#China #Shanghai #iQIYI #Shanghai TV Festival #AI-powered production

iQIYI at the Shanghai TV Festival

The 30th Shanghai TV Festival, held recently, was marked by significant participation from iQIYI, one of China's foremost online entertainment platforms. This annual event, known for fostering dialogues among industry leaders, provided a platform for iQIYI to showcase its strategic direction in the face of evolving viewer preferences.

Premium Storytelling and AI Integration

At the festival, executives from iQIYI, including Xiao CHEN, the Senior Vice President, highlighted the platform's commitment to delivering premium storytelling in various formats. They discussed how iQIYI is responding to the rapidly changing landscape of content consumption, particularly the demand for both long-form narratives and quick storytelling formats, which appeal to diverse audience needs.

In one of the standout sessions, Chen elaborated on iQIYI's three-part evaluation framework. This helps guide their content development by assessing:
1. Artistic value and social relevance,
2. Potential for long-term franchise development,
3. Capacity for generating resonance across multiple industries.

To cater to differing viewer tastes, iQIYI is pursuing an integrated content strategy that includes not only feature-length drama series but also a rich library of short micro dramas. With over 15,000 titles in this category, the platform aims to create engaging content that captures the essence of youth culture and modern storytelling trends.

AI and Production Efficiency

As part of their initiative to foster innovation, Liang ZHU, Vice President of iQIYI and Head of Intelligent Production, discussed the company’s advancements in AI technology. According to Zhu, AI now plays a crucial role throughout the content creation process, enhancing efficiency and creativity. In 2025 alone, the use of proprietary virtual production technology increased significantly, showing robust growth in their production capabilities.

Additionally, the implementation of their Clip System has enabled enhanced coordination of shoots, streamlining workflows in productions worldwide, including sites in Bangkok. This technological advancement not only improves productivity but also enhances the quality of the content being produced.

Global Expansion and Local Strategies

iQIYI's international ambitions were also a key focus during the festival. Qi WANG, the Head of Content Business at iQIYI International, articulated the importance of localization in their global strategy. They are making strides in adapting Chinese content for international markets by deeply understanding local audiences and their preferences. This approach is fundamental to their content positioning and marketing strategies.

With branches established in several countries across Asia and North America, iQIYI is committed to investing in localized content production, thereby diversifying its offerings and catering to global entertainment needs. This strategic expansion aims not just to distribute Chinese content globally, but to cultivate a dialogue between cultures, enhancing the resonance of their narratives among international audiences.

Recognition and Accomplishments

At the Shanghai TV Festival, iQIYI received considerable acclaim, garnering 29 nominations at the prestigious Magnolia Awards, with standout entries such as "City of the City" and "The King of Stand-up Comedy." This acknowledgment from peers and audiences alike further cements iQIYI's position as a leader in the entertainment industry, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation.

In conclusion, iQIYI's active participation in this year’s Shanghai TV Festival reflects not just their pioneering role in content production but also a proactive stance in shaping the future of entertainment. From leveraging advanced technologies like AI to embracing a comprehensive approach to storytelling, their efforts echo a promise to deliver high-quality content that resonates with audiences both in China and around the globe.