Exploring the Development and Breakthrough of Online Variety Shows from the Perspective of Youth Subculture

Abstract

Many program formats are shifting from traditional variety shows to online variety shows as internet technology continues to develop. Online video platforms, led by iQiyi, have focused their content creation on the market for online self-produced variety shows. In many fields, program teams and directors choose youth subculture as the core creative concept of the programs. Different audience groups can find organizations and be entertained within their respective niches. In this thesis, we will take two classic online subculture variety shows, U Can U BB and Street Dance of China, as examples to explore how the in-depth combination of youth subcultures and online variety shows has aroused attention and threatened mainstream culture. At the same time, mainstream ideology and capital have been incorporated into the subculture market, and the modern audiovisual industry needs to reap stable benefits from the transition. In addition, the research methods of case studies of Chinese internet variety shows and comparative analysis will be utilized, bringing new thoughts and inspiration to media practitioners and content creators.