Algorithmic Drive, Aesthetic Transformation and the Production Logic of Chinese Online Literature within the context of the Platform Economy: The Case of Qidian

The rapid expansion of the internet has made online literature a key component of China’s cultural sector. With the increasing influence of platform algorithms, literary production has evolved beyond a purely individual creative endeavour, becoming increasingly shaped by reader preferences and commercial imperatives. While much existing scholarship has focused on the exploitation of writers within the platform economy, this paper shifts attention to how algorithms contribute to the emergence of new aesthetic values and forms of creativity. The study investigates the dynamic relationship between platform economies, algorithmic writing, and aesthetic transformation in Chinese online literature, with a specific focus on Qidian, one of the leading platforms in this domain. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines a literature review, case studies, surveys, and interviews with both writers and readers to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolving literary landscape. The paper critically evaluates how the production logic of online literature platforms encourages new creative and aesthetic practices, providing insights into the future development of online literature.