BEIJING, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On July 9, 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.
This robust growth is driven by the "long + short" strategy, with premium long-form Chinese dramas and micro dramas serving as the dual engines of overseas expansion. Localization has been equally critical: subtitles across 13 languages, high-quality dubbing, and on-the-ground fan engagement events have deepened audience engagement across key markets. A rich mix of Asian productions from Thailand, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and beyond has broadened the platform's appeal further, cementing iQIYI International's position as the destination for global audiences seeking diverse Asian popular culture.
Launched in January, iQIYI International's Global Trending Content gives users and partners a clear view of what is gaining traction worldwide. The H1 2026 viewership data reveals distinct content preferences across key markets. Southeast Asia continues to show strong demand for premium Chinese dramas and localized content, while audiences in East Asia are increasingly drawn to fast-paced micro dramas. In the Middle East and Latin America, premium long-form dramas remain highly appealing, with localization continuing to play an important role in expanding audience reach.
What Topped the Charts in H1 2026
In H1 2026, all 10 titles in iQIYI International's top Chinese drama chart were iQIYI self-produced, spanning historical epics, contemporary romance, and coming-of-age narratives. Leading the pack, "Pursuit of Jade" ranked first across all content categories on the platform 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 iQIYI International's 2025 annual top 10 Chinese dramas — "Fated Hearts," "The Best Thing," and "Speed and Love" — returned to the chart, reflecting the sustained long-tail appeal of premium content.
Micro dramas are fast becoming a primary entry point for international audiences discovering Chinese content. Their high emotional intensity, high-stakes conflict, and rapid pacing fit naturally into mobile-first, fragmented viewing habits. Contemporary romance, female empowerment, and class-reversal storylines dominate the top 10 micro dramas, with "Midnight Temptation" ranking as the top micro drama globally for its narrative of female growth and the pursuit of equal respect.
Beyond dramas, a broad slate of Asian animation, films, and variety shows continues to serve the full range of audience interests worldwide.
Meeting Audiences Where They Are
Through 13-language subtitling, localized dubbing, and the "iQIYI Starship Project" fan engagement initiative, iQIYI International is deepening its localization and presence, tailoring its approach to the distinct viewing preferences of each market.
In Southeast Asia, dubbing quality and offline fan engagement events are key drivers of viewership. In Thailand, seven Chinese dramas with Thai-language dubbing entered the local top 10. The "iQIYI Starship Project" has amplified this further, bringing cast members from popular titles to Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond for fan events that have directly boosted local viewership.
In East Asia, micro dramas now account for half of the top 10 trending titles in Japan and South Korea, where audiences show a strong appetite for fast-paced, high-density storytelling. In Latin America, expanded Spanish and Portuguese dubbing has opened Asian content to a significantly wider audience. In the Middle East, viewer preferences remain consistent, with realism and military-themed premium dramas continuing to lead, reflecting a taste for high-stakes, emotionally grounded narratives.
Looking ahead, iQIYI International is committed to becoming a home for beloved Asian content, delivering richer, more immersive content experiences that carry genuine emotional and cultural resonance for global audiences.
Contact: iQIYI Press, press@qiyi.com
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iQIYI International Releases First Half of 2026 Global Trending Content: Chinese Dramas and Micro Dramas Power Dual-Engine Global Growth
iQIYI International Releases First Half of 2026 Global Trending Content: Chinese Dramas and Micro Dramas Power Dual-Engine Global Growth
iQIYI International Releases First Half of 2026 Global Trending Content: Chinese Dramas and Micro Dramas Power Dual-Engine Global Growth
SINGAPORE, July 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Registration is now open for the 19th Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW), taking place from 26 to 30 October 2026 in Singapore, under the theme "Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow".
2. The week-long event will address the urgent need for more resilient, integrated power systems as global energy demand surges from AI, data centres, and electrification. Discussions will focus on strengthening regional grids, advancing next-generation technologies, and deepening cross-border collaboration to secure a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive energy future.
