Overview

On July 9, 2026, iQIYI, China’s leading online entertainment platform, released its Global Trending Content for the first half of 2026, recording a 130% year‑on‑year surge in total viewership across its international platform.

Growth Drivers

The surge is attributed to a “long + short” strategy that leverages premium long‑form Chinese dramas and fast‑paced micro dramas as dual engines of overseas expansion. Localization has been pivotal, with subtitles provided in 13 languages and high‑quality dubbing to deepen audience engagement.

Content Performance

All ten titles in iQIYI International’s top Chinese drama chart were self‑produced by iQIYI, spanning historical epics, contemporary romance and coming‑of‑age narratives. “Pursuit of Jade” ranked first across all content categories and has been the most‑searched Chinese historical drama on Google globally since 2025, driven by its female‑growth narrative and eastern aesthetic. Three titles from the 2025 annual top‑10 Chinese dramas – “Fated Hearts,” “The Best Thing,” and “Speed and Love” – returned to the chart, indicating sustained long‑tail appeal. In the micro‑drama segment, “Midnight Temptation” topped the global ranking, with contemporary romance, female empowerment and class‑reversal storylines dominating the top ten.

Regional Highlights

  • Southeast Asia: Strong demand for premium Chinese dramas and localized content; seven Chinese dramas with Thai‑language dubbing entered Thailand’s local top‑10. The iQIYI Starship Project brought cast members to Thailand, Malaysia and other markets, directly boosting viewership.
  • East Asia (Japan and South Korea): Micro dramas now account for half of the top‑10 trending titles, reflecting a preference for fast‑paced, high‑density storytelling.
  • Latin America: Expanded Spanish and Portuguese dubbing has opened Asian content to a significantly wider audience.
  • Middle East: Viewer preferences remain consistent, with realism and military‑themed premium dramas leading, reflecting a taste for high‑stakes, emotionally grounded narratives.

Localization Initiatives

iQIYI International employs 13‑language subtitling, localized dubbing and the “iQIYI Starship Project” fan‑engagement initiative to tailor its approach to distinct market preferences. These efforts have been key drivers of viewership growth across the highlighted regions.

Outlook

Looking ahead, iQIYI International is committed to becoming the home for beloved Asian content, delivering richer, more immersive experiences that carry genuine emotional and cultural resonance for global audiences.

Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com