhancing its capabilities and reducing costs substantially [1][2]. Model Capabilities - The Steam Engine model now supports integrated generation of multi-person videos with synchronized voices, expressions, and actions, maintaining stability even in complex scenes [1]. - Improvements in video clarity, smoothness, and camera movement techniques have been noted [1]. - The model's Turbo version can generate a 5-second 720p video for only 1.4 yuan, significantly lower than the industry average of approximately 2 yuan for a silent video, positioning Baidu at 70% of the market price [1]. Development and Strategy - The Steam Engine model has a faster update cycle compared to Baidu's Wenxin series, with a more aggressive pricing strategy [2]. - The 1.0 version was driven by demand, while the 2.0 version incorporated technical optimizations based on user feedback [2]. - The model is developed by the Mobile Ecosystem Group (MEG) to cater specifically to advertisers and agencies [2]. Cost Efficiency - A short film created using the Steam Engine model, featuring over 40 shots and 120 clips, cost only 330.6 yuan, compared to an estimated 200,000 yuan for traditional filming methods [4]. - This cost reduction is significant for marketing budgets, allowing clients to produce content at a fraction of the traditional costs [4]. Market Context - The commercial value of video generation models is being validated, as evidenced by Kuaishou's revenue from its video generation model reaching 250 million yuan in Q2, with expectations to double its annual revenue target [5]. - Baidu's online advertising revenue fell by 15% in Q2, indicating a pressing need for new revenue streams, which is a key reason for Baidu's active engagement in video generation models [5]. - The Steam Engine model operates on a subscription model, but the focus is on enhancing user engagement and advertising effectiveness on Baidu's platform rather than direct revenue from subscriptions [5].