Core Insights - The article discusses the rising popularity of short dramas on platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou, particularly focusing on the success of horror monster-themed series that have garnered significant viewership [1][7][25]. Group 1: Short Drama Rankings - The article presents a weekly ranking of popular short dramas based on total view counts from July 27 to August 2, 2025, highlighting the top series and their respective viewership numbers [1][5]. - Notable entries include "Escape from Deadly Island" with over 2.2 billion views and "Snake Shadow Mystery" with over 2.4 billion views, showcasing the appeal of horror themes [7][19]. Group 2: Industry Trends - The short drama industry is experiencing a trend of homogenization, with many series following similar tropes, leading to a competitive environment [20][24]. - In response, some creators are focusing on high-quality production values, with top-tier short dramas now costing around 3 million yuan, a significant increase from earlier production costs [20][22]. Group 3: Genre Innovation - The success of "Snake Shadow Mystery" exemplifies a shift towards innovative themes, moving away from traditional narratives to incorporate horror and monster elements, which resonate with current audience preferences [24][25]. - The article notes that horror and thriller genres are in high demand, as they provide a unique emotional experience that engages viewers [25][26]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The potential for horror monster-themed short dramas to become a new trend is highlighted, with the industry encouraged to continue exploring and innovating within this genre to avoid the pitfalls seen in previous low-quality productions [26][27]. - The integration of AI technology in production is suggested as a way to enhance the quality and reduce costs associated with creating monster effects, which could be a competitive advantage for future short dramas [26][27].