BIDU(US:BIDU) 3 6 Ke·2026-01-14 01:48Core Insights - Baidu's subsidiary, Qimao, has launched the "Qimao Manju" app with the slogan "Watch dramas for free for 100 years," marking a strategic entry into the manhua drama market [1] - The year 2025 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for the manhua drama market, with a compound monthly supply growth rate of 83% and a market size exceeding 20 billion yuan [1][4] - The rise of manhua dramas is attributed to three key trends: the monetization of web literature IPs, the widespread application of AI technology, and the changing entertainment consumption habits of younger users [4][5] Industry Dynamics - Manhua dramas represent a "lightweight visual transformation" of web literature, utilizing static comics enhanced with voiceovers and effects to create short content [6] - The genre fills a gap in the market for quick, easily digestible content, appealing to users' fragmented time and preference for visual media [6][14] - Initially viewed as a transitional product, manhua dramas are evolving into an independent content form, targeting Gen Z and core web literature readers [15][18] Competitive Landscape - Major platforms like Douyin, Kuaishou, and Tencent are actively developing their own strategies in the manhua drama space, focusing on IP reserves as a competitive advantage [19] - Qimao's approach includes opening all IP adaptation rights and implementing a tiered remuneration policy for creators, fostering a positive cycle of content production [19] - By the time of its launch, Qimao had associated with 22 dynamic manhua projects, with over 3,000 pieces of content and more than 3 billion views [19] Technological Integration - Platforms are investing heavily in AI technology to enhance content creation and distribution, with Douyin and Kuaishou launching AI tools to streamline production processes [21][23] - Baidu's "Star Leap Plan" aims to integrate AI deeply into the manhua drama production process, significantly reducing costs and production time [23] - The use of AI is expected to transform manhua dramas from simple adaptations to high-quality original content, enhancing user engagement and experience [25][27] Future Outlook - The manhua drama market is projected to transition from a "transitional product" to a "mainstream segment" by 2026, driven by advancements in AI and the establishment of industry standards [24] - Despite rapid growth, challenges such as content homogenization, insufficient scriptwriting capabilities, and copyright disputes remain prevalent [24] - The integration of AI is seen as crucial for overcoming these challenges, with potential for significant cost reductions and efficiency improvements in production [24][25]