Summary of Key Points
In 2026, AI-based talent shows and short dramas have suddenly become very popular. Shows featuring entirely AI contestants, such as "Starlight 108" and "12 Stars Training Contest," as well as short dramas like "The Girl Who Was Fired," have quickly attracted viewership due to their advantages of being "immune to scandals," having "very low costs," and allowing for rapid monetization. However, these phenomena have also exposed issues such as the lack of individuality among the contestants, weak emotional engagement with viewers, and potential copyright concerns. AI idols are not meant to replace real-life celebrities; rather, they represent a new parallel path in the entertainment industry. Nevertheless, the industry still needs to address long-standing problems related to rules and content quality.
1. How AI Talent Shows Have Become Popular by Targeting Real-Life Talent Shows' Weaknesses
The shortcomings of real-life talent shows are quite evident: first, the costs are incredibly high—venues, mentors, and rehearsal periods all incur significant expenses, with a single show potentially costing tens of millions; second, there is a high risk of scandals, such as artists using drugs, having affairs, or tax evasion, which can instantly damage a show's reputation. AI talent shows have successfully addressed these issues:
- Costs Reduced by More Than Half: The images, stage performances, and promotional materials for AI contestants are all generated by AI, allowing small teams to handle the production (for example, Malt Media, which previously worked with real-life celebrities, has significantly reduced costs by switching to AI).
- Immune to Scandals: AI contestants don't engage in romantic relationships or make mistakes, putting less pressure on fans. The most common comments from fans are "No need to worry about scandals; they're too perfect!"
- 24/7 Availability: AI can perform live broadcasts and produce multiple stage videos continuously without the need for rest or emotional outbursts, making them an ideal "perfect employees" in the eyes of investors.
2. How Do AI Idols Make Money? Low Costs Mean High Profits?
The business model for AI idols is straightforward: low initial investment with potential for repeated monetization:
- Rapid Monetization: "12 Stars Training Contest" secured sponsorship deals from brands like Haoshi Bread and Starlight SUV within a month of launching. The female lead in "The Girl Who Was Fired" earned an ad fee of 168,000 yuan per appearance, which is higher than many real-life internet celebrities with millions of followers.
- Near-Zero Marginal Costs: Once an AI character is created, it can be used repeatedly in various contexts (live broadcasts, advertisements, short dramas) without the need to pay the contestant or share profits. In contrast, real-life idols have to split their earnings with agencies and teams.
- Diverse IP Potential: AI contestants can have personal accounts, release theme songs (for example, "12 Stars Training Contest" released a song on汽水音乐), and create merchandise. Fans may also create derivative content (e.g., the Libra contestant has seven related social media accounts), maximizing the value of the IP.
However, industry experts warn that the notion of "high profits with low investment" is a misconception. While AI reduces the barriers to entry, good scripts, aesthetic design, and effective management still require investment, and failures or rework can be costly.
3. The Drawbacks of AI Talent Shows: Good Looks But Lack of "Soul"
Despite their popularity, AI talent shows have faced criticism from netizens:
- Lack of Individuality: The 108 AI contestants all look similar, leading to comments like "Is this even about comparing how much they resemble AI?"
- Absence of Genuine Emotions: The emotional depth that makes talent shows compelling (such as the hard work and tears of aspiring artists) is absent in AI versions, as their personalities and experiences are pre-programmed.
- Low Willingness to Pay: Fans are willing to like and share content but are less likely to spend money on votes, which affects long-term monetization.
Can a "perfect exterior" alone sustain the popularity of AI idols over the long term?
4. AI and Real-Life Idols: Not a Replacement, But a Parallel Path
Many fear that AI will replace real-life idols, but in reality, they complement each other:
- Advantages of Real-Life Idols: They possess genuine emotions and can convey deeper feelings (e.g., the energy during live concerts, interactions with fans).
- Advantages of AI Idols: They can create highly repetitive and creative content (24/7 live broadcasts, diverse stage performances), providing new visual experiences for viewers.
- Divergent Markets: Fans who prefer authenticity will continue to support real-life idols, while those seeking novelty and stress-free entertainment will opt for AI idols. The two genres will coexist.
5. Hidden Concerns: Copyright and Rules as Potential Threats
The surge in AI talent shows brings several risks:
- Copyright Infringements: Recent cases, such as Yu Shuxin's studio suing for unauthorized use of her likeness and voice by AI, highlight the need for clear legal regulations.
- Lack of Standards: Are the voting systems in AI talent shows fair? How are minors affected? There are currently no established rules for these aspects.
- Crowded Market: Many teams are entering the AI content industry, but only those capable of producing high-quality content and understanding how to manage it will succeed.
AI has changed the way entertainment stars are created, but to thrive, the industry must first address issues related to rules and content quality.
In Conclusion:
AI talent shows are neither a "myth" nor a mere gimmick; they represent a new direction in entertainment. Whether they can become sustainable depends on whether they can overcome the shortcomings of lacking genuine emotional depth and clear legal frameworks. The chapter of AI-based idols has just begun, and the real excitement is yet to come.