A Narrative Revolution in Vertical Framing: The Aesthetics of "Spatial Compression" and Multimodal Reconstruction in Vertical Screen Short Dramas

This study investigates the aesthetic, narrative, and engagement mechanisms of vertical-screen short dramas by integrating quantitative user behavior modeling and qualitative audience research. It scrapes user engagement metrics from 100 trending vertical-screen dramas on platforms such as TikTok and Kuaishou, and analyzes the correlations between thumb-triggered interactions (e.g., swipe speed, pause frequency) and narrative structures. A comparative case study of Twenty-Nine, presented in both horizontal and vertical formats, examines how spatial compression influences character dynamics and emotional tone. Additionally, focus groups across different age cohorts evaluate cognitive and emotional responses to various vertical narrative styles, highlighting generational differences in tolerance for compressed visual spaces. Data triangulation across behavioral modeling, case analysis, and audience reception provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how vertical framing reshapes narrative strategies and viewer engagement. The findings offer theoretical and practical insights for creators optimizing content within the evolving ecosystem of mobile-first media consumption.