- In Q1 2026, over 95% of the 128,000 microdramas released in China utilized AI in their production.
- The Guangzhou Internet Court has handled approximately 700 AI-related face-theft cases over the past three years.
- Actors are now being offered as little as 100 yuan to license their faces for AI dramas, with some platforms paying between $15 and $700 for likeness rights.
- The rise of AI in the microdrama sector has led to significant changes in the industry, with companies increasingly opting to buy the “faces” of actors rather than hiring them for traditional roles.
- Many actors who previously earned between 20,000 to 30,000 yuan a month are now facing drastic pay cuts, with some struggling to find work.
- The Shenzhen-based company New Claw has registered around 800 users since its launch, with about 300 agreeing to license their images for AI production.
In Q1 2026, the microdrama industry in China has undergone a dramatic transformation, with over 95% of the 128,000 productions utilizing AI-generated content, according to the China Netcasting Services Association.12
This shift is not just technological; it has profound implications for traditional actors.
Many performers, who previously earned between 20,000 to 30,000 yuan (approximately S$3.8K to S$5.7K) monthly, are now facing drastic pay cuts, with some receiving as little as 100 yuan (S$19) for their likeness rights.457
The industry is increasingly opting to purchase the “faces” of actors rather than hiring them for performances, leading to a significant reduction in job opportunities.
The Guangzhou Internet Court has reported handling around 700 generative-media disputes over the past three years, highlighting the legal complexities arising from this AI-driven shift.3
As companies seek to capitalize on AI technology, the landscape for actors is changing rapidly, with many struggling to adapt to the new reality.
The introduction of tighter regulations by the Cyberspace Administration of China, including rules from April 2026 and labeling requirements from September 2025, aims to address these challenges, but the future remains uncertain for traditional performers.
Reported contributor payouts for likeness licensing range from $15 to $700, indicating a wide disparity in compensation as the industry evolves.
As the microdrama sector continues to grow, the reliance on AI raises questions about the sustainability of traditional acting careers in China.
“The China Netcasting Services Association reports that generative video appeared in more than 95% of the 128,000 microdramas released in Q1 2026. Meanwhile, actors are facing significant pay cuts, with some now offered as little as 100 yuan ($15) to license their likeness for AI-generated content.”
Rest of World
