#China #Shanghai #iQIYI #AI Content #iJOY 2025

iQIYI iJOY Conference 2025: A New Era of Storytelling

On September 25, 2025, iQIYI held its iJOY Conference in the vibrant city of Shanghai, marking a significant milestone in the company's evolution. The event showcased an impressive array of over 400 new titles that iQIYI plans to release throughout 2025 and into 2026. This ambitious rollout emphasizes iQIYI's commitment to leveraging its successful intellectual properties (IPs) across a variety of content forms including long-form dramas, short episodes, and cutting-edge AI-driven narratives.

A Blend of Content and Technology

Founder and CEO Yu Gong articulated the vision for this new phase of entertainment during the conference. He stated, "The integration of long and short-form content alongside the transformative potential of AI is fundamentally reshaping the entertainment industry." His insights highlighted iQIYI's commitment to delivering emotional resonance in user experiences, both online and offline. This vision will drive the company to further develop its acclaimed IP, enhancing viewer engagement through premium storytelling.

As playlists adapt to new viewing habits, iQIYI will not only continue to produce its flagship long-form dramas but is also pushing the boundaries of micro-dramas. These shorter formats have emerged as essential growth drivers in the competitive entertainment landscape.

Success Stories and Future Plans

In the past year, iQIYI has seen incredible success with its mix of content. Dramas such as "Drifting Away", "Feud", and "This Thriving Land" have captured significant audience shares, while the company's micro-drama selection has ballooned to include over 20,000 titles. Additionally, original variety shows have dominated viewership ratings, with four of them ranked among the top ten for market share this year. The film division is also thriving, proven by summer blockbusters like "The Shadow's Edge," which grossed over 1.2 billion yuan at the box office.

Chief Content Officer Xiaohui Wang elaborated on the core philosophy behind iQIYI's content strategy, which focuses on the creation of unique and diverse IPs. Drawing from various genres, the company seeks to produce high-quality narratives that resonate on multiple emotional layers. Wang stated, "Our goal is to ensure that premium IP transforms into experiences that engage and connect deeply with our audience."

Future Content Offerings and Strategies

The conference highlighted an expansive roadmap for upcoming programming. The slate of long-form dramas features new entries in various genres, from suspenseful tales to heartwarming romances. Furthermore, iQIYI's variety shows slated for 2026 will span across gaming, talent competitions, and lifestyle themes, ensuring there’s something for every viewer. Popular returning shows like "The Blooming Journey 2" alongside innovative originals are expected to boost viewer engagement even further.

All eyes are on the sports programming too, as iQIYI prepares to broadcast major football leagues, tennis tournaments, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With initiatives like "Unbiased Football Guide", the platform is also delving into original sports-related programming.

Immersive Experiences Beyond Digital

Expanding its reach, iQIYI is taking its vibrant IP into offline spaces. After launching successful interactive initiatives in cities like Yangzhou and Kaifeng, plans are underway for a new iQIYI Land in Beijing's bustling Wangfujing district. This venue will offer fans an immersive experience to engage with their favorite shows and characters. The company's immersive theater network now spans 58 venues across 31 cities, enhancing storytelling with rich, multi-sensory experiences that transport audiences beyond traditional viewing.

A New Creative Frontier with AI

One of the standout features of this year’s conference was the launch of the "Peter Pau × iQIYI AI Theater" initiative, in partnership with Academy Award-winning cinematographer Peter Pau. This venture seeks to harness the power of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, encouraging creators to produce AI-enhanced stories. Fifteen projects will be selected for production and are scheduled to debut on iQIYI in early 2026.

Moreover, Senior Vice President Gang Wu discussed the use of AI in revolutionizing marketing strategies, enabling data-driven campaigns that closely match audience preferences and enhance brand loyalty. The integration of AI in various operational sectors positions iQIYI as a forward-thinking leader in digital entertainment.

Conclusion

As iQIYI prepares to embark on this ambitious path, it is clear that the entertainment industry is on the brink of drastic changes. With a solid mix of innovative content strategies and the integration of AI technologies, iQIYI is set to redefine storytelling for audiences both locally and globally. The future of entertainment seems brighter than ever, as iQIYI aims to deliver unforgettable experiences to its viewers.