Youku
A Chinese online video and subscription streaming platform operated by Alibaba Group.
Last updated October 25, 2026
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Overview
Youku is a Chinese online video and subscription video-on-demand platform operated by Alibaba Group. It began as one of China's early major video-sharing websites, initially combining user-uploaded material with licensed programming, and later developed into a professionally programmed streaming service offering television series, films, variety programs, documentaries, anime, sports-related content, and original productions. The service is distributed through its website, mobile applications, connected devices, and other digital channels serving audiences in mainland China. The business was founded by Victor Koo, also known as Gu Yongqiang, a former president of the Chinese internet portal Sohu. A beta version appeared in 2003 and the site was formally launched later that year, while the company behind the service was established in 2006. Early growth was supported by venture capital and private-equity funding. Youku built a strong position in China's online-video market by combining a large audience with partnerships for professionally produced programming. It also pursued distribution and technology relationships, including cooperation with Myspace China and Mozilla's China edition of Firefox. In March 2012, Youku agreed to merge with Tudou, another leading Chinese video site, in a stock-for-stock transaction. The resulting company was named Youku Tudou Inc. The merger combined two substantial content libraries and user bases, although the combined business faced intensifying competition from services such as iQiyi and Tencent Video. Youku had previously listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2010 under the ticker YOKU. Alibaba subsequently invested in the company and completed its acquisition of the remaining public shares in 2015, bringing Youku into Alibaba's digital-media portfolio and ending its status as an independent listed company. Under Alibaba, Youku increasingly emphasized licensed and professionally produced content rather than the user-generated-video model associated with its early years. Its role also became connected with Alibaba's wider advertising, commerce, data, and entertainment ecosystem. The platform offers free and advertising-supported viewing alongside paid membership, with premium access providing additional programming and related benefits. Like other Chinese streaming services, it operates within a tightly regulated online-content environment and competes for exclusive rights, original productions, subscribers, viewing time, and advertising budgets. Youku remains one of China's established streaming brands. Publicly reported audience measures have placed it among the country's largest online-video services, although its relative market position has fluctuated as iQiyi, Tencent Video, Bilibili, Douyin, and other platforms expanded. Its current identity is principally that of an Alibaba-owned streaming and digital-content service rather than an open video-hosting website.
History
Youku emerged during the first major expansion of online video in China. Victor Koo, a former Sohu executive, founded the service and supported its early development with capital raised through his investment network. A beta version was made available in 2003 before the formal launch of the website. The company raised venture funding during the late 2000s, including a reported $25 million round in 2007, and announced cumulative private-equity financing of $110 million in 2009. Investors cited in historical accounts include Brookside Capital, Sutter Hill Ventures, Maverick Capital, and Chengwei Ventures. The original service was associated with user-uploaded video, but China's regulatory environment and the commercial appeal of professionally produced programming led Youku toward licensed content. By the time of its public offering, the company had assembled programming from a large network of content partners. It also formed distribution and technology partnerships, including a 2008 relationship with Myspace China and an arrangement to serve as the online-video provider embedded in the China edition of Mozilla Firefox. In 2010, Youku and Tudou announced a cross-licensing and video-exchange initiative intended to improve the availability of professionally produced programming on both platforms. Youku listed on the New York Stock Exchange in December 2010 under the symbol YOKU. The flotation gave the company access to public capital while it continued investing heavily in content and audience growth. Competition nevertheless intensified. iQiyi, Tencent Video, Sohu Video, LeTV, PPTV, and other platforms competed for licensing rights and viewers. In 2012, Youku and Tudou announced a stock-for-stock merger. The combined company became Youku Tudou Inc., with Victor Koo serving as chairman. The transaction created one of China's largest online-video groups, but integration and content costs remained significant challenges. Alibaba first acquired a substantial stake in Youku Tudou and later launched an all-cash offer for the remaining shares. The acquisition was completed in 2015, and Youku became part of Alibaba's digital-media and entertainment activities. Alibaba connected the service more closely with its advertising and consumer ecosystem, while Youku continued developing premium subscriptions, licensed programming, and original productions. The service's strategic direction moved further away from an open user-generated platform and toward a curated streaming model. The Alibaba era has included both organizational change and regulatory pressure. In 2018, president Yang Weidong left the business in circumstances related to a police investigation into alleged economic misconduct. In 2020, the Youku mobile app was among Chinese applications blocked by India during a period of heightened bilateral tensions. Despite changing competitive conditions, Youku has remained an active Chinese streaming brand, with its business shaped by content licensing, production investment, membership, advertising, platform distribution, and Alibaba's broader media strategy.
