Viu_(streaming_service)

Viu (streaming service)

Viu (streaming service)

Hong Kong streaming service

Viu (pronounced as view) is a Hong Kong-based over-the-top (OTT) video streaming provider from PCCW Media Group's Viu International Ltd.[1] Operated in a dual-revenue model comprising subscriptions and advertising, Viu delivers content in different genres from Asia's top content providers with local language subtitles, as well as original production series under the Viu Original initiative (similar to original programming from other services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix).[2]

Quick Facts Type of business, Type of site ...

Viu is now available in 25 markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and South Africa.[3] As of December 2022 annual results, Viu had an estimated 66.5 million monthly active users.

History

Viu International Ltd launched the Viu OTT video service in Hong Kong on 26 October 2015.[4]

In January 2016, Viu announced its official launch in Singapore.[5]

In March 2016, Viu announced its official launch in India and Malaysia.[6]

In May 2016, Viu launches in Indonesia.[7]

In November 2016, Viu announced its official launch in the Philippines and has achieved four million users and over 218 million video views.[8]

In February 2017, Viu was available in major Middle East countries including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.[9]

In May 2017, Viu announced its official launch in Thailand and has expanded to 15 markets across Asia and the Middle East countries.[10]

In September 2018, Viu announced its official launch in Myanmar.[11]

In March 2019, Viu announced its official launch in South Africa.[12]

In December 2019, Viu announced its suspension of operations in India without providing a date.[13] On 5 November 2021, Viu stopped its services in India.

In June 2023, PCCW and the Canal+ Group announced a strategic partnership between the two companies, under which Canal+ will invest $300 million, including an initial investment of $200 million, in Viu and gain a 26.1% minority stake in the streaming service, with the option to invest further and gain a 51% controlling stake. The partnership serves as a catalyst for international expansions for both PCCW and Canal+ as well as collaborations between Viu and Canal+ on original productions.[14][15]

In February 2024, the Canal+ Group announced it had increased its stake in Viu to 30%. This move underscored Canal+'s confidence in Viu, and highlighted the group's strategic focus on Asia as a pivotal growth area. By deepening its investment in Viu, which operates as a leading streaming service in Asia, the Middle East, and South Africa, Canal+ aims to accelerate its expansion in these regions. The total investment by Canal+ in Viu reached approximately $300 million, with the group maintaining the option to further increase its stake to 50%. This progression is indicative of the evolving relationship between Canal+ and PCCW, and underscores the importance of Viu in Canal+'s global strategy.[16]

Content

Viu offers a wide-range catalogue of movies and TV shows from across Asia, including popular and new titles. First-run TV episodes are available on the platform with advertisements in between, at least 72 hours after broadcast; Paid users can access episodes without advertisements, at least eight hours after broadcast. Several titles are also available separately in localized language audio dub.

Movie titles available on the platform, mostly from its sister network (now Baogu Movies) or partnered (tvN Movies), require active Premium subscription.

Original programming

Viu has begun producing their original titles, in which most of their originals was based in Southeast Asia that has already received multiple award recognitions such as Asian Academy Creative Awards and Asian Television Awards. They also produce originals for the Middle East and Africa as well, as well as previously produced their originals for the Indian markets.

Drama

More information Title, Genre ...

Comedy

More information Title, Genre ...

Co-production

More information Title, Genre ...

Exclusive international distribution

In addition to producing and distributing local titles, several Viu shows have been acquired and co-produced, partly or wholly, by Viu for exclusive first-run release or distribution (under the Viu Original label) in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South Africa in deals with partners in other regions such as Rakuten Viki,[lower-alpha 5] Far EasTone Friday Video, KC Global Media (ONE) among others.

Unlike major streaming platforms, which prevent third-party linear channels from securing broadcast rights of most co-produced shows, most Viu Original-labeled titles may be screened by local television channels in their respective countries, provided that the networks' local rights for such titles are for linear television broadcast only in their respective country jurisdiction.

More information Title, Genre ...

