The rapid expansion of AI-generated short dramas and digital advertising is driving an unprecedented demand for digital human face assets. This surge has given rise to a unique business model known as “face licensing,” allowing ordinary individuals to monetize their facial likeness without ever stepping in front of a camera or attending auditions.
The Rise of “Face Licensing”
Platforms are now facilitating the procurement of digital facial data, creating a new avenue for income. According to reports, digital identities are categorized into two main groups: ordinary individuals and professional actors.
Pricing Models for Digital Likeness
- For ordinary individuals, their digital portraits are typically licensed for use in AI short dramas at approximately 100 yuan per short video.
- Professional actors command higher rates, with pricing varying based on the scope of use and the length of the production. Fees can range from 500 yuan to several thousand yuan.
Procurement platforms allow buyers to select and purchase usage rights based on specific criteria such as age, gender, and desired style. Once a deal is struck, the platform and the individual granting the license share the revenue proportionally.
Explosive Growth in the AI Short Drama Market
The AI short drama sector is experiencing explosive growth. Industry research firm Data Eye estimates that the market size exceeded 22 billion yuan in the first five months of this year alone and is projected to reach 40 billion yuan by the end of the year. In the first quarter, AI-generated micro-dramas accounted for over 95% of all micro-dramas launched across the industry.
This burgeoning market signifies a major shift in content creation, where AI technologies are not only streamlining production processes but also creating new economic opportunities for individuals willing to license their digital identities. The trend highlights the increasing value placed on digital assets and the innovative ways they are being leveraged in the digital economy.
