Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent rumors surrounding Youku's policy on drama series, clarifying that the platform is not mandating a strict limit of 12 episodes but is instead addressing the issue of "watered-down" dramas that have proliferated in the industry [2][3]. Industry Trends - The rise of short dramas is significantly impacting long video platforms, as they compete for viewers' attention and alter audience expectations regarding narrative pacing [4][5]. - Long video platforms are responding by creating short drama channels and reducing the number of episodes in their long dramas to maintain competitiveness [6]. Changes in Content Strategy - Platforms like Tencent Video are adopting a strategy to limit the number of episodes in their series, with Tencent's X Theater maintaining a cap of 20 episodes [6]. - The abandonment rate for the first five episodes of long dramas is reported to be 50%, with completion rates only at 20%-30%, prompting a shift towards shorter, more engaging content [6]. Data Insights - In 2024, the total number of new domestic drama episodes is reported to be 7,610, a 14% decrease year-on-year, with an average of 28.1 episodes per series, down by 0.8 episodes [7]. - The proportion of series with 21 to 28 episodes has increased by 8 percentage points, indicating a trend towards mid-length dramas [7]. Case Studies - Successful adaptations of short drama techniques into long dramas, such as "墨雨云间," have shown positive market feedback, highlighting the effectiveness of concise storytelling [6]. - Notable examples of successful short dramas include iQIYI's "隐秘的角落" with 12 episodes and Tencent Video's "我的阿勒泰" with 8 episodes, both achieving high acclaim and commercial success [6].