Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent learn Netflix lessons in content fight

Original shows help China's long-form video platforms win back viewers from apps

20210531 'Word Of Honor' Concert In Suzhou

The drama "Word of Honor" became a blockbuster for Alibaba-backed Youku and spawned live concerts featuring the main actors. © Getty Images

NIKKI SUN, Nikkei staff writer

HONG KONG -- China's long-form video platforms are stepping up acquisitions of popular media content and producing their own shows to lure back viewers from short-video apps.

Baidu-backed iQiyi, Alibaba's Youku and Tencent Video all reported better-than-expected user growth in their most recent quarterly earnings thanks to the popularity of several self-produced variety shows and TV series.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.