AI-powered short dramas have transformed from a technological novelty into a cultural phenomenon over the past few months. Produced at unprecedented speeds, these stories not only lower the barriers to cross-cultural understanding, but also provide a new narrative framework for new-media content creation. It's a narrative that can be endlessly adapted and expanded — and audiences adore it.

An AI-powered short video whose title translates as Did You Save a Fox on a Snowy Mountain? has sparked a wave of adaptations, evolving into a cross-platform sensation. This replicable, ever-evolving cultural meme enables anyone to create their own version, complete with a myriad of unexpected endings.

Another example is an AI-powered series produced by the China Media Group whose title translates as The Gratitude and Grudge Happened in the Flowing Gold Valley. This series, deeply rooted in the popular wuxia genre, uses allegory to explore the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, transforming intricate international issues into vivid and engaging storytelling. With its emotionally resonant and metaphor-rich narrative, the series embodies the timeless Chinese wisdom that true martial valor lies in restraint and that harmony is the highest good.

AI drives the entire short-drama production pipeline, from script generation and multilingual translation to character and scene creation, voice-over and score production, editing and visual effects. This means content can be produced and distributed in near real-time. As a result, stories can now reach wider audiences than ever before, all at low cost and with high efficiency.

However, AI is not merely a technical gimmick to draw in viewers. Instead, it paves the way for bold experiments in narrative innovation, establishing a new paradigm for creators.

AI-powered short dramas have already established a well-defined human-machine collaborative work-flow. Creative teams concentrate on vision, narrative framing, and meaning-making, while AI enhances production efficiency and broadens the scope of expression — from visual generation and scene choreography to narrative pacing. The result is a replicable storytelling template that sets a new benchmark for short dramas.

This signals a shift in focus for AI-powered short dramas, moving from a pursuit of quantity to a refined emphasis on quality. As these productions compete with other forms of drama, their strength lies not in cost-cutting or efficiency gains, but in their ability to translate complex narrative issues into dense, emotionally charged visual storytelling. They excel at conveying information, stirring emotions, and delivering meaning in just a few minutes. AI-powered short dramas can lower the barriers to understanding across cultural contexts and achieve effective reach among diverse audiences.

However, if AI-powered short dramas aim to enhance their quality and influence on a global scale, they require a clear understanding of the boundaries of technology-enabled communication.

Within these legitimate boundaries, it is crucial for content creators to understand and respect diverse cultures. They need to exercise self-restraint and align with ethical standards and legal regulations. Differences in cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and political contexts across countries must be considered for adaptations. Creators and distributors should pay close attention to local market feedback and develop a deep, nuanced understanding of their target countries, flexibly adapting visual symbols and narrative styles to fit local contexts.

Otherwise, the use of AI technologies in short drama productions can exacerbate existing risks of copyright infringement and ethical concerns in the audiovisual industry. These risks range from the legality of training data sources to determining the originality of generated content, and even the misuse of symbols in certain cultural contexts. Many of these gray areas remain unresolved domestically and present significant legal and reputational risks in international markets.

Recently, Hongguo Short Drama, a Chinese short drama platform under ByteDance, announced that in response to the recent surge in violations involving materials used in AI-generated short dramas, 670 offending works have been handled in accordance with regulations.

The legal and compliant use of AI in short dramas can introduce refreshing and innovative elements. Instead of merely chasing clicks, The Gratitude and Grudge Happened in the Flowing Gold Valley maintains a steady value proposition and a clear narrative stance. It reflects a new direction for China's mainstream media storytelling in an algorithm-driven and emotion-fueled content landscape. The drama demonstrates that mainstream media can engage in public discourse through suspense, wit and fresh creative forms.

In the AI era, many mainstream media outlets have proactively remained grounded, safeguarding core values and setting benchmarks without drifting with the technological tide. At the same time, they are breaking new ground by leading expressive innovation and regaining a discursive edge amid internet content homogenization.

As the short drama aptly conveys, the pinnacle of martial arts lies not in physical strength, but in the ability to prevent conflict. This same logic applies to AI-powered short dramas. The true value of technology is not in its sheer power, but in the restraint with which it is wielded and the purpose it serves.

No matter how technology evolves, the cornerstone of any short drama remains a compelling story. When creators use characters and narratives to forge emotional connections, build dramatic tension and deliver genuine emotional resonance, AI becomes an enabler. It helps stories transcend cultural boundaries, reach wider audiences with precision and amplify their resonance.

The author is the executive dean of the Academy of International and Regional Communication Studies at the Communication University of China.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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