A STUDY OF PLATFORM SUPPORT AND THE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES OFTHAI WEBTOON CANVAS ARTISTS: THE CASE OF LINE WEBTOON

Abstract

This research examines the role of the LINE Webtoon application in promoting the works of Thai CANVAS webtoon artists and increasing readers’ access to their works. The objectives were: 1) to examine the platform support systems that affect the work and income of Thai CANVAS webtoon artists; 2) to examine the occupational security of Thai webtoon artists within the working structure of the LINE Webtoon platform; and 3) to examine readers’ behavior and engagement that affect their support for Thai webtoon works on the LINE Webtoon platform.                

               This study employed a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from 100 readers, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 5 webtoon artists in the CANVAS section of LINE Webtoon Thailand. The data were then analyzed according to the research objectives. The findings revealed that LINE Webtoon plays an important role as a digital platform that increases access to webtoon works and expands the readership, thereby creating opportunities for artists to generate income and develop their careers. However, occupational security remains limited by platform-related factors, such as algorithms, ranking systems, and the visibility of works, which artists cannot directly control. In addition, income remains uncertain. Reader behavior and fan culture also play important roles in artists’ motivation and continuity in producing their works. The findings can serve as a knowledge base for developing the Thai webtoon ecosystem toward sustainable growth in the future.