LINE Webtoon Revamps Global App with Short-Form and AI Features; Kakao Entertainment Introduces ‘Helix Shorts’
(SEOUL=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Kyung-yoon – Webtoon platforms are progressively adopting short-form animation previews, which allow users to get a sneak peek of the content.
According to LINE Webtoon, starting on the 8th of this month (U.S. local time), its parent company, Webtoon Entertainment, will completely revamp its global application and add a new tab called “New and Hot,” featuring short-form animation videos summarizing webtoon contents.
Webtoon Entertainment had previously announced during its February earnings call the launch of a new short video service for previews under the name “Highlights” but has since rebranded the service as “New and Hot” for app integration.
Until now, users had to choose a webtoon based solely on a single-page cover, title, and a brief summary. However, they will now be able to watch character movement and interaction in preview videos, allowing for a more informed selection based on personal preferences.
LINE Webtoon has also enhanced its AI recommendation feature, which analyzes readers’ tastes and viewing history to present customized content.
Kakao Entertainment is also focusing on producing short videos and utilizing AI. The web novel and webtoon platform KakaoPage has introduced “Helix Shorts,” AI-generated short-form videos for webtoon introductions. AI condenses the webtoon content, adds background music and image effects, and creates a 30-second teaser.
The adoption of these short-form and AI recommendation features appears to target younger audiences familiar with short-form content, such as those on TikTok.
This also seems to address the challenge posed by the exponentially growing number of works on webtoon platforms, making it difficult for readers to choose content that suits their tastes.
A representative from LINE Webtoon stated, “With an increasing number of users, such as Generation Z (born 1997-2006), who are familiar with video content, the exploration feature using short-form trailers is effective in lowering the barriers to entry and attracting new users.”