iQIYI announced the commercial launch of its Nadou Pro AI production platform during its World Conference 2026 in Beijing on April 21. The platform brings together nearly 70 AI agents that cover scriptwriting, directing, visual design, editing and other core production tasks, allowing creators to produce film‑grade content in a single, streamlined workflow.
Alongside the platform launch, iQIYI upgraded its creator account system to feature zero‑threshold onboarding and a simplified sign‑up process. Revenue sharing is tied to project performance with no upper limit, and a 20 % subsidy is offered for AI‑generated and mid‑form series—defined as episodes of at least five minutes and a total run time of 60 minutes—through the end of 2026.
The announcement comes as iQIYI reports a challenging financial backdrop. The company’s 2025 revenue fell, and it posted a net loss for the fiscal year, while Q4 2025 earnings beat expectations with a 3 % year‑over‑year revenue increase but a net loss that underscored ongoing profitability pressure. The platform launch is intended to accelerate content output and monetization, potentially offsetting the revenue decline.
Gong Yu, iQIYI’s founder and CEO, said, “AI economics are driving the shift towards a decentralized model, predicting an ‘exponential surge in both creators and content’, potentially ‘at least a hundredfold.’” Wang Xiaohui, Chief Content Officer, added, “AI cannot change the reality that IP relies on premium content. Great stories will always command top value.” Wenfeng Liu, Senior Vice President, explained, “Nadou Pro is built specifically for AI creators and filmmakers, integrating creation, production, and distribution into one seamless, intelligent workflow. Our goal is simple: to make AI the most powerful creative engine in professional filmmaking—where imagination is the only limit.”
Analysts have expressed caution about the company’s valuation and the sustainability of its content distribution model, noting that iQIYI’s stock has experienced volatility amid concerns about pricing pressure in the streaming market. The platform launch is viewed as a strategic pivot that could reshape the company’s competitive position, but investors remain wary of the broader headwinds.
The launch was accompanied by controversy over actor authorization, with some studios denying consent for AI likeness usage. iQIYI clarified that inclusion in its database indicates a willingness to discuss collaborations, not a grant of rights. The company is also accelerating a global rollout of Nadou Pro, with an English‑language version expected in mid‑May 2026.
iQIYI’s move to a decentralized, AI‑driven ecosystem signals a fundamental shift from its traditional centralized production model. By lowering barriers to entry and offering robust AI tools, the company aims to expand its creator base and increase content output, while still emphasizing the importance of strong IP and storytelling. The strategy could position iQIYI to better compete with rivals such as Tencent Video and Alibaba’s Youku, but its success will hinge on the platform’s adoption and the company’s ability to navigate ongoing financial and regulatory challenges.
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