What is iContent and how does it benefit developers? (June 25, 2025)
iContent is a proprietary file format developed by Reallusion for exclusive use in iClone and Character Creator. It is available only through Smart Search within these applications—not via the Marketplace or Content Store (see iContent FAQ for details).
Based on the impact of AI development on the 3D market industry, Reallusion is committed to introducing various tools that use AI technology to strengthen and accelerate the development of 3D character and animation production. In addition to AI-assisted tool development, we are also adjusting our Content Business strategy. We are very concerned about the revenue of our content developers. Therefore, we have also introduced the Smart AI Search features in iClone, Character Creator and Cartoon Animator, with the goal of allowing users to find and try out the content they need directly in the applications, thereby increasing the exposure and sales of developer assets. In addition to In-AP instant purchase content, iContent has also been relaunched in the latest Smart Search version. iContent is priced at only 30% of the Standard License, providing users with a cost-effective option. We hope to provide users with the following benefits, thereby increasing developer revenue:
- Affordability: Build a large library of high-quality assets at a significantly lower cost.
- Render-Ready: Perfect for creating images and videos directly within iClone and Character Creator.
- Flexible Upgrade: Easily upgrade to a Standard License by paying only the price difference, enabling export to third-party software whenever needed.
We are confident that with this strategic adjustment, we can provide users with a better content experience and bring revenue growth to our content developers. Thank you for your support.
While I appreciate Reallusion’s continued efforts to expand discoverability tools and streamline access to content through Smart Search, I’d like to raise a few concerns about the iContent relaunch that I hope can be clarified.
As a small studio, we put tremendous time and care into building high-quality content that reflects not just functionality, but also our brand, identity, and value. With the new iContent format being priced at only 30% of the Standard License, and presented entirely within Smart Search, I’m concerned about two key areas:
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Brand Detachment & Developer Visibility
When assets are purchased through Smart Search as iContent, is there any way for the user to know who created the asset, or visit that creator’s storefront in app to explore more? For those of us building a recognizable studio identity, that connection is crucial to sustainable growth.
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Revenue Model & Market Conditioning
While iContent is positioned as a path to greater developer revenue, the reality is that this format undercuts Standard License pricing by default. With current Marketplace-wide 30% discounts already in place, and now an in-app system where users can buy content for 70% less, how do we ensure that developer earnings aren’t being quietly devalued over time?
I’m not against innovation or Smart Search, but I do believe developers deserve to fully understand how their work is being used, presented, and priced.
Can we expect clearer visibility controls, opt-in/opt-out features, or attribution systems in future updates?
Thank you for taking the time to consider this feedback, I’m sharing it because I care deeply about the long-term success of this platform and the creators who help shape it.
Hi…
Thank you for the feedback. I will pass this on to the content team.
To find the creator of any content, you can right click any thumbnail when running a deep search and choose to visit the product page. Also on the product page can see the name of the creator and a link to contact them if you wish.
Thank you, Pete, for the response.
I appreciate you taking the time to acknowledge the post and pass it on to the content team.
That said, I’d like to respectfully clarify that my original comment wasn’t about how to locate a creator’s name or storefront after finding a product, it was about how developer visibility is impacted by the shift to in-app iContent purchases at heavily reduced prices.
My concerns remain focused on:
1. Consent & Pricing Control
Currently, developers have no way to opt in or out of having their assets redistributed as iContent under Smart Search. With a default price of just 30% of the Standard License, this significantly changes the context in which our content is purchased, and directly affects revenue without clear permission or visibility.
2. Long-Term Revenue Impact
Positioning iContent as a way to help developers earn more is understandable in theory, but what happens if this pricing model reduces Marketplace sales overall? Will developers have access to data about that impact? Is there a plan to reevaluate the model if it leads to devaluation of Standard Licenses?
3. Brand Connection
For small studios, every interaction matters. When a user purchases iContent through Smart Search, they often don’t engage with the creator’s storefront, other products, or branding. That weakens the developer ecosystem and risks turning us into background providers rather than visible creators.
I want to stress that I genuinely appreciate the tools Reallusion has provided. This isn’t an attack, it’s a request for transparency and long-term fairness. We’re building our studios alongside your platform, and I think it’s fair to ask for open dialogue as new monetization systems are introduced.
Thank you again for listening.
— Embody Studios
Thank you for explaining more. I will certainly pass on your feedback and concerns to the content/developer teams to review. If there is anything they wish me to pass on then I will do so by updating this thread.