iQIYI International Sees Remarkable 130% Viewership Growth in H1 2026, Driven by Hit Dramas 'Pursuit of Jade' and 'Midnight Temptation'
iQIYI International has reported an impressive 130% surge in its global viewership during the initial six months of 2026, a testament to its effective content strategy. This substantial growth is primarily fueled by a dual approach: leveraging high-quality Chinese dramas and rapidly paced microdramas. These content offerings have successfully resonated with international audiences, solidifying the platform's position in the global streaming landscape. The platform's emphasis on localizing content, including providing subtitles in various languages and implementing targeted fan engagement initiatives, has been instrumental in attracting and retaining viewers across different regions.
During the first half of 2026, iQIYI International's top ten Chinese dramas were all internally produced, showcasing a diverse range of genres from historical narratives to contemporary romance and coming-of-age stories. Among these, 'Pursuit of Jade' emerged as a standout, claiming the top spot across all content categories and maintaining its lead in global Google search volume for Chinese historical dramas since 2025. The series' popularity is attributed to its compelling female-centric growth narrative and distinct Eastern aesthetic. Furthermore, 'Fated Hearts,' 'Speed and Love,' and 'The Best Thing,' which were among the platform's top ten in 2025, continued their strong performance, reappearing on the H1 2026 chart.
Microdramas have also played a crucial role in attracting international viewers, acting as an accessible entry point to Chinese content. Their intense emotional arcs and brisk pacing are particularly well-suited for mobile-first consumption habits. 'Midnight Temptation' exemplifies this trend, ranking as the leading microdrama globally, thanks to its exploration of personal development and themes of female empowerment and achieving equality. Other popular microdramas centered on themes such as class reversal and contemporary romance, rounding out the top ten in this category.
The platform's success is deeply rooted in its localization efforts. iQIYI International now offers subtitles in 13 languages and provides dubbing services, enhancing accessibility for a wider audience. The 'iQIYI Starship Project,' a fan engagement initiative, sends actors from popular series to live events in markets like Thailand and Malaysia, fostering deeper connections with viewers. This strategy has proven highly effective, particularly in Thailand, where Thai-language dubbing contributed to seven Chinese dramas entering the local top ten during this period.
Insights from the report revealed varied regional preferences. Southeast Asian audiences demonstrated a strong affinity for premium Chinese dramas and localized content. In contrast, Japan and South Korea saw microdramas account for half of their top ten trending titles. The expansion of Spanish and Portuguese dubbing significantly broadened the platform's reach in Latin America, while Middle Eastern audiences continued to show a preference for realistic and military-themed premium dramas. iQIYI International remains committed to expanding its catalog of Asian dramas, animation, films, and variety programming for its growing global audience, building on the success of its 'Global Trending Content' initiative launched in January to analyze viewership patterns.
The remarkable expansion of iQIYI International's viewership in the first half of 2026 underscores the effectiveness of its content and localization strategies. By consistently delivering a diverse array of high-quality Chinese dramas and engaging microdramas, coupled with thoughtful cultural adaptation and direct fan interaction, the platform has successfully cultivated a broad and loyal international audience, demonstrating its significant impact on the global streaming market.
