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Viu (streaming service)

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Viu
Type of businessSubsidiary
Type of site
OTT Video Streaming
Available inArabic, Burmese, Chinese, English, Filipino, Indonesian, Malay, Thai
HeadquartersHong Kong
Area servedAlgeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, Myanmar, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Thailand, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen
Owner
ProductsVideo streaming
URLwww.viu.com
CommercialYes
LaunchedAugust 2015; 9 years ago (2015-08)
Current statusActive

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]

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

History

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
Title Genre Premiere Seasons Runtime Language Status
The Publicist Workplace romantic drama 22 November 2017 13 episodes 27–47 min Indonesian Miniseries
Sunshine Coming-of-age romantic drama 31 May 2018 40–44 min
Jibril Suspense legal drama 22 October 2018[a] 10 episodes 44–58 min Malay
Knock Out Girl Romantic sports drama 12 December 2018 13 episodes 42–48 min Indonesian
Devoted Neo-noir romantic thriller 28 March 2019 10 episodes 46–53 min Malay
Rewrite Romantic fantasy drama 15 May 2019 13 episodes 48–51 min Indonesian
Black Fantasy crime thriller 17 December 2019 2 seasons, 18 episodes 42–57 min Malay Ended
Pretty Little Liars Cozy mystery teen drama 22 April 2020 2 seasons, 22 episodes 41–57 min
  • Indonesian
  • English
Ganjil (Wonderers) Romantic fantasy drama 25 September 2021 10 episodes 46–59 min Malay Miniseries
Still Musical ensemble drama 26 November 2021 1 season, 8 episodes 41–54 min Tagalog
Remember 15 Teen mystery horror thriller 22 February 2022 12 episodes 47–57 min Thai
Wannabe Coming-of-age hip-hop musical drama 10 May 2022 16 episodes 49–54 min
Finding the Rainbow Romantic melodrama 9 November 2022 14 episodes 47–78 min
Hilang (Buried Sins) Supernatural crime thriller 17 November 2022 10 episodes 51–58 min Malay
Nenek Bongkok Tiga (The House on Autumn Hill) Supernatural mystery thriller 9 February 2023 39–60 min
Bidadari Bermata Bening (A Beautiful Angel) Romantic drama 31 March 2023 49–58 min Indonesian
Alter-Naratif (Electric Dust Agency) Science fiction psychological thriller 25 May 2023 8 episodes 45–51 min Malay
Marriage with Benefits Romantic drama 4 June 2023 10 episodes 38–60 min Indonesian
Get Rich Teen drama 5 July 2023 16 episodes 46–53 min Thai
W: Two Worlds Romantic fantasy thriller 30 November 2023 12 episodes 42–53 min Malay
Nafsu (Hell of a Night) Supernatural mystery thriller 27 June 2024 8 episodes 47–57 min
The Secret Mystery crime thriller 22 August 2024

Comedy

[edit]
Title Genre Premiere Seasons Runtime Language Status
Switch Romantic fantasy comedy 14 August 2017 13 episodes 20–30 min Indonesian Miniseries
Halustik Coming-of-age romantic comedy 12 September 2018 45–54 min
Salon Dark comedy thriller 17 September 2018[a] 10 episodes 41–46 min Malay
KZL Docu-comedy drama 7 November 2018 15 episodes 19–23 min Indonesian
Assalamualaikum, My Future Husband Romance comedy 6 November 2019 2 season, 23 episodes 47–50 min Ended
Keluarga Baha Don Crime comedy 11 July 2019 3 seasons, 30 episodes 21–35 min Malay
Kopitiam: Double Shot Sitcom 28 November 2019 10 episodes 28–34 min
  • English
  • Malay
 Miniseries
Star Stealer Coming-of-age romantic comedy 30 September 2020 28–36 min Indonesian
Write Me a Love Song Romantic musical comedy 25 November 2021 45–63 min
My Coach Romantic sports comedy 7 June 2022 16 episodes 44–63 min Thai
She Was Pretty Romantic workplace comedy 23 June 2022 48–59 min Malay
AI.5YA Science fiction sitcom 18 August 2022 10 episodes 24–28 min
#lovesignal Short-form romantic comedy 7 October 2022 10–14 min Cantonese
Ijab Kabut (I Have A Plan) Romantic comedy 10 October 2022 1 season, 10 episodes 26–29 min Malay
Real Fake Romantic action comedy 12 episodes 30–39 min Thai
Bad Boys vs Crazy Girls Teen romantic comedy 14 October 2022 2 season, 20 episodes + 1 specials 27–50 min Indonesian Pending
K-Love Romantic comedy drama 18 episodes 23–33 min Filipino Miniseries
Mantan tapi Menikah (Married Ex-Boyfriend) 31 January 2023 10 episodes 44–66 min Indonesian
Return Man Romantic action comedy 8 February 2023 12 episodes 42–49 min Thai
Love Me Again Romantic workplace comedy 23 March 2023 6 episodes 45–47 min
From Saga With Love Romantic comedy drama 21 September 2023 1 season, 10 episodes 25–30 min Malay Season 2 ongoing
I Do(n't) Love Him 18 October 2023 10 episodes 44–48 min Indonesian Miniseries
Tales at the Corner Short-form romantic comedy 24 November 2023 10 episodes 10–11 min Cantonese
Private Bodyguard Teen romantic comedy 8 March 2024 15 episodes 30–35 min Indonesian
Secret Ingredient Romantic comedy drama 30 April 2024 6 episodes 33–34 min
  • English
  • Filipino
  • Indonesian
  • Korean
Alpha Girls 5 July 2024 10 episodes 45–48 min Indonesian

