The Production and Dissemination of Laughter: A Detailed Exploration of Fu Hang's Stand-up Comedy Videos on Douyin from the Perspective of Cultural Industry
Abstract
Many Internet media outlets refer to 2021 as the "Year of the Boom of Chinese Stand-up Comedy." The rapid development of stand-up comedy culture can be attributed to its chain-like creation and distribution mechanism. Comedy, rooted in jest and banter, allows individuals to unmask each other and revel in the happiness of free expression. However, behind this lighthearted facade lies the commodification of happiness, performance, and even the audience, all driven by the forces of capital and industrialized comedy production. This article examines Fu Hang's talk show videos on Douyin platform, employing text analysis, data analysis, and media criticism theories related to the cultural industry. By analyzing Fu Hang’s content, related videos, and audience engagement, this paper explores the commercialization embedded in the production and dissemination of his talk show videos. Ultimately, Fu Hang's stand-up comedy videos on Douyin exemplify how “laughter” is industrially produced in a manipulative, mechanical and commercial way.
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