Youku (优酷) : Alibaba-owned video site for movies, TV dramas, anime and short-form user clips.

Launched in 2006 as an early YouTube-style site, Youku merged with rival Tudou in 2012 and became an Alibaba subsidiary in 2016.

Users stream licensed movies, TV dramas and anime plus original series and everyday clips. A free tier is ad-supported; a VIP membership unlocks ad-free, early viewing.

For years Youku ranked with iQiyi and Tencent Video in China's big-three streaming group. Its catalog is Mandarin-first for mainland users, limiting access abroad.

Can I access Youku from the US?

Sure does. Youku has an international version available globally. Some content is geo-restricted due to licensing. The international version offers select content with English subtitles. Youku is also available on major smart TV platforms outside China.

Is Youku still relevant?

Youku was the dominant video platform before iQIYI and Tencent Video surpassed it. Now under Alibaba, Youku focuses on integrating content with e-commerce. It has lost market share but still produces hit variety shows like "Street Dance of China" and exclusive dramas.