- 2020
Application blocked in India
[1]India included Youku among Chinese applications blocked during a period of bilateral tensions.
- 2018
President leaves amid investigation
[1]President Yang Weidong departed after the company disclosed circumstances involving a police investigation.
- 2015
Alibaba acquisition completed
[1]Alibaba took full ownership of Youku Tudou, ending the company's independent public-market status.
- 2012
Merger with Tudou announced
[1]Youku and Tudou agreed to combine in a stock-for-stock transaction, forming Youku Tudou Inc.
- 2010
New York Stock Exchange listing
[1]Youku began trading publicly on the NYSE under the symbol YOKU.
- 2007
Venture financing supports expansion
[1]The company raised a reported $25 million in venture capital as it expanded its online-video operation.
- 2006
Youku company established
[1]The company associated with the Youku brand was founded by Victor Koo.
- 2003
Beta service introduced
[1]A limited beta version of the video service became available before the formal public launch.
Products and positioning
A mainstream Chinese streaming platform combining licensed television, films, variety programming, anime, and original content with Alibaba's digital-media ecosystem.
Online video service · 2003
Youku video platform
The core Youku service provides on-demand access to Chinese and international films, television series, variety shows, animation, documentaries, and other professionally produced programming. It developed from an early video-sharing site into a curated streaming platform with advertising-supported and premium viewing experiences.
Subscription service
Youku membership
Youku membership provides paid access to premium programming and other subscriber benefits. It forms part of the platform's subscription business alongside advertising and other content monetization arrangements.
Mobile application
Youku mobile application
The mobile application extends Youku's streaming service to smartphones and other mobile devices, supporting on-demand viewing, account access, and membership-related functions in supported markets.
Original content
Youku original productions
Youku commissions, produces, or distributes original and exclusive programs across drama, variety, documentary, and other entertainment categories. Original content is used to differentiate the service and attract both viewers and subscribers.
Controversies
2021
Youku responds to alleged imitation of Squid Game
Youku said a discarded preliminary design for its variety show had been used at an investment-promotion event by mistake, apologized for the misunderstanding after online criticism that the design borrowed from Netflix's Squid Game, and said it would strengthen its review process. The source reports an allegation, not a determination of infringement.
2021
Beijing authorities fine Youku and iQIYI
Beijing cultural market enforcement authorities fined Youku and iQIYI 90,000 yuan each after investigating violations by the video platforms.
2020
Youku sues operator of Mimiao Video over alleged unfair competition
Youku filed a lawsuit against Beijing Dianwo Network Technology, the operator of Mimiao Video, alleging unfair competition through a shared-VIP model. In the suit, Youku sought an order to stop the conduct and claimed RMB 1.9 million in damages and reasonable expenses. These are allegations made in the lawsuit and do not constitute a court determination.
2019
Youku sues Qihoo and Sogou over alleged unfair competition
Youku Information Technology (Beijing) sued Beijing Qihoo Technology and Beijing Sogou Information Service, alleging unfair competition involving the use of "Youku" as a search keyword to promote their app market. Youku sought an order to stop the conduct and compensation; the article says the Haidian court accepted the case.
2018
Yang Weidong investigation
Youku disclosed that president Yang Weidong had left the company in connection with a police investigation concerning alleged efforts to obtain improper economic benefits.
Marketing campaigns
- 2010Video broadcasting exchange network
China
Youku and Tudou created a cross-licensing and video-exchange arrangement for professionally produced programming.
Outcome. The initiative improved the potential reach of licensed content across both services and preceded their later merger.
- 2008Myspace China partnership
China
Youku partnered with Myspace China as part of its early distribution and online-video expansion strategy.
Outcome. The partnership broadened Youku's early platform relationships.
Brand decisions
2019
Emphasize professional programmingStrategyBackground
The Chinese video market increasingly rewarded exclusive licensed and original programming, while user-generated video became more strongly associated with other platforms.
Action taken
Youku continued moving away from open user-uploaded video toward professionally produced, licensed, and commissioned content.
Aftermath
The brand became more comparable to a curated subscription streaming service than to its original video-sharing format.
2015
Sell the company to AlibabaM&ABackground
Competition from iQiyi and other streaming platforms increased the need for scale, content investment, and integration with a larger digital ecosystem.
Action taken
Alibaba acquired the remaining shares of Youku Tudou after previously purchasing a significant minority stake.
