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]