AcFun
China's earliest danmu video site, where bullet-comment culture took root. Heavier ACG vibes and old-school community feel—motto says don't take it too seriously. Anime, memes, and live streams for users who've stuck around.
Site Info
- Official domain
- www.acfun.cn
- Operator
- Beijing Danmu Network Technology Co., Ltd.
- Launch date
- June 6, 2007
- Pricing
- Free
- Languages
- Simplified Chinese
- Last updated
- August 27, 2026
Site Introduction
AcFun (acfun.cn), known by longtime netizens as Site A, is one of China's earliest danmaku video websites. It has sections for anime, games, kichiku/meme videos, dance, technology, live streaming, and articles, with a more niche, close-knit community feel than larger platforms. Its mascot is AC-chan (AC Niang), and it is now owned by Kuaishou.
Core Features
1. Danmaku Interaction + Community Meme Culture
The soul of AcFun is its danmaku. Comments and jokes float across the screen while you watch videos, with a high density of kichiku remixes, playful antics, and witty comments. Many elements of China's danmaku culture and classic memes (Jinkela, the Führer, the Kichiku All-Stars, etc.) first gained traction here. After registering and passing the quiz to become a full member, users can send more types of danmaku; reaching level 5 unlocks advanced danmaku.
2. Content Sections + Broadcast Schedule
AcFun has comprehensive sections including anime, games, entertainment, lifestyle, technology, dance & idols, music, film & TV, sports, and the Fish Pond community section. The anime section features a broadcast schedule for tracking new anime series (such as If History Is a Bunch of Cats and Zombie Land Saga) by their weekly release days. A large amount of original videos, derivative works, commentary, and MMD content from UP hosts can be watched for free.
3. Banana Tipping + Live Streaming Gifts
Bananas are free virtual items obtained through daily check-ins and missions (they expire if unused). They are used to tip bananas to support UP hosts. Live streaming and gifts operate on AC Coins, which are used to purchase presents (such as Peaches). There are also community features like Monkey Recommendations and the Banana Leaderboard, giving interactions a down-to-earth, grassroots feel.
4. Creation and Virtual Streaming Tools
AcFun supports video uploads and text/image articles. It provides mobile apps, live/virtual streaming tools, the AcFun Face Capture Assistant, AC-chan sticker packs, theme customization, and more. The toolchain is relatively complete for creators who want to become virtual streamers or produce derivative content.
Pricing Model
Mostly free, with no monthly "premium membership" subscription like Bilibili.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Free viewing | Most UGC videos and live streams can be watched for free; after registering and passing the quiz, users can send danmaku, comment, and upload |
| Bananas | Free items obtained via check-ins/missions, used to tip UP hosts; they expire and cannot replace paid content |
| AC Coins | Official top-up rate is generally 1 yuan ≈ 10 AC Coins (as shown on the top-up page; subject to platform adjustment); iOS may include handling fees |
| Paid individual episodes | Some copyright-restricted anime/tokusatsu use pay-per-episode, typically 1–2 AC Coins per episode for permanent unlock, with no monthly pass needed |
Additional notes: AcFun does not have a fixed membership package like a "premium monthly card." To support creators or unlock individual paid episodes, simply top up AC Coins as needed.
Pricing may change; please refer to the official website or in-app top-up page: https://www.acfun.cn/
Comparison with Similar Platforms
Unique Advantages
- Pioneering danmaku status: One of China's earliest danmaku websites, with a strong sense of belonging among longtime users and a historically rooted "Acer" community.
- Purer atmosphere: Compared with major platforms, there are fewer pre-roll ads and commercial gimmicks, making it feel more like a gathering of veteran ACG fans.
- Simple payment model: No mandatory monthly fees; anime episodes can be unlocked individually with AC Coins, making it more flexible for occasional viewers.
Practical Highlights
- Broadcast schedule: Track weekly anime releases without having to remember update days yourself.
- Banana tipping + Banana Leaderboard: Free items for community interaction, with a low barrier to supporting UP hosts.
Objective Drawbacks
- Fewer anime resources: In recent years, new anime licensing and exclusive content have lagged behind Bilibili, and the update pace of the anime section has noticeably slowed.
- Smaller scale and traffic: Top UP hosts, live streaming popularity, and algorithm recommendation maturity are not on par with leading platforms, making it harder for new creators to gain exposure.
| Comparison Item | AcFun (Site A) | Bilibili (Site B) | Douyin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core positioning | ACG danmaku niche community | Comprehensive danmaku video community | Short video recommendations |
| Membership model | No monthly premium; AC Coins on demand | Premium monthly/yearly subscription | No equivalent membership |
| Danmaku atmosphere | Nostalgic, meme-heavy | Large scale, broad categories | Danmaku not core |
| Anime licensing | Relatively few; mostly free + pay-per-episode | Large licensed anime library | Almost no anime |
| Best for | Veteran anime fans, kichiku/meme lovers, niche community interaction | Anime watching, live streaming, all content types | Bite-sized entertainment |
FAQ
1. What is the relationship between AcFun and Bilibili?
There is no ownership or affiliation relationship. AcFun was founded in 2007 and represents one of the earliest domestic danmaku video platforms; Bilibili later rose to become the industry leader. The two operate independently, and AcFun is now part of the Kuaishou group.
2. Can I watch without registering?
Many videos can be watched without logging in. Sending danmaku, commenting, banana tipping, and uploading require registration. After passing the membership quiz and becoming a full member, more features become available.
3. Does AcFun have a premium membership?
Currently, there is no monthly subscription like Bilibili's Premium Membership. Paid features mainly rely on AC Coins for unlocking paid episodes, live stream gifts, decorations, and other items.
4. What is the difference between Bananas and AC Coins?
Bananas are free to obtain and used for tipping; they expire. AC Coins require top-up (about 1 yuan for 10 coins) and are used for paid anime, live gifts, and virtual items. The two cannot be exchanged.
5. How do I become a full member?
After registering, complete the membership quiz (about 30 questions, requiring a certain number of correct answers). Once you pass, you can send danmaku, comment, tip, and use other features normally.
6. How do I buy paid anime episodes?
For episodes marked as paid, use AC Coins to unlock them individually; it is common to pay 1–2 coins per episode, and the unlock is permanent. There is no need to buy a monthly pass.
7. Is AcFun still active?
The website and app are still operating, and sections, live streaming, and uploads remain functional. However, compared with its peak period and with Bilibili, content licensing and the signing of UP hosts/streamers have noticeably contracted, making it more of a legacy community centered on UGC.
