Fan-created content is emerging as a new pathway for engaging with original works. Following Naver Webtoon’s support for fan creations based on author consent, global content companies like Disney and Spotify are also incorporating fan-generated works into their official ecosystems.
On August 10, Naver Webtoon reported that 'Job Change Log,' the first IP from its AI story chat service 'byUs,' has seen a 67% increase in views since its launch. The proportion of new users accessing the content has more than doubled, indicating that fans are increasingly consuming and creating new stories based on the original work.
byUs is an AI story chat service that allows users to engage with characters from approved webtoon IPs, taking on the role of the protagonist to develop the narrative. Naver Webtoon is expanding services that draw fan creations into its official ecosystem, utilizing original IPs.
One such tool is 'CutsMake,' which enables users to create short animated episodes using webtoon characters and scenes. Since its launch, views for the webtoon 'Operation Name: Pure Love,' which was on hiatus, have increased by 27%. This demonstrates that fan creations can sustain interest in the original work even during breaks in serialization.
Global content companies are also integrating fan creations into their official content ecosystems.
Disney plans to collaborate with TikTok to showcase fan videos utilizing its major IPs, including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, on its Disney+ short-form service. The company is also running a program that provides creators with access to official content and a reward system, aiming to broaden the scope of IP utilization by incorporating fan-made content into its platform.
Spotify is also working on features that allow fans to create cover songs and remixes using AI, with the consent of artists. The platform has secured over 30,000 label catalogs with major partners and aims to integrate fan creations into a legal ecosystem, creating a structure that generates new revenue for both artists and the platform.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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