Core Viewpoint - The recent news about Tencent Video's VIP subscription price increase has sparked significant discussion on social media, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed hike from 25 yuan to 38 yuan starting September 3, 2025 [1][3]. Pricing History - Tencent Video has previously adjusted its VIP membership prices multiple times: - In April 2021, the monthly price increased from 15 yuan to 20 yuan, quarterly from 45 yuan to 58 yuan, and annually from 178 yuan to 218 yuan [4]. - In April 2022, the monthly price rose from 20 yuan to 25 yuan, quarterly from 58 yuan to 68 yuan, and annually from 218 yuan to 238 yuan; the Super VIP monthly price increased from 30 yuan to 35 yuan [4]. - In December 2024, while there was no direct price increase, the benefits for new users were reduced, such as limiting the number of devices for login and playback [4]. Current Pricing Status - As of August 11, 2025, the Tencent Video app still shows the VIP automatic renewal prices at 25 yuan/month, 68 yuan/quarter, and 238 yuan/year, indicating that the rumored price increase to 38 yuan is not currently in effect [8][10]. Market Dynamics - The long video platform market has reached a saturation point in user growth, with major platforms like iQIYI and Tencent Video having over 100 million paid members. This has led to stagnation or even decline in membership revenue [10]. - The increase in membership prices is seen as a necessary strategy for platforms to improve revenue amidst rising content production costs and limited user growth [10][11]. User Sentiment and Expectations - Users have expressed frustration over the rising prices without a corresponding increase in content quality and service. There are concerns about reduced member benefits, such as limitations on device usage and additional fees for popular content [12][13]. - The growing dissatisfaction among users may lead to decreased willingness to pay for subscriptions, pushing some towards seeking pirated content [13]. Conclusion - The pricing adjustments in the long video industry reflect broader market trends and challenges, with companies needing to balance revenue generation with user satisfaction to maintain their subscriber base and competitive edge [11][12].

Group 1 - The release of popular dramas such as "Zhe Yao" and "Cang Hai Chuan" showcases the strong spending power of fans, with "Zhe Yao" achieving a heat value exceeding 30,000, marking the fastest record for a drama series launched in 2025 [1] - The high attention on these works is also attributed to the distribution of over 230,000 and 330,000 platform memberships through cloud screenings [2] - The cloud screening model has become a new norm, where production companies and creators must adapt to the emerging rules of the game, especially in the early stages of a drama's release [3][5] Group 2 - The encouragement and promotion of cloud screenings by platforms indicate a solidification of the star-driven drama strategy, while narrowing the survival space for mid-tier content [9] - Cloud screenings primarily serve as a market activation tool, aiming to generate buzz and attract viewers, but their effectiveness depends on the inherent potential of the drama [10] - The cloud screening model, initially created by Maoyan in 2021, has been adapted by long video platforms since 2023 to enhance drama viewership and promotional effects [11][12] Group 3 - The cloud screening model has proven to be a perfect match for dramas, as it directly meets the needs for viewership data, new user acquisition, and promotional reach [13] - Each VIP membership distributed through cloud screenings contributes to new user acquisition, and the promotional impact is evident through social media engagement [16][17] - The cloud screening model allows platforms to gain new users, increase daily active users, and enhance advertising exposure, while production companies exchange part of their revenue for data [22] Group 4 - The rise of cloud screenings challenges the existing heat evaluation system of platforms, which has shifted from viewing raw view counts to a more comprehensive heat index [26][27] - The development of cloud screenings raises questions about the authenticity of viewership data, as audiences may question whether they are watching the drama or simply acquiring memberships [29][30] - The cloud screening model disrupts the established perception of paid memberships, as some viewers benefit from free access, potentially leading to dissatisfaction among paying users [33] Group 5 - The cloud screening model reflects the industry's response to the pressures of declining viewership for long dramas, emphasizing the reliance on star power and fan spending [36][38] - While cloud screenings may provide short-term relief for the long video industry, they risk undermining the credibility of the heat index and the willingness of audiences to pay for content [39] - The long drama industry faces significant challenges, and while cloud screenings are a strategy to navigate these difficulties, a careful evaluation of their long-term implications is necessary [40]