With the rapid expansion of AI-generated short dramas and digital advertising, the demand for digital facial likeness materials has surged. This has given rise to a unique business model known as "face licensing," where individuals can earn money simply by licensing their facial image—no acting on set or offline auditions required.

Platform staff report that AI digital avatars are categorized into two types based on the licensor: ordinary individuals and professional actors. A digital portrait of an ordinary person can be licensed for about 100 yuan per short video, while professional actors are priced based on usage scope and episode length, ranging from 500 yuan to several thousand yuan. Buyers can select and purchase usage rights by age, gender, and style. Upon a successful transaction, the platform and the licensor share the revenue according to an agreed proportion.

Industry research firm Data Eye estimates that in the first five months of this year, the AI short drama market has already surpassed 22 billion yuan, with a projected annual value of up to 40 billion yuan. In the first quarter alone, AI-produced micro-dramas accounted for over 95% of all new micro-dramas launched across the industry.