Chinese entertainment giant iQIYI has denied creating a database of virtual actors, according to verified reports from its annual World Conference held in Beijing on April 20-21, 2026. The clarification came amid growing attention on the company’s newly launched Nadou Pro AI platform, which was showcased during the event as a full-stack tool for professional content production.
During the conference, iQIYI founder and CEO Yu Gong outlined the company’s strategic shift toward a decentralized, social-media-like platform model, emphasizing expanded access to intellectual property, talent networks, and digital assets for creators. He stated that iQIYI aims to build a new content ecosystem where creators retain ownership of their IP assets, audience relationships, and a substantial share of commercial returns.
The Nadou Pro platform, officially launched at the conference, is designed to accelerate content development through AI-driven tools while maintaining premium intellectual property as a core value driver. IQIYI positions the initiative as part of its broader effort to empower AI-generated content (AIGC) creators with industrial-scale capabilities, including upgraded platform services and an optimized revenue-sharing model.
These announcements were made during iQIYI World Conference 2026, the company’s flagship annual summit held in Beijing. The event served as the public debut of Nadou Pro’s commercial availability, marking a significant step in iQIYI’s transition toward an AI-integrated content ecosystem.
Understanding Nadou Pro and iQIYI’s AI Strategy
Nadou Pro functions as a comprehensive AI platform that supports every stage of professional content creation, from script development and virtual production to editing and distribution. According to iQIYI’s official statements at the conference, the platform provides creators with access to the company’s IP library, digital assets, and commercial infrastructure, enabling them to scale production while retaining greater control over their function.
The company emphasized that AI integration is not intended to replace human creativity but to enhance efficiency by reducing production time and costs. Yu Gong highlighted that in the AI era, entertainment platforms must equip creators with the right tools to succeed rather than simply commissioning more content.
This approach reflects a broader industry trend where major entertainment companies are investing in AI infrastructure to support user-generated and professionally generated content alike. By decentralizing access to resources traditionally controlled by the platform, iQIYI aims to foster a more collaborative relationship with creators.
Clarification on Virtual Actor Database Claims
Despite speculation online suggesting that iQIYI had developed a database of virtual actors using AI-generated likenesses, no such claim was made or verified during the World Conference 2026 presentations or official communications. The company’s public remarks focused exclusively on Nadou Pro’s capabilities as a creation tool and its role in enabling creator empowerment through decentralized access to IP and revenue-sharing.
No evidence was presented at the conference indicating the development or deployment of a centralized database of virtual performers. Instead, iQIYI reiterated that its AI initiatives are designed to support original content creation by human creators using AI as an assistive technology.
As of the conference dates, iQIYI has not announced any plans to create or maintain a repository of AI-generated virtual actors for licensing or reuse across productions. The company’s stated priority remains enabling creators to develop and own their intellectual property through transparent, creator-centric models.
Implications for Creators and the Content Industry
iQIYI’s shift toward a decentralized model could significantly impact how digital content is produced and monetized in China and beyond. By opening its infrastructure to creators, the company is positioning itself as a facilitator rather than a sole commissioner of content, potentially lowering barriers to entry for independent producers.
The revenue-sharing model unveiled at the conference is designed to ensure that creators receive a substantial portion of the commercial success generated by their work. This represents a departure from traditional platforms where IP rights and financial returns are often retained primarily by the hosting service.
For AIGC creators, Nadou Pro offers access to tools that would typically require significant investment in software, rendering farms, and technical expertise. By providing these capabilities through a unified platform, iQIYI aims to democratize access to high-end production resources.
Industry analysts note that such moves could accelerate innovation in storytelling formats, particularly those blending live-action, animation, and interactive elements. However, the long-term effects on content originality, market saturation, and creator sustainability remain to be seen as the model scales.
Next Steps and Official Updates
iQIYI has indicated that further details about Nadou Pro’s feature updates, creator onboarding processes, and revenue-sharing metrics will be released through official channels in the coming months. The company typically shares progress reports via its investor relations portal and press releases following major conferences.
Stakeholders interested in tracking the platform’s adoption and impact are advised to monitor iQIYI’s official website, regulatory filings with Chinese market authorities, and announcements from its investor relations department for verified updates.
As the entertainment industry continues to integrate AI into production workflows, transparency around data usage, IP rights, and creator compensation will remain critical areas of focus for regulators, platforms, and content producers alike.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts on how AI-driven platforms like Nadou Pro are reshaping content creation. What opportunities or challenges do you see for creators in this evolving landscape? Join the conversation by commenting below and sharing this article with your network.