Co-production

[edit]
Title Genre Partner/Country Premiere Seasons Runtime Exclusive region(s) Language Status
The Bridge Crime drama HBO Asia 26 November 2018[b] 2 seasons, 20 episodes 42–58 min All markets
  • English
  • Malay
  • Indonesian (season 2)
 Pending
4Freaks 4Fam Comedy drama Workpoint TV/Thailand 12 February 2019 1 season, 15 episodes[c] ~47 min[c] Thai
My Bubble Tea Romantic fantasy comedy AIS Play & One 31/Thailand 22 May 2020 13 episodes 44–57 min Miniseries
Isteri Misteri Mystery comedy TV3/Malaysia 25 November 2020 1 season, 10 episodes 38–43 min Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Malay Pending
Voice in the Rain Romantic drama AIS Play & Workpoint TV/Thailand 19 December 2020 16 episodes 45–47 min All markets Thai Miniseries
Flower of Evil Romantic crime thriller ABS-CBN & Dreamscape Entertainment/Philippines 23 June 2022[d] 32 episodes 39–49 min Filipino Ended
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim Romantic workplace comedy ABS-CBN & Dreamscape Entertainment/Philippines 18 March 2024 40 episodes 20–36 min
  • Filipino
  • English
 Ended
How to Spot a Red Flag Romantic comedy ABS-CBN & Dreamscape Entertainment/Philippines 27 November 2024 TBA TBA
  • Filipino
  • English
 Pending

Exclusive international distribution

[edit]

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,[e] 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.