Distinguished Attendees at SIEW 2026
3. Organised by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), SIEW 2026 will convene leading policymakers, industry leaders, international organisations and energy professionals from around the world to exchange perspectives, forge partnerships and advance practical solutions for the energy transition. Distinguished guests include:
- H.E. Bahlil Lahadalia, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Republic of Indonesia
- Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director, International Energy Agency
- H.E. Dr Nawal Al-Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to International Renewable Energy Agency, United Arab Emirates
- Francesco La Camera, Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency
- Lin Yang, Deputy Executive Secretary for Programme, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
- Xin Bao'an, Chairman, Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organisation
- Stéphanie Guénot Bresson, Commissioner, Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority
- Dr Sama Bilbao y León, Director General, World Nuclear Association
- Clare Savage, Chair, Australian Energy Regulator
- Erik Westergaard, Deputy and Acting Chair, Electricity Authority (New Zealand)
- Emmanuelle Wargon, Chair, French Energy Regulatory Commission
- Datuk Ir. Ts. Shamsul Bin Ahmad, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tenaga Nasional Berhad
- Li Rui, Vice President, China Southern Power Grid
- Eric Gray, Chief Executive Officer, Power, GE Vernova
- Dr Han-Gon Kim, President, Innovative SMR Development Agency
- Stefanie McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, Marinus Link
- Hilmi Panigoro, President Director, MedcoEnergi
- Megumi Muto, Deputy Chief Sustainability Officer, Mizuho Financial Group
- Zhou Jiayi, President, PowerChina
- Alessandro Panico, Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President, Transmission, Prysmian
- Leong Wei Hung, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore LNG Corporation Pte Ltd
- John Ng, Chief Executive Officer, YTL PowerSeraya Group
4. Flagship events at SIEW 2026 include:
I. SIEW Summit takes place over two days on 26 and 27 October. Day 1 will feature panel discussions covering energy security, grid resilience, technology, finance and the future of gas. Day 2 will feature the Singapore-IEA Forum, Singapore-IRENA High-Level Forum, and the inaugural IAEA@SIEW Forum.
II. The Singapore-IEA Forum will explore major shifts in global and regional energy markets and their implications for energy security and affordability. The Singapore-IRENA High-Level Forum will examine pathways to accelerate renewable energy deployment through financing, innovation and regional collaboration.
III. The inaugural IAEA@SIEW Forum, co-hosted with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will discuss how nuclear energy can contribute to energy security, decarbonisation and long-term energy system resilience, as well as how countries at different stages of nuclear readiness can be supported.
IV. Beyond the Summit, the SIEW Energy Insights, SIEW TechTable, and SIEW Thinktank Roundtables will explore key developments in energy security, regional connectivity, system resilience and decarbonisation, including advancements in nuclear energy, biomethane, geothermal energy, carbon capture, utilisation and storage, energy storage, and AI-enabled technologies.
V. The 4th ASEAN Energy Regulatory Forum, co-organised with the Future of the Grid, will focus on the regulatory, commercial and financing frameworks needed to advance regional power integration. Discussions will centre on enabling cross-border electricity trade, strengthening grid interconnectivity, supporting investment in regional infrastructure, and accelerating the development of the ASEAN Power Grid to enhance energy security and decarbonisation.
VI. SIEW 2026 will also feature the SIEW Energy Showcase, which marks EMA's 25th anniversary and highlights Singapore's continued efforts to strengthen a secure, resilient and future-ready energy system.
5. Held alongside SIEW 2026, partner events including Asia Clean Energy Summit, Future of the Grid, Asia Gas Markets Conference and Asian Downstream Summit (ADS) | Asian Refining Technology Conference (ARTC) | Ammonia & Carbon Capture Asia (ACCA) will bring together stakeholders from across the energy sector. These platforms will discuss topics such as clean energy deployment, grid modernisation, regional power connectivity, energy security, and emerging technologies shaping Asia's energy future. The Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore will also celebrate its 20th anniversary this year with milestone showcased at its exhibition.
6. Early bird registration closes 30 September. The Summit 2-Day Pass covers the SIEW Summit, the SIEW Summit Receptions, and the Energy Showcase. Register now at register.siew.gov.sg
PR Newswire is the Official Press Release Distribution Partner of Singapore International Energy Week 2026.
About SIEW
The Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) is an official trademarked event by the Energy Market Authority (EMA). It is an annual platform for energy professionals, policymakers and commentators to discuss and share best practices and solutions within the global energy space.
The SIEW logo is an officially registered trademark, a symbol of credibility and prestige as the world's leading energy event.
About the Energy Market Authority
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry. Through our work, we seek to build a clean energy future that is resilient, sustainable, and competitive. We aim to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. Visit www.ema.gov.sg for more information.
For media queries, please contact:
Ms Mahima Kathuria
FINN Partners for Singapore International Energy Week
Tel: +65 8022 6364
Email: SIEWMedia@finnpartners.com
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Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow: SIEW 2026 Registration Now Open
Connecting Energy Systems, Powering Tomorrow: SIEW 2026 Registration Now Open
