iQIYI Expands Its Global Footprint and Technological Edge in 2025
iQIYI Inc. (Nasdaq: IQ) continues to assert its position as a leading player in the video‑entertainment sector, combining strategic partnerships, bold content initiatives, and cutting‑edge production technology. The company’s recent activities highlight a multi‑pronged strategy aimed at deepening market penetration in North America and Southeast Asia while reinforcing its manufacturing pipeline in China.
North American VIP Membership Powered by Snaplii
On November 9, 2025, iQIYI announced a partnership with the digital‑wallet platform Snaplii to launch a new tier of VIP memberships in North America. The collaboration, reported by TaiwanNews.com.tw, seeks to leverage Snaplii’s payment infrastructure to streamline subscription management for iQIYI’s expanding North American user base. Although specific pricing or launch dates were not disclosed, the move signals iQIYI’s intent to compete more aggressively with established streaming services in the region by offering bundled experiences that integrate payment convenience with premium content access.
“iJOY 2026 Thailand” Marks a New Chapter in Localised Content
Earlier that month, iQIYI held the “iJOY 2026 Thailand” event in Bangkok, a showcase that reviewed its annual achievements in the Thai market and previewed upcoming content strategies. The event, covered by Finanzen.net, highlighted iQIYI’s focus on locally produced dramas and variety programs. Key announcements included the debut of the flagship drama “Speed and Love” under the Heartbeat Theater brand, starring Esther Yu, He Yu, and Thai actor Mike Wu. The presence of the “Running Man Thailand” cast—co‑developed with South Korean studio SBS—underscored iQIYI’s commitment to cross‑cultural collaboration. President Yang Xianghua of iQIYI’s Movie and Overseas Business Group noted that Thailand had become one of the company’s most significant growth markets, a trend that is expected to continue with the new slate of C‑dramas and local originals.
Virtual Production Open Day Demonstrates Technological Leadership
Back in China, iQIYI hosted its inaugural Virtual Production Open Day on November 2, 2025, in Hengdian, Zhejiang Province. The event, reported by PRNewswire, attracted nearly 200 seasoned film and television professionals. Vice President Liang Zhu presented iQIYI’s approach to virtual production—emphasising efficient, user‑friendly tools that enable content creators to produce high‑quality visuals without the constraints of traditional sets. The company highlighted a 125 % year‑over‑year increase in virtual production projects in 2025, reflecting a rapid shift in China’s content‑creation landscape. This initiative positions iQIYI as a technological pioneer, potentially reducing production costs while maintaining creative flexibility.
The Rise of Korean BL and Global Streaming Appeal
While not directly tied to iQIYI’s own releases, the surge of the Korean BL drama “Peach Trap”—which topped streaming charts across multiple platforms including iQIYI in North America—demonstrates the growing appetite for niche genres. Covered by The Korea Times, the series shows that high‑quality, culturally specific content can achieve international success. iQIYI’s ability to host a diverse range of titles, from mainstream dramas to genre‑specific hits, may enhance its competitive advantage as it continues to broaden its library.
Market Context and Financial Position
At the close on November 6, 2025, iQIYI’s share price stood at $2.14, within a 52‑week range of $1.50 to $2.84. The company’s market capitalization reached $15.1 billion, underscoring substantial investor confidence. However, a high price‑earnings ratio of 172.42 suggests that the market expects continued growth in revenue and subscriber numbers, driven by the initiatives outlined above.
Conclusion
iQIYI’s recent activities—partnering with Snaplii for North American VIP services, expanding its Thai content portfolio, pioneering virtual production technology, and benefitting from the global rise of Korean niche dramas—illustrate a comprehensive strategy that blends market expansion with innovation. As the company leverages these momentum points, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how effectively iQIYI translates its technological capabilities and content diversity into sustained subscriber growth and profitability.
