Narrative and aesthetic features of micro-short plays on short video platforms: -A case study of Douyin micro-short plays

Abstract

With the trend of decentralization, fragmentation and popularization of media communication, “micro-short plays”, which integrate the characteristics of short videos and TV dramas, emerge at the opportune moment. They have since developed a unique narrative system and aesthetic style. With the Douyin platform as an example, the narrative characteristics of micro-short plays are closely related to the platform and media characteristics of short videos. As for narrative objects, micro-short plays present a weakening of the environment and the focus of characters. They pursue a “fast-paced” and “refreshing” structure and plot, themed by both topicality and network IP.