Viki launches new global Chinese service

Streaming service Viki has launched new Chinese TV streaming offerings.

Viki has bases in Asia and the US and crowd sources subtitles, offering a swathe of international content to its customers in 160 languages.

BBC Worldwide acquired a small share in the business in 2011 having previously licensed it programmes before it was acquired by Japanese e-commerce giant, and Wuaki owner, Rakuten in 2013.

It has launched new Chinese TV websites and apps and struck a deal with smartphone maker Xiaomi, which will be its streaming partner in selected markets.

The new Chinese sites have launched with about 350 shows from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. There is also access to a large library of shows from Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia.

“As the Chinese entertainment industry establishes itself as an entertainment powerhouse globally, Viki is uniquely positioned to stream its TV shows and movies to a new audience of fans around the world, as well as the growing Chinese diaspora,” said Tammy H. Nam, Viki CEO.

“More than half of our viewership of top Chinese shows such as My Best Ex-Boyfriend and the recent historical hit Nirvana in Fire comes from the United States, subtitled in nearly 20 languages, thanks to our crowdsourced community of fans.”

Viki also has partnerships with Chinese content partners including Sohu, iCNTV and Huace Film & TV Co.