From real creators to real audiences

Tracing the communication pathways of Chinese web series narratives

Bibliographic Data

ID22094077
AuthorsShangmingzhu Zhang (0009-0002-1630-9152, National University of Malaysia, corresponding author), Hasrul Hashim (0000-0002-9542-8469, National University of Malaysia), Nurzihan Hassim (0000-0001-6766-9030, National University of Malaysia)
Year2025
Volume10
Publication date2025-10-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Communication (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2297-900X • E-ISSN: 2297-900X
PublisherFrontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fcomm.2025.1692975
OpenAlexW4415137425
LanguageEN
References cited25

Introduction This study investigates how creators and audiences interact in shaping Chinese web series narratives, drawing on reception theory as a guiding framework. The aim is to trace communication pathways that influence narrative development and to examine how audience feedback shapes creative decisions. Methods Using qualitative methods, the research involved in-depth interviews with web series creators and viewers, followed by multi-level coding of the data. Results The findings show that creators construct an “implied reader” to guide narrative design and adapt their storytelling in response to real-time audience reactions. This dynamic exchange marks a shift from one-way content delivery to a collaborative process of meaning-making. Discussion The study highlights the role of digital platforms in transforming narrative practices and provides insights into balancing artistic vision with market demands. These results contribute to a broader understanding of digital storytelling and offer practical implications for enhancing content creation and audience engagement in the evolving digital entertainment landscape

Digital media · Digital Storytelling · Entertainment · Narrative · Storytelling · Tracing · Digital Games and Media · Media Studies and Communication · Media, Gender, and Advertising