Youku

Site Introduction

Youku (www.youku.com) is an online video platform under Alibaba Group.

You can find exclusive dramas, variety shows, movies, anime, and more here.

Core Features

1. Licensed long-form video on demand

Covers TV dramas, movies, variety shows, anime, children's programs, documentaries, short dramas, and more.
The homepage often has sections for limited free episodes, exclusives, and VIP-only content.
Whether catching up on hit dramas, Hong Kong dramas, or older series, the paths are clear.

2. Member early access and tiered benefits

Non-members can watch some content, but popular titles are often locked behind membership.
VIP focuses on early access to hit dramas, ad privileges, 1080P/Frame Enjoy audio-visual, and high-speed downloads.
SVIP adds TV large-screen access, SVIP Theater, and additional early access to some content.

3. Variety shows and humanistic documentaries

Strong exclusive variety show presence, with cooking competition and youth training genres frequently ranking.
The humanities section includes interview programs such as Round Table, along with many documentaries and cultural programs.
Not just light romance dramas; there is also in-depth content to enjoy at a slower pace.

4. Multi-device and ecosystem entries

Web, client, and TV end (often referred to as Kumiao-related large-screen capability) are all available.
There are also channels for sports, live streaming, new knowledge, learning, games, and more.
Taobao 88VIP users often receive Youku VIP benefits as a bonus (usually excluding the TV end).

Pricing Model

Not entirely free: There is free and limited free content, but popular exclusives, ad removal, and HD privileges generally require a membership.

There are two main official membership tiers:

Current reference prices visible in the membership center (promotional prices, subject to change):

• VIP monthly auto-renewal: first three months about 9.9 RMB/month, original price about 25 RMB/month; from the 4th month onward, charged at about 25 RMB/month
• VIP annual card: about 128 RMB (shown as a discount from the original price of about 258 RMB on the page)
• VIP semi-annual card: about 138 RMB
• SVIP is usually more expensive than VIP; monthly auto-renewal is commonly seen around 35 RMB in channels, with annual cards higher, subject to the purchase page

There are also separate paid items such as single-title rental for movies/dramas, paid knowledge content, and sports, which may not be fully covered even with VIP.

Fees may change. Please refer to the website:
Official website: https://www.youku.com/
Membership center: https://vip.youku.com/
Membership privileges: https://home.vip.youku.com/privilege
Series membership agreement: http://svip.youku.com/trade/subscribeagreement

Comparison with Similar Platforms

• Unique advantages

  1. Multiple Alibaba ecosystem entry points; 88VIP users often receive Youku VIP as a bonus
  2. High recognition for exclusive variety shows + Hong Kong drama library + humanistic documentaries, not just piling up romance dramas
  3. Clear device separation between VIP / SVIP: don't mix up mobile and TV ends

• Practical highlights

  1. Limited free episodes for trial viewing are common, lowering the barrier to try before buying
  2. SVIP includes additional early access, exclusive theater, and 4K, with clear differences for heavy users

• Objective drawbacks

  1. Regular VIP cannot fully use the TV large screen; living room viewing requires upgrading to SVIP, and many people buy the wrong plan
  2. Popular content may still require separate rental or early access fees; after the promotional period for monthly auto-renewal, the price difference is significant, so users need to watch their billing

FAQ

Q1: Can I watch without a membership?
A: Yes, you can watch some free content and limited free episodes. But popular exclusives, full updates, and ad removal mostly require VIP/SVIP.

Q2: How to choose between VIP and SVIP (Kumiao)?
A: If you only watch on mobile/PC, VIP is enough. If you want to watch on a smart TV or set-top box, choose SVIP. The agreement states that VIP cannot be used on the TV end.

Q3: Can the Youku membership bundled with Taobao 88VIP be used on TV?
A: It is usually Youku VIP, which does not include the TV end. For living room viewing, you still need to upgrade to or purchase SVIP separately. Don't assume it works on all devices.

Q4: Why is the first month very cheap, but it suddenly becomes more expensive later?
A: Monthly auto-renewal often has promotional pricing for the first few months, after which it reverts to the original price (e.g., VIP at about 25 RMB/month). Before subscribing, read the "from the Nth month" note carefully, and turn off auto-renewal promptly if you don't need it.

Q5: Why are there still ads after subscribing, or why do I have to pay extra?
A: Ad privileges generally apply to regular in-site pre-roll ads. Some live streams, single-rental movies, paid knowledge content, and sports are separately charged and may not be fully covered by membership.

Q6: How many devices can play simultaneously?
A: The SVIP agreement mentions up to about 8 simultaneous online devices (with per-device limits, such as no more than 3 per device type). Subject to the current privileges page; exceeding the limit will result in being kicked offline.

Q7: Are Youku, the international version, and Tudou the same thing?
A: The main entity now is the domestic Youku site. Historical brands, overseas products, and third-party redirect sources may be considered separately. Membership benefits are based on the Youku account you log in with and the privileges shown on the purchase page.