Availability

Viu OTT video service can be accessed anytime and anywhere via Viu app at App Store for iOS devices, Google Play Store for Android devices across the region, on the Huawei App Store or visit www.viu.com to watch on the web, it also can be accessed through Apple TV devices. Registered Viu free or premium subscriber can download videos and watch offline on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as save viewing progress, bookmark programmes and receive notifications on new episodes.[20]

Viu's service is run in premium subscription and ad-supported freemium model. Viu premium subscribers are able to enjoy full 1080p HD quality videos, unlimited download without any ads interruption. Meanwhile, Viu freemium users will continue to have access to platform's huge catalogue of content for free.[21]

See also

Notes

  1. Also aired on ntv7 (Rated P13 version)
  2. Also aired on HBO & HBO GO. Previously aired on ntv7 for Season 1 (Rated P13 version)
  3. Released in 60 4-part individual episodes, last around 8–16 min.
  4. Premiered within 48 hours before linear television broadcast (via Kapamilya Channel, Jeepney TV & A2Z)
  5. Some of the below-listed series are either labelled as Viki Original or co-distribute with Kocowa, which handled the series distribution from three major broadcasters
  6. Released in 60 half-hour individual episodes, last around 29–35 min.

References

  1. [1]
    Rachelle, Marie. "Best Korean Movies on Viu Vu To Watch in 2023". Streaming Freak. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  2. [2]
    "PCCW Media's Viu OTT play nets over 1.2 million downloads in Hong Kong". Ooyala. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  3. [3]
    "Viu no service page list of countries". Viu. 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  4. [4]
    "PCCW launches streaming video service in HK". ComputerWorld Hong Kong. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  5. [5]
    "PCCW Media signs the first landmark pan-regional agreement with top four Korean broadcasters and announces regional expansion of Viu OTT service in Asia with Singapore launch". PCCW.
  6. [6]
    "PCCW Media's Viu OTT video service expands to India and Malaysia further to its launch in Hong Kong and Singapore". PCCW.
  7. [7]
    "Vuclip launches OTT Service- Viu in Indonesia". Exchange4media. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  8. [8]
    "Viu achieves 4 million users across Asia in first year of launch. Service further expands to the Philippines". PCCW.
  9. [9]
    "Viu launches in Middle East". Rapid TV News. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  10. [10]
    "Viu launches in Thailand". PCCW.
  11. [11]
    "Viu launches in Myanmar". Rapid TV News. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  12. [12]
    Laghate, Gaurav (1 March 2019). "Viu launches OTT service in South Africa". The Economic Times. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  13. [13]
    Roy Choudhury, Anirban (16 December 2019). "Viu to shut India operations". afaqs!. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  14. [14]
    Shackleton, Liz (21 June 2023). "Canal+ Takes 26% Stake In Leading Asian Streamer Viu; Talks Growth & Content Collaboration". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  15. [15]
    Frater, Patrick (20 June 2023). "France's Canal+ Buying Strategic Minority Stake in Viu, Successful Asian Streamer". Variety. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  16. [16]
    Frater, Patrick (26 February 2024). "Canal Plus Increases Stake in Asian Streamer Viu to 30% – Global Bulletin". Variety. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  17. [17]
    Megan Domani [@megandomani1410] (31 October 2023). "Jadi pejuang LDR Jakarta-Paris, apa mungkin perasaan Kate dan Liam masih sama? Series Viu Original Bad Boys VS Crazy Girls 2, segera tayang!" (in Indonesian). Retrieved 1 November 2023 – via Instagram.
  18. [18]
    Ziwei, Puah (17 April 2023). "K-drama 'Taxi Driver' to return for Season 3". NME. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  19. [19]
    Nug, Ratih (21 March 2024). "Teaser The Escape Of The Seven: Resurrection: Siapa Pengkhianatnya?" [Teaser for The Escape Of The Seven: Resurrection: Who is the Traitor?]. konteks.co.id (in Indonesian). Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  20. [20]
    "Viu". www.viu.com. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  21. [21]
    "Viu launches premium subscription in Singapore with Singtel". PCCW.com.
Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Viu_(streaming_service), and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.