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Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
iQIYI 2025 World Conference: Shaping the future of online entertainment through integrated "long + short" storytelling and enhanced IP monetization
400+ titles and five mini-drama initiatives to advance its "long + short" strategy Strengthens IP monetization with the content-driven e-commerce platform AI-powered tools to elevate viewing experience and boost production efficiency BEIJING, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Apr. 23, iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, unveiled over 400 new titles and a series of strategic initiatives at its 2025 iQIYI World Conference in Beijing. The announcements highlight the company's continued commitment to an integrated "long + short" form content strategy, diverse IP monetization, and technological innovation, defining the next phase of the online entertainment industry. "2025 is a turning point for the industry," said Yu GONG, Founder and CEO of iQIYI. "As user attention spans shrink and content creation accelerates, we are adapting by prioritizing high-quality storytelling, expanding mini-drama formats as a new growth engine beyond traditional long-form. Our focus remains audience-centric, delivering premium content that balances commercial success with artistic value." Advancing "long + short" content slate at scale iQIYI is entering a two-year transformation to scale both long- and short-form content. The newly announced slate for 2025-2026 includes over 400 titles spanning drama series, mini- and short-dramas, variety shows, films, documentaries, animation, and sports. Xiaohui WANG, Chief Content Officer of iQIYI, highlighted that 2025 marks the official start of the "long + short" content transformation cycle — aimed at combining scale with storytelling quality while meeting evolving viewer demands and consumption habits. The platform's long-form strategy will be anchored by five signature drama brands — "Laugh On," "Light On," "Love On," "Masterpiece," and "Microcosm" Theaters — each dedicated to serialized dramas spanning comedy, crime, romance, literary adaptations, and cinematic experimentation with fewer episodes. At the conference, iQIYI also unveiled the upcoming adaptations of acclaimed crime novelist Zi Jinchen's latest trilogy, set to join the future lineup of "Light On Theater" alongside ongoing and forthcoming titles such as "A Life For A Life," "Low IQ Crime," and "Dead End." In film, iQIYI launched plans to boost its self-produced slate and construct a holistic framework supporting filmmakers from emerging talent incubation to commercial blockbusters — reinforcing its competitiveness in the film market. On the short-form front, iQIYI is doubling down on its premium mini-drama (1-5 minutes/episode) strategy with five dedicated initiatives, including the "Thousand Mini-Dramas Initiative" and "Hundred Hong Kong Mini-Dramas Initiative" programs. These efforts aim to enrich genre diversity and elevate the artistic standards of the format. For short-dramas (5-20 minutes/episode), the company is rolling out a flagship "Major Short-Drama Initiative" to scale both volume and quality. In the mini-variety space, iQIYI is developing lightweight, theme-based content across multiple verticals — from IP derivatives, innovative formats, niche audiences, and social hot topics — designed to meet increasingly fragmented user consumption patterns. To amplify the commercial impact of its content, iQIYI upgraded its marketing model, aiming to provide marketing solutions across content types while unlocking new brand partnership opportunities. Scaling IP monetization with e-commerce and theme parks Alongside content expansion, iQIYI is advancing its IP monetization strategy across both digital and physical channels. It has launched the trial operation of its content-driven e-commerce platform, integrating its rich IP portfolio, livestreaming, and short-form videos. Tightly integrated with programming and supported by celebrity participation, the new e-commerce feature allows users to engage with content while purchasing products in real time. The platform targets iQIYI's paid subscribers as core users, aiming to establish a strong commercial foundation in 2025 and drive accelerated growth in 2026. This follows the recent announcement of the two flagship iQIYI LAND theme parks in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province and Kaifeng, Henan province, highlighting efforts to extend premium IPs into immersive offline experiences through an agile and technology-driven model. Empowering diverse viewing and scalable creation with AI technologies iQIYI is also accelerating the integration of AI to meet evolving viewer habits and improve content production efficiency. The company introduced iJump, a feature that caters to changing viewing preferences, enabling users to jump between scenes. "iJump gives control back to the