Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant shift in audience attention affecting content ecosystems, with short drama apps gaining traction against traditional long video platforms, indicating a change in user consumption habits and providing strategic insights for content platforms like iQIYI [1][3]. Group 1: iQIYI's Content Strategy - iQIYI has effectively embraced a "long + short" content strategy, maintaining its long video base while exploring the potential of micro-dramas, showcasing its foresight and execution in content innovation and business model optimization [3][5]. - The recent Q1 2025 financial report from iQIYI shows total revenue of 7.19 billion yuan, a 9% quarter-over-quarter increase, and an operating profit of 340 million yuan, reflecting a 20% increase [1][5]. - iQIYI's CEO, Gong Yu, noted a threefold increase in heavy users of micro-dramas, indicating a growing user engagement with this new content format [1][9]. Group 2: Long Video Performance - Long video remains a cornerstone of iQIYI's content ecosystem, with the platform maintaining a leading market share in long series, supported by successful new releases like "Bleach" and "Northbound" [5][7]. - Membership service revenue reached 4.4 billion yuan, a 7% increase, demonstrating the direct contribution of quality content to financial performance [7][9]. - iQIYI's international version saw over 30% year-on-year revenue growth, with advertising revenue increasing by 40%, closely tied to the rising popularity of mainland productions abroad [7][9]. Group 3: Micro-Drama Development - iQIYI has positioned micro-dramas as a "third type" of content, complementing long dramas and films rather than merely following trends, with a focus on audience preferences [8][9]. - The platform launched 28 premium micro-dramas during the "Micro-Drama Spring Festival," achieving over one million in revenue within a week, indicating rapid growth in user engagement and viewing time [7][9]. - iQIYI's strategy includes five major initiatives aimed at enhancing the aesthetic quality and thematic diversity of micro-dramas, avoiding homogenization while expanding commercial potential [13][19]. Group 4: Future Trends and Innovations - The period from 2025 to 2026 is anticipated to be transformative for the film and television industry, with "short" content becoming increasingly significant [11][19]. - iQIYI plans to optimize long drama formats by deepening IP value and addressing niche demands, while also innovating in micro-drama production [12][19]. - The introduction of features like "Jump View" and AI-driven interactive platforms aims to enhance user engagement and adapt to the fast-paced consumption habits of audiences [16][19].

Core Insights - iQIYI has announced a new strategy at the 2025 iQIYI World Conference, focusing on adapting to changes in the video industry and enhancing user experience through innovative content and technology [1][2] Group 1: Business Strategy - iQIYI is adopting a "short, refined, diverse, and new" strategy, entering the micro-drama market with shorter, more creative content [1][3] - The company is expanding its IP boundaries and value by developing derivative businesses, including offline parks and international markets [1][11] - iQIYI is officially entering the content e-commerce market, aiming to diversify revenue streams beyond membership and advertising [1][12] Group 2: Micro-Drama Market - The micro-drama market in China is projected to reach 505 billion yuan in 2024, surpassing box office revenues, with a compound annual growth rate of 19.2% [3] - iQIYI has redefined its content strategy for micro-dramas, offering free access to members and pay-per-view options for non-members [4][5] - The company is launching various initiatives, such as the "Thousand Micro-Dramas Plan" and "Short Drama Grand Plan," to continuously supply engaging micro-drama content [5][6] Group 3: AI Innovations - iQIYI has introduced AI-powered features like "Jump View" and the "Peach Bean" personal assistant to enhance user interaction and viewing experience [7][8] - The "Jump View" feature allows users to navigate to key plot points without missing important scenes, improving viewing efficiency [7] - AI tools like "Maliang" and "Muse" are being utilized to enhance content creation and operational efficiency, generating millions of promotional materials and short videos [9][10] Group 4: IP Expansion - iQIYI is leveraging its strong IP portfolio, including popular series, to enhance user engagement and brand recognition [10][11] - The company is launching its first offline park, "iQIYI Park," to provide immersive experiences based on its IP content [11] - The offline park aims to create a brand effect that reinforces online engagement and expands interaction opportunities with users [11] Group 5: E-commerce Development - iQIYI's content e-commerce initiative focuses on live-streaming sales, targeting its membership base as potential customers [12] - The company is implementing a zero-platform fee policy for initial merchants and providing significant traffic support to boost e-commerce growth [12] - This move represents a significant step in iQIYI's exploration of new commercial models beyond traditional membership and advertising [12]