Entertainers across ages are moving from defensive stances on AI to actively authorizing AI portraits and avatars for commercial use, signaling a shift toward embracing AI-driven monetization.

Representative cases like Wang Zuxian with NetEase’s Tianxia and Qi Wei’s Han Qingxia illustrate different deployment models and revenue structures, including static portrait rights, project-based rights, and deeper participation with revenue sharing.

Quality control and entertainer participation are crucial for believable, emotionally resonant AI performances, with talents such as You Benchang and Qi Wei contributing to script control and voice work.

Commercial extensions are expanding to interactive games, personalized brand materials, regionalized advertising, and live streaming via digital avatars to broaden reach and efficiency.

There are overseas parallels in AI voice models and revenue sharing, as seen with artists like Grimes, with exploration of similar heritage operations for deceased or retired performers.

Technological challenges remain, including aligning AI output with an entertainer’s character and performance habits, necessitating rigorous image tuning and risk management.

The development trend points to standardizing digital portrait authorization, treating it as a supplement to live acting and expanding long-tail IP value for entertainers.

This shift reframes entertainment monetization by enabling perpetual, condition-free digital assets, allowing even elderly or retired stars to continue generating content.