Politics / China
AI's Impact on the Future of Entertainment
iQIYI, often referred to as China's Netflix, is launching the Nado Pro AI platform to produce content featuring AI-generated avatars of human actors. This initiative aims to compete with the rising popularity of short-form videos and adapt to changing viewer preferences.
Source material: Chinese streaming giant iQIYI wants to replace human actors with AI avatars
Summary
iQIYI, often referred to as China's Netflix, is launching the Nado Pro AI platform to produce content featuring AI-generated avatars of human actors. This initiative aims to compete with the rising popularity of short-form videos and adapt to changing viewer preferences.
The platform has reportedly secured participation from over 100 celebrities for AI-driven film and television projects, signaling a potential transformation in the entertainment industry. However, the enthusiasm for AI technology is met with skepticism from audiences.
Significant audience backlash exists, with some viewers expressing a preference for human actors and threatening to boycott AI-generated dramas. This reaction highlights the ongoing debate about the role of AI in creative fields.
This shift to AI follows a staggering 81% decline in iQIYI's profits in 2025, driven by changing viewer preferences towards micro dramas and social media content. The company is attempting to reverse its losses through this innovative approach.
Perspectives
short
Support for AI in Entertainment
- Highlights the potential for innovation in content creation through AI technology
- Proposes that AI-generated content can attract new audiences and adapt to changing viewer preferences
Neutral / Shared
- Notes that over 100 celebrities are reportedly open to participating in AI-driven projects
- Confirms that iQIYI aims to retain a human touch in its AI-generated content
Metrics
loss
81%
decline in profits
This significant loss indicates a critical need for iQIYI to innovate and adapt to viewer preferences
the company posted an 81% drop-in profits in 2025
other
over 100 celebrities
celebrities engaging in AI projects
This participation could lend credibility to iQIYI's AI initiatives, but may not guarantee audience acceptance
The platform claims over 100 celebrities are open to engaging in AI film and television projects.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
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iQIYI is launching the Nado Pro AI platform to create content featuring AI-generated avatars of human actors, aiming to adapt to changing viewer preferences. The company has faced an 81% decline in profits in 2025, prompting this shift towards AI-driven entertainment.
- IQIYI, often referred to as Chinas Netflix, is launching the Nado Pro AI platform to produce content featuring AI-generated avatars of human actors, aiming to compete with the rising popularity of short-form videos
- The platform has reportedly secured participation from over 100 celebrities for AI-driven film and television projects, signaling a potential transformation in the entertainment industry
- Despite the excitement surrounding AI in entertainment, there is significant audience backlash, with some viewers expressing a preference for human actors and threatening to boycott AI-generated dramas
- This shift to AI follows a staggering 81% decline in iQIYIs profits in 2025, driven by changing viewer preferences towards micro dramas and social media content
- While iQIYI claims its AI-generated content will retain a human touch, it remains uncertain if audiences will accept a service primarily focused on AI creations