Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan Province, once again played host to one of the nation’s most significant digital media gatherings as the 13th China Internet Audio & Video Convention opened on April 15, 2026. Held annually in the city for thirteen consecutive years, the event has become a cornerstone for showcasing innovations in streaming technology, AI-driven content creation, and cross-industry collaboration within China’s rapidly evolving audio-visual landscape. This year’s convention, themed “Prospering New Popular Arts, Co-Creating New Era Audio-Visual Experiences,” drew industry leaders, content creators, and technology experts to explore the future of digital entertainment.
The three-day convention, which ran from April 14 to 16, 2026, featured a structured “4+8+8+N” framework designed to cover multiple facets of the audio and video sector. This included four major events, eight thematic forums focusing on key industries such as gaming, education, and smart media, eight full-industry-chain segments spanning content production to distribution, and numerous public participation activities aimed at engaging local communities. According to official reports, the convention emphasized both technological advancement and cultural expression, highlighting how AI and interactive media are reshaping audience experiences.
One of the most notable aspects of the 2026 gathering was the prominent integration of artificial intelligence into content creation workflows. As reported by the China Netcasting Services Association in its China Internet Audio & Video Development Research Report (2026), Chinese streaming applications demonstrated significant global growth in 2025, with 26 apps ranking among the world’s top 100 by revenue—an increase of six from the previous year—and 31 apps entering the top 100 by downloads, up by twelve year-on-year. These figures underscore the expanding international footprint of China’s digital entertainment industry.
The same report revealed that in 2025, major video platforms generated over two billion pieces of AI-produced audio-visual content, averaging more than sixty new uploads per second—a more than fourteenfold increase compared to 2024. More than half of users surveyed had encountered AI-generated content, with over forty percent describing it as “novel and engaging.” AI-generated short videos and micro-dramas emerged as the two most popular categories, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward fast-paced, algorithmically enhanced storytelling.
At the convention, Sun Zhonghuai, Vice President of Tencent and Chairman of Tencent Online Video, introduced the concept of “creative squads”—compact teams of five to twenty individuals empowered by AI tools to produce content volumes that previously required hundreds of people. This model, he explained, represents a fundamental shift in how content is conceived, produced, and scaled, allowing for greater agility and experimentation in narrative formats. The idea was presented during a thematic forum on AI and creative innovation, one of the eight sector-specific discussions held throughout the event.
Beyond technology, the convention also celebrated Chengdu’s unique cultural identity through interactive exhibits that blended local heritage with digital innovation. Visitors had the opportunity to interact with a simulated robotic panda, a nod to the city’s global association with the beloved species, whereas also experimenting with immersive audio-visual devices and augmented reality installations. These experiences were designed to illustrate how traditional symbols can be reimagined through modern media platforms, reinforcing Chengdu’s positioning as both a cultural tourism hub and a emerging center for digital creativity.
The event was hosted by the Chengdu Municipal Government, continuing a thirteen-year tradition of municipal support that has helped establish the city as a consistent venue for national industry dialogue. Over the years, the convention has facilitated partnerships between tech firms, content studios, and regulatory bodies, contributing to the development of standards and best practices in online audiovisual services. Its longevity underscores Chengdu’s strategic role in China’s broader ambition to become a global leader in digital media innovation.
As the convention concluded on April 16, 2026, organizers highlighted plans to build on this year’s momentum by expanding international collaboration initiatives and deepening research into ethical AI utilize in content generation. While no specific future dates or locations were announced during the closing sessions, the consistent annual timing suggests the 14th edition will likely return to Chengdu in April 2027, pending official confirmation.
For professionals and enthusiasts interested in the evolution of internet-based audio and video technologies, the China Internet Audio & Video Convention remains a key barometer of industry trends. Official updates, reports, and announcements related to the event are typically disseminated through the China Netcasting Services Association and the Chengdu Municipal Government’s information channels.
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