viewer," said Wenfeng LIU, President of Infrastructure and Intelligent Content Distribution Business Group (IIG) at iQIYI. "By analyzing user habits and attention patterns, our AI learns to surface the most engaging story beats — whether that means a full-length episode, a 35-minute edit, or a 20-minute fast cut. This shift — from producer-driven delivery to user-driven selection — reshapes how we design content and products." iQIYI also featured Taodou, its intelligent assistant, providing personalized recommendations and intuitive content access through voice and text commands. Meanwhile, Taodou World, powered by large AI models, allows real-time conversations with nearly 1,000 virtual characters from iQIYI titles — extending IP influence and deepening audience immersion. On the production side, iQIYI's Screenplay Workshop leverages AI to support creators with tools for plot evaluation, character development, and narrative refinement. The upgraded QClip production suite further improves efficiency with cloud-based asset management and wireless on-set monitoring. Together, these technologies streamline workflows, enhance creative output, enable immersive viewing experiences, and reinforce iQIYI's leadership in intelligent content production. CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE iQIYI
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
iQIYI leads agile, IP-and tech-powered offline experience with plan for second theme park in China
BEIJING, April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Apr. 18, iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, announced the groundbreaking of its second comprehensive theme park, iQIYI LAND, in Kaifeng, Henan Province, Central China. This milestone follows last month's unveiling of iQIYI's plans for its first comprehensive theme park in Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province in East China, marking another step in the company's strategy to extend its premium IP into the offline realm. It also showcases an innovative model that combines operational agility with enhanced interactivity powered by cutting-edge technologies. 'Through online-offline integration, viewers engage more deeply with the content, transforming from 'audience' to 'experiencer' and even 'co-creator,'' said Yu GONG, founder and CEO of iQIYI, at the launch ceremony. He added, 'iQIYI is developing a comprehensive digital entertainment solution that encompasses everything from online content to offline experiences and from virtual interactions to real-life engagement. These technological advancements and innovations will lay a strong foundation for the Kaifeng project.' The upcoming iQIYI LAND in Kaifeng will feature seven core entertainment sectors introduced in the Yangzhou project, including immersive theater, holographic light spaces, interactive performance theaters, film set interaction areas, NPC (non-player character) experiences, MR (mixed reality) experiences, and other offline activities. The new park will also introduce IP-themed exhibition areas designed to deepen audience engagement and enrich the visitor experience. Unlike traditional theme parks that require capital-intensive infrastructure, heavy upfront investment, and extended return cycles, iQIYI is pioneering a more agile and technology-driven model. By leveraging proprietary game engines, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI), the company delivers frequent content updates and more immersive engagement. This approach also addresses common industry challenges such as IP depreciation, high costs associated with live performers and limited interactive content capabilities. 'Since 2017, we've been exploring immersive offline storytelling experiences while building a strong portfolio of sustainable, original Chinese IPs,' said Hang ZHANG, Senior Vice President of iQIYI. 'We're committed to driving content innovation and improving operational efficiency to create long-term value for both users and the industry.' He added that bringing popular IPs into the physical world helps deepen fans' emotional connections with the content. Currently, the immersive theater experiences have been rolled out across more than 20 cities and 40 locations nationwide and will become a core attraction at iQIYI LAND in the future. This strategic direction aligns with the growing demand in China's theme park sector, which, according to data from China Insights Consultancy, reached RMB 60 billion (USD 8.2 billion) in 2023 and is projected to exceed RMB 110 billion (USD 15 billion) by 2028. As with the earlier Yangzhou project, iQIYI continues to prioritize culturally rich cities with strong accessibility and market potential. Located in Central China's Henan Province, Kaifeng is one of China's eight ancient capitals and offers excellent transportation connectivity, including high-speed rail lines that connect to Zhengzhou, with a population of 13 million, in just 30 minutes and to Luoyang, with a population of 7 million, in approximately one hour. The 960 Cultural and Creative Park, the future site of the theme park, is located near Longting Lake Park, a well-known cultural and leisure destination. CONTACT: iQIYI Press, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE iQIYI
