Community Engagement and Emergence Journal (CEEJ)
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): Community Engagement & Emergence Journal (CEEJ)

Digital Business Accounting in Streaming Platforms: Narrative Disclosure, Content Cost Efficiency, and Financial Performance of iQIYI 2020–2024

Hana Dhayan (Universitas Tanjungpura, Pontianak)
Erwin Febriansyah (Unknown)
Maulidia Akhir (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between narrative disclosure, content cost efficiency, and financial performance in a digital streaming platform. Using iQIYI, Inc. as a longitudinal case from 2020 to 2024, this study applies a quantitative content analysis of five Form 20-F annual reports and non-parametric correlation tests. A Composite Content Analysis Index (CA_INDEX) is developed from four disclosure dimensions: drama-related content frequency, content strategy orientation, subscriber discourse, and management tone. Financial performance is measured using net income, gross profit, content cost, content cost ratio, membership revenue, and gross margin. The results show that content strategy orientation and management tone are positively associated with profitability, while CA_INDEX is negatively associated with content cost. These findings indicate that digital platform performance is not merely driven by higher content spending, but by more efficient resource allocation and clearer strategic disclosure. This study contributes to digital business accounting literature by showing how narrative disclosure and intangible content investment efficiency can provide relevant information for assessing financial performance in platform-based companies. 

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ceej

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Health Professions

Description

CEEJ is a journal for the development and application of science and technology that includes publication of the results of community service activities, models or concepts or their implementation in the context of increasing community participation in development, community empowerment or the ...