iQIYI Debuts First AI-Generated Feature Film Under Chinese License
Event summary
- iQIYI premiered 'Mystic Tales: The Spider Lady's Vendetta', China's first AIGC internet feature film under an official license on July 23, 2026.
- The 60-minute film was co-produced with Beijing Dream Big Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. using end-to-end AI tools throughout production.
- Over 20 team members worked on the project, introducing new roles like AI asset effects artists and prompt engineers.
- iQIYI offers a 20% additional revenue-sharing bonus for qualified AI content creators this year.
The big picture
iQIYI's premiere marks a significant step in commercializing AIGC filmmaking, moving beyond short-form experiments to feature-length productions. The company is positioning itself at the forefront of an industry shift toward AI-powered content creation, potentially reshaping production workflows and audience expectations. This development comes as streaming platforms globally seek innovative ways to differentiate their offerings amid intensifying competition.
What we're watching
- Content Differentiation
- How iQIYI's AI-generated content will compete with traditional productions in attracting audiences and advertisers.
- Production Efficiency
- The pace at which AIGC technology reduces production time and costs for long-form content.
- Revenue Model Sustainability
- Whether iQIYI's revenue-sharing incentives can sustain creator engagement in the AI content space.