iQIYI's iJOY Conference 2026: A Leap into AI-Driven Entertainment with 350+ New Titles

On September 23, 2026, iQIYI, one of China’s top online entertainment platforms, launched an ambitious lineup of more than 350 new programs during its iJOY Conference in Shanghai. This significant event showcased the company's commitment to AI technology, which plays a pivotal role in transforming long-format content production and enhancing the overall creator ecosystem.

The conference began with iQIYI's Founder and CEO Yu GONG outlining three major priorities that underpin their AI strategy: integrating AI into premium live-action and AI-generated content production (AIGC), nurturing a healthy creator community, and exploring innovative content formats driven by cutting-edge technologies. GONG emphasized the company’s dedication to supporting creators, unveiling seven unique service initiatives designed to cultivate a vibrant community where film and television creators can thrive and gain recognition.

With the Chinese film and television sector undergoing a fundamental transformation, iQIYI's Chief Content Officer Xiaohui WANG discussed three transformative trends shaping the landscape. Firstly, a shift towards consumer-to-consumer (C2C) content creation is facilitating broader participation in the creative process; secondly, there is a growing demand for niche content, characterizing a new 'Minority' era; and lastly, the emergence of a 'Platinum' era where stories with emotional resonance dominate the audience’s preferences. By recognizing these patterns, iQIYI aims to tackle issues like audience fragmentation and confined creative potential.

The introduction of AI tools democratizes content creation, allowing anyone with creativity to contribute. iQIYI plans to deliver an array of youth-centric long-form dramas, spanning various genres including historical, romance, suspense, and sci-fi. The upcoming lineup will feature renowned actors teaming up with talented creatives, paired with emotionally engaging narratives that connect with younger viewers. Furthermore, the platform is expanding its presence in short-form content through specialized branded theaters, catering to diverse audience preferences.

In the realms of micro-dramas and animation, iQIYI leverages well-known long-form intellectual properties, combining skilled actors with varied themes while employing AIGC to expedite series production. The company's strong portfolio in variety shows continues, featuring popular returning franchises alongside innovative original content, propelled by a co-investment with Douyin, aimed at nurturing new creator talents.

In addition to the new program unveilings, it was announced that the 2026 Scream Night would occur on December 5 in the Galaxy Arena in Macao, marking a three-year partnership that emphasizes iQIYI’s flagship entertainment event celebrating outstanding content and creators, while also reflecting on industry trends.

The conference revealed the trailer for ‘Immortals Over Mortal Love,’ the first full-length hybrid AI multi-season drama. Developed through iQIYI’s proprietary NadouPro platform, this series merges advanced filming technology with live performances from professional actors. GONG described it as a landmark moment for both iQIYI and the broader media sector, highlighting AI's critical role in improving production efficiency and diversifying entertainment experiences for audiences.

Past successes validate the commercial viability of long-form AIGC, as demonstrated by the series 'The Ferry Man,' which recouped production costs within a week of its release, generating substantial revenue in its initial month. Furthermore, iQIYI introduced several feature-length AIGC films showcased during the event, illustrating a trend toward viable feature productions.

iQIYI also launched an advanced big-data marketing system targeting household needs, shifting away from conventional individual behavior metrics. Collaboratively with Miaozhen Systems, insights from their findings demonstrated how effective brand advertising can drive consistent business growth.

With a forward-looking perspective, iQIYI is steadfast in its pursuit of AI-driven creativity and deep collaborations within the industry. By engaging with creators, brands, and partners, the aim is to spur high-quality growth while redefining the entertainment landscape and ensuring premium experiences reach audiences all around the globe.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

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