iQIYI Charts New Course with Creator-First AI Strategy

Shanghai, April 20, 2026 - iQIYI CEO Gong Yu made waves at today's World Conference with a radical vision for content creation in the AI era. The streaming giant plans to dismantle traditional gatekeeping models, putting creative control directly in the hands of content producers.

The Decentralization Playbook

Gong's keynote revealed how artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of media production. "AI slashes both the cost and time required to create quality content," he explained while pacing the stage. "This isn't about replacing human creativity - it's about removing financial and technical barriers."

The transformation will see iQIYI's video player reduced to a mere component within a broader ecosystem. Creators gain direct access to monetization through memberships and advertising, bypassing traditional studio hierarchies.

Hybrid Talent in High Demand

While blockbuster productions will maintain conventional workflows, the platform actively courts AI-savvy creators. "We're practically begging for quality AI-generated films," Gong admitted with a chuckle. The company seeks rare talents who speak both the language of algorithms and artistic expression.

This talent hunt reflects broader industry shifts. Multiple speakers highlighted AI's growing role in scriptwriting, animation, and even acting through digital avatars. "Within three years," Gong predicted, "AI-assisted production will become standard practice across our industry."

Building the Creative Commons

The strategy positions iQIYI as more than a streaming service - it's betting on becoming a vibrant creative community. "Think of us as providing the digital clay," Gong suggested. "The sculptors are the creators themselves."

Early tests show promising engagement metrics. User-generated content leveraging AI tools already accounts for 17% of watch time during off-peak hours. The platform plans to expand creator support with new cloud-based editing suites and real-time analytics dashboards.

Key Points:

• Platform Revolution: iQIYI transitions from content gatekeeper to creator enabler
• AI Democratization: Production tools lower barriers for independent creators
• Revenue Revolution: Direct monetization models replace traditional licensing
• Talent Transformation: Hybrid AI-creative skills become premium assets
• Industry Timeline: Widespread AI adoption expected within 1-3 years

As the conference concluded, one message rang clear: the age of centralized content control is ending. iQIYI's gamble suggests the winners in tomorrow's media landscape will be those who harness AI to amplify human creativity, not replace it.