Netflix targets Chinese audiences after inking deal with Alibaba's video site Youku
Netflix has inked an exclusive content licensing deal with Alibaba’s video platform Youku as it seeks to bolster its Chinese language content.
Netflix is looking to boost its mandarin content in a bid to win over Chinese audiences worldwide
Netflix has bought distribution rights for Youku’s romantic comedy series "I Hear You", and plans to stream the 24-episode series outside of China.
The series is based on a popular Chinese novel of the same name and follows an aloof violin maker and the girl next door as they embark on a reality-dating show. The series will be available to more than 148 million subscribers in 190 countries and regions worldwide via Netflix.
It is the latest deal between the streaming giant and the Chinese online video platform, which inked a licensing deal in 2017 for Youku's detective thriller "Day and Night.
Brandy Zhang, chief editor of Youku's online series division said, "More than 50 original productions have been distributed overseas in the past two years, as we see growing interest from international distributors. We want to create even more quality content that resonates with viewers around the world."
Chinese content is increasingly attracting huge audiences outside of China, last year online platform iQiyi’s hit romance series Yanxi Palace was snapped up for distribution across Asia after attracting more than 15 billion views in China. The web series went on to be the most watched program on Hong Kong’s TVB.