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
iQIYI hosts Glittering Night to drive high-quality development in mini and short drama industry
BEIJING, March 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Mar. 14, iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, convened the country's most comprehensive gathering of mini and short drama professionals at its inaugural Glittering Night ceremony in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, where industry leaders collectively endorsed the sector's critical transition from quantity-driven output to premium content creation. The dual-format occasion combined executive forums addressing content standardization with evening celebrations honoring premium productions like short- and mini-drama of the year, and revealed new strategic programs to elevate production values through 2025. With over 70 distinguished actors and more than 400 creators in attendance, the event presented 34 competitive honors while charting industry-wide quality benchmarks. During his remarks at the forum, iQIYI Founder and CEO Yu GONG reiterated that iQIYI will continue to enhance the aesthetics and value of mini and short drama content, making full use of artificial intelligence and virtual production technology to improve the quality of short-form content produced. "Building a content ecosystem consisting of both long and short-form content is iQIYI's firm development strategy. No matter the length, we hope that viewers will be able to find content they like on iQIYI," Gong stated. Strategic ecosystem development for premium productions As part of its integrated long-form and short-form content strategy, iQIYI has structured its mini/short drama ecosystem through two standardized formats: the vertical-screen "Mini-Drama Theater" (1-5 minutes/episode) and the horizontal "Short-Drama Theater" (5-20 minutes/episode). Previously, the industry norm heavily favored spending large budgets on advertising and marketing rather than quality content. However, the transition to high-quality content production is essential for the industry's advancement. With its massive user base, expert production capabilities, mature membership model, and friendly revenue-sharing rules, iQIYI is well positioned to raise the standard for development of the mini and short drama industry under a clear strategy of creating a content ecosystem that includes both long and short-form. iQIYI Senior Vice President Haitao YANG detailed the platform's strategy for making premium short-form content by establishing an open content ecosystem and encouraging more creators to work together to create a diverse range of mini and short dramas through various models of cooperation. iQIYI has also further refined user segmentation through the different positioning of the iQIYI main app and iQIYI Lite app. The strategic framework has already manifested in iQIYI's latest production pipeline, with the forum serving as a launchpad for 47 new titles. The upcoming mini drama lineup spans multiple genres such as fantasy, costume, and comedy, incorporating youthful, internet culture-infused content. The short drama lineup includes sequels to popular IP series such as "Original Sin" and "A Ming Dynasty Mystery" among numerous other premium titles. Additionally, iQIYI announced a new plan for cooperation based on its existing "Thousand Mini-Dramas Initiative" and "Hundred Short-Dramas Initiative." The new project — the "Hundred Hong Kong Mini-Dramas Initiative" — is jointly launched by iQIYI and two partners, and will solicit IP adaptations and productions from upstream partners to recreate the craze for classic Hong Kong films. Moreover, with the rollout of greater high-quality content, iQIYI aims to boost traffic of premium mini and short dramas through efficient content marketing, opening up greater commercialization opportunities and improving advertising monetization. Honors to recognize premium content and creators At the Glittering Night 2025 ceremony in the evening, several dramas, stars, and creative teams were recognized for their exceptional works. In the short drama category, 30 dramas and 42 actors and creators received 16 different honors, with dramas including "First Marriage" and "Blind Woman" receiving outstanding short drama, "Original Sin" receiving most popular short drama, and "The Great Nobody" receiving short drama of the year. Actors including Muchen LI, Jiayi WU, and Zhixin FAN received short drama star of the year. In the mini drama category, 12 dramas and 47 actors and creators received 18 different honors, with dramas including "Deng Feng Tai" (translates as "Ascending the Phoenix Platform") and "Palace of Schemes" receiving outstanding mini drama, and "The Emperor's Dominance" receiving mini drama of the year. Actors including Yizhen XU and Xi ZHONG received mini drama star of the year. CONTACT: iQIYI Press, press@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE iQIYI Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
