iQIYI
When a new show drops, a lot of people open this first. Hit dramas, variety, movies, and anime in one place—watch free, or go VIP when you want more.
Site Introduction
iQIYI (www.iqiyi.com) is one of China's mainstream licensed video platforms.
Whether you want to watch popular TV dramas, variety shows, high-definition movies, anime, or children's content, you can find it here.
Core Features
1. Massive library of licensed long-form video content
Covers TV dramas, movies, variety shows, anime, children's programs, documentaries, short dramas, comic dramas, and more.
Popular dramas are often marked as "limited free episodes" or member-exclusive.
There are also the Popularity Rankings and new release trailers to help you keep track of what's trending.
2. Free viewing + member early access
There is a dedicated Free Channel where you can browse a wave of dramas, variety shows, movies, and anime.
Non-members usually have to watch ads, and updates for popular shows are often delayed.
Members can watch early and access a larger VIP library.
3. High-definition audio-visual and multi-device viewing
The client focuses on 4K Ultra HD, Dolby audio, Zhenqi Yinghua (Frame Qiyi), and more.
Supports offline downloads and playback while downloading (depending on membership tier).
Works on mobile, computer, and tablet; if you want to watch on TV, you need to choose the right membership.
4. Member ecosystem and peripheral services
The membership center offers points redemption, student/teacher discounts, co-branded memberships, and more.
There are also entries for Cloud Cinema, sports, live streaming, novels, games, VR, and more.
Beyond following dramas, you can also browse events and derivatives.
Pricing Model
Partially free: There is free content, but for popular exclusives, HD privileges, and ad removal, you generally need to subscribe.
Current common membership tiers:
| Tier | General Positioning | Key Differences (Summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic VIP | More budget-friendly | Can watch VIP content, but cannot skip pre-roll ads; stricter device restrictions |
| Gold VIP | Standard for individuals | Mobile/tablet/PC; simultaneous playback on 1 device; login on about 5 devices; ad privileges, 1080P/Zhenqi Yinghua, etc. |
| Platinum VIP | Family / TV | Adds TV end and more; simultaneous playback on 2 devices; login on about 8 devices; includes higher video quality capabilities |
| Star Diamond VIP | Premium family | Simultaneous playback on 3 devices; login on about 10 devices; free access to bonus episodes, plus sports membership and other higher benefits |
Fees may change. Please refer to the website:
Official website: https://www.iqiyi.com/
Membership center: https://www.iqiyi.com/vip
Free channel: https://www.iqiyi.com/free/
Help center: https://help.iqiyi.com/
Comparison with Similar Platforms
Unique advantages
- Deep reserves of iQIYI originals / exclusive dramas and variety shows, with its own hits frequently on the trending list.
- Clear membership tiers: individual Gold, family Platinum/Star Diamond, with device and quality benefits clearly matched.
- Large Free Channel library, allowing users to watch a wave of licensed content without paying.
Practical highlights
- Clear audio-visual selling points such as Zhenqi Yinghua, Dolby, and 4K, which make a difference for drama fans.
- Many extras such as bonus episodes, points, and co-branded memberships; heavy users can find discounts.
Objective drawbacks
- Popular content is often "members first, free later," and there are occasional additional charges for early access or bonus episodes, making it feel expensive.
- Gold VIP does not include valid TV-end membership benefits, so buying the wrong tier is common; the number of simultaneous playback devices is also tightly restricted.
| Comparison Item | iQIYI | Tencent Video | Youku |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content focus | Exclusive dramas/variety + strong self-production | Tencent ecosystem copyrights and self-production | Alibaba entertainment content pool |
| Free experience | Has an independent free channel | Also has a free zone | Also has a free zone |
| Membership threshold | Detailed tiers; TV requires higher tier | Also divided by device/tier | Also membership-based |
| Typical drawback | Tight paid rhythm for hit dramas | Some iQIYI exclusives not available | Hit shows often depend on schedule |
FAQ
Q1: Can I watch dramas without a membership?
A: Yes. The Free Channel and some limited free episodes can be watched. But popular exclusives often require waiting, watching ads, or are locked to members only.
Q2: How to choose between Gold, Platinum, and Star Diamond?
A: If you only watch on mobile/PC, Gold is usually sufficient. If you want to watch on a TV large screen, you need at least Platinum. If you want free access to bonus episodes, more simultaneous playback, and sports benefits, then consider Star Diamond.
Q3: Why can't I watch on TV even after subscribing?
A: Most likely you purchased Gold VIP. The help center states that Gold can log in on TV, but does not enjoy TV-end membership benefits. For TV viewing, you need a product with large-screen benefits such as Platinum or Star Diamond.
Q4: What is the difference between Basic and Gold?
A: Both allow access to a lot of VIP content, but Basic cannot skip ads, and login/benefits are more limited. If you dislike ads, don't skimp on this tier.
Q5: Will multiple people watching at the same time be kicked offline?
A: Yes. Gold allows about 1 simultaneous playback, Platinum 2, Star Diamond 3. If exceeded, they will compete with each other; this is an intentional platform restriction.
Q6: How to cancel auto-renewal? Will I get a refund for the current month?
A: You can turn it off in the membership renewal management in the app. For Apple subscriptions, you need to cancel in the system subscription settings. After cancellation, you can usually continue using until the end of the current cycle; fees already deducted are generally non-refundable.
Q7: Is iQIYI the same as the international version?
A: Not exactly. The domestic site is iqiyi.com; there are also overseas products such as iQIYI International. The content library, accounts, and memberships may not be interoperable, so don't mix them up.