On December 30, 2025, Audience Network officially unveiled its annual 2025 Male Celebrity Influence Rankings, offering a comprehensive overview of the evolving dynamics within China’s entertainment industry. Based on aggregated online data, creative output across film, television, and music, as well as public engagement metrics, the list highlights a noticeable shift: influence is increasingly defined by a balance of professional credibility, audience resonance, and social value.
This year’s rankings are marked by both clear frontrunners and unexpected breakthroughs. Yi Yangqianxi secured the top position with a commanding lead, bolstered by his Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor and the international recognition of his film Wild Age, which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s main competition. Beyond box office performance, his long-term commitment to public welfare initiatives has expanded his influence beyond entertainment, positioning him as a representative figure of his generation.
Xiao Zhan ranked second, maintaining a rare balance between mass appeal and commercial strength. His historical drama Glory achieved consistently high viewership, while his luxury brand endorsements delivered strong sales results. With growing international exposure and high-engagement live broadcasts during the year-end season, his connection with audiences remains notably resilient.
Taking third place, Wang Yibo continued to demonstrate his versatility across film, music, and variety shows. His nuanced performance in Hidden Blade left a lasting impression, while his presence on stage and in entertainment programs reinforced his broad-based appeal and fan-driven influence.
Among younger artists, Song Yaxuan emerged as a standout. His single Summit generated massive online discussion upon release, while his role as a core cast member on Ace vs. Ace Season 9 further strengthened his reputation for strong stage presence and audience engagement.
In the costume drama genre, Cheng Yi and Dylan Wang maintained steady momentum. Cheng Yi benefited from the lasting popularity of Mysterious Lotus Casebook and upcoming projects, while Dylan Wang’s growing recognition in historical dramas translated into increased market appeal and fashion visibility.
In music, Hua Chenyu continued to dominate with his album Critical Point of Quantitative Change, which surpassed 270 million streams. His concerts and original compositions sparked widespread discussion, earning both commercial success and professional acclaim.
Tan Jianci and Liu Yuning exemplified successful niche positioning. Tan Jianci solidified his status as an acting-focused performer through Under the Skin 2 and Filter, while Liu Yuning leveraged strong reception for A Dream Within a Book to strengthen his cross-industry presence in acting and music.
Rounding out the top ten, Song Weilong demonstrated growing potential through the summer hit Glory and strong anticipation for his upcoming drama Wild Dog Bone.
According to Audience Network’s judging panel, the 2025 rankings reflect deeper changes within the entertainment ecosystem. As the industry matures, long-term influence increasingly depends on sustained creative output and social responsibility, rather than short-lived popularity alone.
