Latest news in China
In a twist that brings together technology and heartwarming storytelling, AI-generated pet dramas are taking Chinese social media by storm, with some videos gaining more than 100 million views. The bite-sized videos, which feature cats and dogs as the main actors, are created using AI software that animates the pets' faces, adds voiceovers, and generates tear-inducing scripts that mimic human dramas.
A Viral Cultural Phenomenon
They typically feature melodramatic storylines—betrayals, reunions, and heartbreaks, for instance—all performed by pets with realistic facial expressions thanks to advanced AI animation. Douyin (China's version of TikTok), Weibo, and Bilibili are a few sites where these videos have taken off in popularity, with many of them going viral within a short period.
One of them showed an anguished cat confronting its "cheating" dog lover. Complete with dramatic music and emotional voice acting, it quickly soared beyond 100 million views, sparking a frenzy of fan-generated spinoffs and remakes.
How the Technology Works
Creators use publicly available Chinese AI tools that allow them to upload pictures or videos of pets, select or write contents, and generate full dialogues with synced mouth movements and emotional expressions. The process requires minimal technical knowledge, thus being accessible to both professional content creators and average users.
This form of AI-powered content creation is also reflective of a broader trend in China, with generative AI rapidly becoming a mainstream phenomenon for social media and entertainment.
Public Reaction and Market Buzz
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Viewers leave comments like “I’m crying over a cat again,” and “This cat deserves an award!” The combination of humor, cuteness, and unexpected emotional depth has struck a chord with audiences across all age groups.
Marketing agencies and tech companies are also taking notice. Pet food brands, streaming platforms, and AI startups are exploring sponsorships and monetization opportunities linked to these viral videos.
Conclusion
What began as a recreational experiment with AI has become a full-fledged online sensation in China. Not only are these AI-created pet dramas fun to watch, but they also reflect the jaw-dropping pace at which AI is revolutionizing content creation.
Read the whole story here:
China's AI-generated pet dramas take internet by storm – SCMP