AI dramas boom in China: market hits $3.29B in five months

China's AI drama and animation market exceeded RMB 22 billion ($3.29 billion) in the first five months of 2026 and is projected to reach RMB 40 billion for the full year, up 138% year-on-year. AI short-drama users surpassed 600 million, with 221,900 new titles released from January to June. The industry is debating how to separate artistic interpretation from historical distortion.

• AI drama market reached RMB 22B ($3.29B) in five months of 2026
• Full-year forecast is RMB 40B, up 138% year-on-year
• AI short-drama audience in China surpassed 600 million users
• 221,900 new AI series launched in H1; 1,055 topped 100M views