Core Insights - The short drama industry has shifted from a "drama over actors" mentality to recognizing the star power of short drama actors, particularly CP (couple) pairings [1][6][24] - The success of "Nian Nian You Ci" has set a new record with over 3 billion views, highlighting the growing influence of CPs in driving viewership [1][18] - The marketing strategies for short drama CPs have evolved into a comprehensive approach involving platforms, production teams, and actors, creating a "full automation" era for CP promotion [6][7][22] Industry Trends - CPs are now seen as essential for marketing, with platforms and production companies actively engaging in CP promotion, moving away from a self-driven model [6][7][22] - The trend of multiple collaborations (N搭) among CPs has become a standard practice, contrasting with the earlier model where actors would often separate after a single successful pairing [24][30] - The integration of CP marketing into the overall promotional strategy has led to increased commercial value for both the dramas and the actors involved [22][30][33] Audience Engagement - CP fans are becoming a core audience segment, with their engagement significantly impacting the popularity and commercial success of short dramas [10][30][42] - The interactive nature of CP promotions, including live streams and social media content, has created a more personal connection between actors and fans, enhancing viewer loyalty [10][12][17] - The demographic of CP fans is primarily aged 20-35, who exhibit a more rational and engaged approach to content consumption, favoring relatable and nuanced character interactions [46] Content Creation - The narrative focus in short dramas is shifting towards the interactions between CPs, with creators intentionally crafting scenes to enhance CP appeal [39][43] - The production teams are increasingly aware of the importance of CP dynamics, incorporating visual and thematic elements that resonate with CP fans [43][46] - The success of CP-driven narratives is evident in the rising popularity of dramas that prioritize character relationships over traditional tropes [42][46]