Title Genre Original network Premiere Seasons Runtime Language Status
River Where the Moon Rises Period drama KBS2 15 February 2021 20 episodes[f] ~60 min[f] Korean Miniseries
Doom at Your Service Romantic fantasy tvN 10 May 2021 16 episodes 59–72 min
Lovers of the Red Sky Romantic period fantasy SBS 30 August 2021 59–70 min
Now, We Are Breaking Up Slice of life romantic drama 12 November 2021 60–68 min
Again My Life Fantasy action drama 8 April 2022 60–75 min
From Now On, Showtime! Romantic comedy/Mystery drama MBC 23 April 2022 66–78 min
Woori the Virgin Romantic comedy
9 May 2022 14 episodes 59–63 min
Why Her Romantic mystery drama SBS 3 June 2022 16 episodes 59–75 min
Today's Webtoon Workplace comedy 29 July 2022 62–76 min
If You Wish Upon Me Slice of life light drama
10 August 2022 60–64 min
The Law Cafe Romantic comedy/Legal drama KBS2 5 September 2022 16 episodes + 1 specials 60–67 min
The Empire Family legal drama JTBC 24 September 2022 16 episodes 57–72 min
Reborn Rich Fantasy suspense drama 18 November 2022 61–88 min
Taxi Driver (season 2) Revenge dark comedy SBS 17 February 2023 1 season, 16 episodes + 2 specials 63–127 min Renewed[17]
Delivery Man Romantic fantasy comedy Genie TV (ENA) 1 March 2023 12 episodes 59–61 min Miniseries
The Secret Romantic Guesthouse Romantic period drama SBS 20 March 2023 18 episodes 60–65 min
My Perfect Stranger Romantic fantasy/Mystery drama KBS2 1 May 2023 16 episodes 60–67 min
My Lovely Liar Romantic comedy/Mystery drama tvN 31 July 2023 61–71 min
The Escape of the Seven Revenge drama SBS 15 September 2023 2 season, 32 episodes 64–89 min Pending
Twinkling Watermelon Coming-of-age fantasy musical tvN 25 September 2023 16 episodes 59–64 min Miniseries
A Good Day to Be a Dog Romantic fantasy comedy
11 October 2023 14 episodes 58–62 min
The Matchmakers Romantic period comedy KBS2 30 October 2023 16 episodes 64–70 min
Moon in the Day Romantic fantasy drama Genie TV (ENA) 1 November 2023 14 episodes 59–61 min
The Story of Park's Marriage Contract Romantic comedy/Period fantasy MBC 24 November 2023 12 episodes 64–73 min
Queen of Divorce Revenge legal drama JTBC 31 January 2024 63–67 min
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon Romantic drama tvN 11 May 2024 16 episodes 62–80 min
Good Partner Legal drama SBS 12 July 2024 61–68 min
Perfect Family Mystery family drama KBS2 14 August 2024 12 episodes 58–60 min
Cinderella at 2 AM Romantic workplace comedy
24 August 2024 1 season, 10 episodes 59–71 min Pending
Family by Choice Coming-of-age family drama JTBC 9 October 2024 16 episodes TBA Miniseries ongoing
Brewing Love Romantic drama Genie TV (ENA) 4 November 2024 12 episodes TBA

Availability

[edit]

Viu is accessible via its website, and through its dedicated application on Android, iOS and Huawei OS services, as well as through select smart TV devices. Users can also save and download select episodes of shows, depending on their desired plan, which determine the maximum number of downloads allowed per user at a given time.[18]

As mentioned above, Viu offers a dual-revenue system, allowing users to access its content library without restrictions. While both free and premium users can watch its content without additional charges, subscribers can watch shows and movie titles in both 720p and 1080p high-definition, as well as without advertisements.[19]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b Released in 60 half-hour individual episodes, last around 29–35 min.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Rachelle, Marie. "Best Korean Movies on Viu Vu To Watch in 2023". Streaming Freak. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  2. ^ "PCCW Media's Viu OTT play nets over 1.2 million downloads in Hong Kong". Ooyala. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  3. ^ "Viu no service page list of countries". Viu. 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  4. ^ "PCCW launches streaming video service in HK". ComputerWorld Hong Kong. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  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. ^ "PCCW Media's Viu OTT video service expands to India and Malaysia further to its launch in Hong Kong and Singapore". PCCW.
  7. ^ "Vuclip launches OTT Service- Viu in Indonesia". Exchange4media. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  8. ^ "Viu achieves 4 million users across Asia in first year of launch. Service further expands to the Philippines". PCCW.
  9. ^ "Viu launches in Middle East". Rapid TV News. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  10. ^ "Viu launches in Thailand". PCCW.
  11. ^ "Viu launches in Myanmar". Rapid TV News. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  12. ^ Laghate, Gaurav (1 March 2019). "Viu launches OTT service in South Africa". The Economic Times. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  13. ^ Roy Choudhury, Anirban (16 December 2019). "Viu to shut India operations". afaqs!. Retrieved 19 December 2019.
  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. ^ Frater, Patrick (20 June 2023). "France's Canal+ Buying Strategic Minority Stake in Viu, Successful Asian Streamer". Variety. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
  16. ^ Frater, Patrick (26 February 2024). "Canal Plus Increases Stake in Asian Streamer Viu to 30% – Global Bulletin". Variety. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  17. ^ Ziwei, Puah (17 April 2023). "K-drama 'Taxi Driver' to return for Season 3". NME. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  18. ^ "Viu". www.viu.com. Retrieved 15 May 2019.
  19. ^ "Viu launches premium subscription in Singapore with Singtel". PCCW.com.
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