Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution and commercialization of online literature in China, highlighting the significant growth in the number of writers and works, with over 30 million writers and more than 40 million works produced [2][35]. Group 1: Evolution of Online Literature - Online literature has seen a shift in genre popularity, with romance being a long-standing favorite on platforms like Jinjiang, but declining since 2018 as "plot-driven" narratives gain traction [8][10]. - The categorization of online literature is primarily divided into male and female audiences, with distinct platforms catering to each demographic, such as Qidian for male readers and Jinjiang for female readers [4][10]. - The analysis of data from 2005 to 2024 reveals trends in genre tags, showing a decrease in "time travel" and "court politics" while "light-hearted" and "ensemble" genres are on the rise [15][18]. Group 2: Commercialization and IP Development - The commercialization of online literature has transitioned from free sharing to a paid model, allowing authors to monetize their work effectively, balancing the interests of readers, authors, and platforms [39][40]. - The development of IP from online literature has created a complete industry chain, with many popular dramas adapted from these works, particularly in the ancient romance genre, which is favored for its strong narrative and character complexity [41][48]. - The article notes that while ancient romance novels are highly sought after for adaptation, modern romance and urban genres also have potential, though competition is fierce due to a larger pool of works [49]. Group 3: Writing Techniques and Trends - The writing of online literature often follows specific "routines" or formulas, which can help new writers produce works quickly but also leads to a risk of homogenization, especially in the context of AI-generated content [27][33]. - Key elements in writing online literature include establishing a compelling story setting, creating distinct character dynamics, and emphasizing core conflicts to engage readers [21][24]. - The trend towards "light-hearted" narratives reflects a shift in reader preferences, with titles becoming more straightforward and appealing to the desire for entertaining content [16][17].