China · Leisure, Entertainment & Media

Bilibili

A popular Chinese video streaming platform known for its anime, gaming, and community-driven content culture.

What it helps with

Watching Chinese videos, anime and tutorialsBilibili hosts long-form videos from creators, licensed anime and documentaries, popular with young viewers.
Learning Chinese with real contentMany videos have Chinese subtitles and scrolling comments (danmu), useful for practising reading.
Gaming and tech reviews in ChineseCreators publish detailed reviews of phones, gadgets and games sold in China.

About Bilibili

Bilibili (哔哩哔哩, often called "B站") started as an anime and gaming-focused video community and has grown into a broad video platform popular for its distinctive "danmu" (scrolling comment overlay) feature and strong community culture among younger Chinese users.

Key Features

Danmu Comments: Real-time scrolling comments overlaid on videos, a signature feature of the platform's culture.
Anime and Gaming Content: Strong original library and licensed content in these categories.
Live Streaming: Creators and gamers stream live content with real-time audience interaction.
Membership Tiers: A free tier alongside paid membership for ad-free viewing and exclusive content.

How to Get Started

Download the Bilibili app or visit the website and create an account.
Browse content by category or search for specific creators or shows.
Watch videos for free, with an optional membership for additional features.
Engage with the community through comments, danmu, or by following creators.

Before you use it

Limits: Some licensed anime and films are available only in mainland China because of regional rights.
Good to know: The interface is in Chinese; full membership with commenting requires passing an account quiz or verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bilibili work with a foreign bank card in China?: Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
Is Bilibili available in English?: Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
Do I need a local phone number to use Bilibili?: No, an international phone number generally works for Bilibili.
Do I need local ID or residency for Bilibili?: No, Bilibili doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
Where can I use Bilibili?: iOS · Android · Web
How much does Bilibili cost?: Free with ads; Big Member (大会员) subscription unlocks paid anime and films