iQIYI showcases strategic response to TV drama industry trends: short-form content and technological innovation drive growth
BEIJING, Feb. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- iQIYI, China's leading online entertainment platform, participated in the first China TV Drama Production Industry Conference and the 10th China International TV Drama Program Trade Fair in Shenzhen in last week. iQIYI Founder and CEO Yu GONG delivered a keynote speech at the conference, emphasizing the company's 'viewer-centric approach' in response to evolving consumption patterns. 'Success in our industry goes beyond content length, cast influence, production budgets, or the latest AI and virtual production technologies,' Gong stated. 'The most crucial aspect is respecting the creative process, valuing content creators, understanding audience preferences, managing resources efficiently, and leveraging innovation to deliver premium content. Ultimately, putting viewers at the center of everything we do is what matters most.' Strategic Expansion of Mini-Drama Ecosystem As the content and entertainment industry continues to transform, iQIYI shared content strategies that include serialized long-form dramas, premium short-form content, and industrialized mini-dramas, along with its technological innovations aimed at enhancing production capabilities. During a keynote speech on emerging content formats, iQIYI Senior Vice President Haitao YANG outlined the company's strategic initiatives in response to growing market demand for concise storytelling. Highlighting the expansion of its mini and short dramas ecosystem, Yang detailed two key programs - the 'Thousand Mini-Dramas Initiative' and 'Hundred Short-Dramas Initiative,' which are being implemented across two distinct content theaters. The 'Mini-Drama Theater' focuses on mobile-optimized vertical content of 1-3 minutes per episode, covering genres from romance to suspense while the 'Short-Drama Theater' features horizontal format content of 5-20 minutes per episode, emphasizing premium period dramas and urban storylines. Leveraging iQIYI's established expertise in long-form video content production, the company has achieved breakthroughs in this segment, with its mini-drama portfolio now surpassing 10,000 titles and capturing 95% of the leading mini-drama content providers in the market. The company reached a significant milestone in December 2024 when the platform's first mini-drama generated over RMB 1 million (US$0.14 million) in revenue-sharing income. iQIYI has also revamped its Apps to improve users' viewing experience recently. While iQIYI's main app continues to focus on long-form video with membership-based revenue models, iQIYI Lite app has been strategically repositioned to primarily feature free mini-dramas supported by advertising. Recent data indicates the format's growing popularity, with mini-drama viewing time on the main app now rivaling that of animation, kids' content, and variety shows. On iQIYI Lite app, mini-dramas have secured the second position in viewership, surpassed only by traditional long-form dramas. Virtual Production Technology Elevates Content Production At the conference, iQIYI Vice President Liang ZHU highlighted the company's cutting-edge advancements in virtual production technology, which have been actively implemented across its robust portfolio of long-form dramas, where iQIYI has secured the highest viewership market share in both Q4 and throughout the full year of 2024, according to data from Enlightent. For example, the original drama 'My Journey to You' achieved a remarkable 30% increase in production efficiency through virtual filming techniques, while 'Fangs of Fortune' pioneered large-scale water surface reflection in virtual filming in China. With virtual production elements comprising 16% of its total production, 'Fangs of Fortune' stands as one of the most technically sophisticated and extensive virtual productions in China to date. Zhu explained how these innovations are becoming a mainstream trend in the industry, with leading content platforms and IP owners achieving significant improvements in both efficiency and quality through virtual production and reusable digital assets. To stay at the forefront, iQIYI has made substantial infrastructure investments, including the recent completion of a 2,500-square-meter flagship virtual studio that meets world-class standards of excellence. Additionally, its self-developed IQ Stage virtual production platform integrates over 20 patented technologies, enabling sophisticated real-and-virtual integration effects that deliver exceptional visual experiences to global audiences.
