Chapter 80: Entering the Era of Short Videos

In August 2013, the world was just beginning to roll out 4G networks, half a year ahead of Arthur’s previous life. Yet, this world was actually far more advanced technologically than the original Earth.

To ensure that Hero Video would stay ahead of other video platforms, Arthur proposed the idea of short videos. The staff at Hero Video didn’t quite understand—short videos were just 15 seconds long, wasn’t that limiting? What was the point?

Arthur countered by asking whether they preferred spending half an hour watching a lengthy video, or just a few seconds viewing the same content condensed into a short video.

Still, most of them didn’t get it. Arthur explained further: a long video required setup, development, climax, and resolution, whereas a short video needed to convey the entire message within 15 seconds, much like the difference between traditional blogs and microblogs.

Of course, not all content suited the short video format; longer, more involved videos weren’t ideal for such platforms. Short videos were best for lightweight, easy entertainment with a fast-paced rhythm.

At last, the team understood Arthur’s vision: speed was the essence of short videos.

Creating a short video page for Hero Video was straightforward—it could be done in three days. But Arthur wanted to redesign the entire software layout.

The main page would feature short videos, with regular videos relegated to secondary pages. In other words, from now on, short videos would be the primary content of Hero Video.

The design department followed Arthur’s instructions and presented a beta version to him. Arthur picked up his engineering phone and launched Hero Video.

The homepage displayed short videos—though for now, they were just trimmed versions of longer videos, placed there for testing.

The overall layout resembled TikTok: swipe up or down to browse through videos. On the right, users could follow, like, comment, and share. Arthur also added handy gestures: double-tap to like, single-tap to pause. Long videos and live streams were placed in separate pages.

The biggest selling point, though, was the beauty filter. Arthur had the design team develop a beauty optimization feature; anyone recording a short video could alter their skin tone, face shape, eye size, and more. The effect was so smart and exaggerated that it rivaled makeup.

Arthur was satisfied with the app’s design and instructed the design team to proceed accordingly.

Next came the task of populating the short video content—finding influencers to create and upload initial videos.

Arthur asked the staff to contact the top creators on Hero Video, those with the most followers, and have each of them submit several vertical short videos, with incentives provided.

Of course, if you wanted popularity, the Avengers themselves were superstars. Once the new version launched, Arthur would ask them to join in too!

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Arthur was at home, teaming up with Pietro to climb the ranks. League of Legends was thriving, now the hottest game around, and e-sports tournaments were wildly popular, attracting countless sponsors.

But the most lucrative piece was Hero Video’s live streaming section, where wealthy fans regularly showered their favorite streamers with lavish gifts.

In just a year, Arthur had brought substantial income to the Avengers.

Tony was once again obsessed with his armor research. Arthur had given up on teasing him; he and Dr. Banner were working to incorporate Chitauri technology into their suits.

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Natasha, Steve Rogers, and Barton were hunting down remnants of Hydra, with Thor recently joining their cleanup efforts.

Peter Parker was focused on studying for his upcoming college entrance exams, aiming for the nearest university—NYU.

Arthur, meanwhile, was the most carefree. He preferred to stay out of things, acting as a hands-off boss unless Steve Rogers assigned him tasks. Otherwise, he’d always rather stay at home.

He took time to visit Atlantis, checking in on its people. Their lives were back on track, the city had been refurbished, and overall, things were moving in a positive direction.

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On September 15, 2013, the mobile version of Hero Video underwent a major update. Everyone rushed to download it.

After the update, Hero Video became an entirely new app—completely different from what it had been before.

When users launched the new Hero Video, an ad popped up: “The Era of Nationwide Short Videos Begins!” Then came a tutorial, showing how to browse short videos.

Everyone found these 15-second clips incredibly novel; before they knew it, an entire morning had passed, leaving them thoroughly entertained!

Especially popular were the singing and dance videos from various young women. Many male viewers were stunned by the abundance of beautiful women, each with dazzling looks and graceful figures—those long legs were simply captivating!

They didn’t realize it was all thanks to the beauty filter. After using Hero Video’s filter, many women couldn’t imagine switching back—the transformation was stunning!

There were also comedic creators whose quirky videos became instant hits, earning tons of likes and followers.

Arthur, meanwhile, planned to turn a new member of the Avengers into an internet star—his own American Shorthair cat, Venom.

Arthur filmed a video of Venom’s voracious appetite—the cat needed enough food for three people each day to be satisfied.

In the clip, the adorable silver American Shorthair devoured sardine meat at a terrifying pace, finishing a huge bowl in no time. Arthur, beside him, joked about raising a bottomless pit.

The video was delightful, posted under the newly registered Venom account. Arthur arranged some official promotion, and it quickly received a flood of likes.

Comments poured in, marveling at Arthur’s unique cat and wondering who could afford to feed such an eater.

Venom was less cute than he was intimidating.

Venom’s image was that of a foodie, but Arthur’s second video shattered that impression.

Venom could use a smartphone! In the clip, Venom lay on the sofa, holding a black iPhone 5, swiping through short videos. Arthur, busy cleaning nearby, scolded him for doing nothing but eating and lounging with his phone, never exercising.

The little cat rolled over as if that counted as exercise, then shot Arthur a look of disdain—so vivid it was almost human.

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The video was hilarious, and Venom, the talented cat, soon amassed 200,000 followers, hailed as the smartest cat online.

Arthur continued to produce a series of Venom short videos, all earning unanimous praise from viewers. People also discovered Venom was officially recognized as a member of the Avengers—Venom? A cat as an Avenger?

Venom’s fame exploded, though everyone treated it as a joke, assuming he was just the Avengers’ pet and not a real member.

Arthur was speechless reading the comments. Just wait until you’re proven wrong—after all, there’s a raccoon and a tree joining the team soon!

Wanda wanted to try short videos as well, so Arthur suggested she make a transformation video.

“What’s a transformation video?” Wanda asked.

“It’s where you start filming in your ordinary clothes, then, when the music hits its peak, suddenly switch into a striking outfit,” Arthur explained.

“Oh, I get it!” Wanda blushed and ran off to find some clothes.

A moment later, she stepped out of the bedroom in a new outfit and asked Arthur, “How about this one?”

Arthur was stunned: a crop top and ultra-short denim shorts, her shapely figure on full display—he hadn’t expected Wanda to be so stunning!

“I asked if the outfit was good—why aren’t you saying anything?” Wanda shook the dazed Arthur.

“What? Oh, yes… it looks great. When did you buy it?” Arthur snapped back to reality, wiping a bit of drool from his mouth.

“I saw lots of female streamers dressed like this on Hero Video, dancing. I bought a few sets but never wore them out…” Wanda replied shyly.

“Uh, I’m warning you—don’t wear that outside! Girls need to learn to protect themselves,” Arthur said seriously.

“Fine, then I’ll just wear it for you at home… do you like it?” Wanda whispered.

“Mm… ahem! I do—of course, I mean the outfit,” Arthur replied awkwardly.

“So how should I film it?” Wanda asked.

“Start like this… then switch like this…”

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