Aftermath
Youku became an Alibaba subsidiary and shifted further toward a professionally programmed streaming model.
2012
Combine with TudouM&ABackground
Youku and Tudou were two of China's largest online-video services, but the market was becoming increasingly competitive and content-intensive.
Action taken
The companies agreed to a stock-for-stock merger and operated under the Youku Tudou name.
Aftermath
The combination created a larger video group and later became the platform Alibaba acquired.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Youku responds to alleged imitation of Squid Game[8]
Youku said a discarded preliminary design for its variety show had been used at an investment-promotion event by mistake, apologized for the misunderstanding after online criticism that the design borrowed from Netflix's Squid Game, and said it would strengthen its review process. The source reports an allegation, not a determination of infringement.
Reported
Youku completes version 10.0 upgrade[10]
Youku completed its version 10.0 upgrade, adding an interactive community, supporting PGC creators, and introducing a new slogan.
Reported
Alibaba Group publishes fiscal 2021 results[11]
Alibaba Group published its fiscal 2021 results, reporting that Youku's average daily paying-user base grew 35% year over year.
- Unconfirmed
Beijing authorities fine Youku and iQIYI[9]
Beijing cultural market enforcement authorities fined Youku and iQIYI 90,000 yuan each after investigating violations by the video platforms.
Reported
Youku launches discounted membership promotion[12]
Youku offered an annual VIP membership together with 12 other memberships for 138 yuan, in a promotion running from December 26, 2020, to January 5, 2021.
- Unconfirmed
Youku sues Mimao Video over shared VIP service[7]
Youku sued Mimao Video, alleging that its shared VIP service damaged Youku’s membership-management system and economic interests and constituted unfair competition. Youku sought an order to stop the conduct and 1.9 million yuan in compensation and reasonable expenses; the supplied report describes allegations, not a court determination.
Reported
Youku sues operator of Mimiao Video over alleged unfair competition[6]
Youku sued Beijing Dianwo Network Technology, the operator of Mimiao Video, alleging unfair competition through a shared-VIP model and seeking an order to stop the conduct and RMB 1.9 million in damages and reasonable expenses. These are allegations in the lawsuit, not a court determination.
Reported
Youku announces Movie Pass membership service[13]
Youku announced the launch of Movie Pass membership, a service combining one year of Youku VIP membership, 40 movie vouchers, and a monthly entertainment package. The service also includes Youku’s “Frame Enjoyment” audiovisual service during the one-year membership period.
Youku launches Movie Pass membership[14]
Youku announced the launch of Movie Pass, a membership service combining Youku VIP membership, movie vouchers and other benefits, including benefits for in-person cinema visits.
- Unconfirmed
Youku sues four browser operators over ad blocking[5]
Youku Information Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. sued four website operators, alleging unfair competition over browser plugins that block Youku video ads and, for some browsers, bypass VIP restrictions. The case was still being heard, and the source reports no ruling.
Sources21 sources
- 1Youku - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Official Youku websiteyouku.com
- 3Yang Weidong investigationycpai.ycwb.com
- 4Youku sues Qihoo and Sogou over alleged unfair competitionsc.stock.cnfol.com
- 5Youku sues Qihoo and Sogou over alleged unfair competitionchinaz.com
- 6Youku sues operator of Mimiao Video over alleged unfair competitiontech.sina.com.cn
- 7Youku sues operator of Mimiao Video over alleged unfair competitiontv.zol.com.cn
- 8Youku responds to alleged imitation of Squid Gamechinaz.com
- 9Beijing authorities fine Youku and iQIYIchinaz.com
- 10优酷完成10.0版本升级workercn.cn
- 11阿里巴巴集团公布2021财年财报finance.sina.com.cn
- 12优酷推出会员促销活动nb.zol.com.cn
- 13优酷宣布推出电影通会员服务finance.sina.com.cn
- 14优酷推出电影通会员finance.qianlong.com
- 15优酷推出99元购买VIP年卡获赠3个月活动diy.zol.com.cn
- 16优酷全资入股来疯直播运营主体finance.jrj.com.cn
- 17曼联与阿里巴巴宣布在中国合作finance.sina.com.cn
- 18优酷与中国移动宣布推出亲情会员合作服务finance.sina.com.cn
- 19阿里文娱推出电影通会员，助力电影产业回暖finance.sina.com.cn
- 20优酷起诉共享VIP平台咪喵视频：破坏优酷会员制度 索赔190万chinaz.com
- 21优酷全资入股来疯直播，扩充内容多样性？tech.sina.com.cn
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