Viu (streaming media)
Viu is a Hong Kong-based over-the-top (OTT) video streaming provider from PCCW Media, a subsidiary of PCCW.[1] Operated in 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 'Viu Original' initiative.[2]
Type of site | OTT Video Streaming |
---|---|
Available in | English, Chinese, Arabic, Malaysian, Indonesian, Burmese, Hindi, Bangla, Tamil, Telugu, Thai |
Headquarters | Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria |
Owner | PCCW Media Group |
Products | Video streaming |
URL | www |
Commercial | Yes |
Launched | October 2015 |
Current status | Active |
Viu is now available in 31 markets across Asia, Africa and the Middle East including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Egypt, Indonesia, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana and Nigeria.[3] As of December 2018 annual results, Viu had over 30 million monthly active users.[4]
History
PCCW Media launched the Viu OTT video service in Hong Kong on 26 October 2015.[5]
In January 2016, Viu announced its official launch in Singapore.[6]
In March 2016, Viu announced its official launch in India and Malaysia.[7]
In May 2016, Vuclip launched Viu in Indonesia.[8]
In November 2016, Viu announced its official launch in Philippines and has achieved four million users and over 218 million video views.[9]
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.[10]
In May 2017, Viu announced its official launch in Thailand and has expanded to 15 markets across Asia and the Middle East countries.[11]
In September 2018, Viu announced its official launch in Myanmar.[12]
In March 2019, Viu announced its official launch in South Africa.[13]
In December 2019, Viu announced its suspension of India operations.[14]
Availability
Viu OTT video service can be accessed anytime and anywhere via Viu app at App Store for iOS devices and Google Play Store for Android devices across the region, or visit www.viu.com to watch on the web. 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.[15]
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.[16]
References
- "Keeping up with the Koreans: PCCW to offer OTT for TV series content in Hong Kong and beyond". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
- "PCCW Media's Viu OTT play nets over 1.2 million downloads in Hong Kong". Ooyala. Retrieved 2018-01-31.
- "Viu no service page list of countries". Viu. 2020-07-26. Retrieved 2020-07-26.
- "PCCW Limited ANNUAL RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018" (PDF). PCCW Limited.
- "PCCW launches streaming video service in HK". ComputerWorld Hong Kong. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- "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.com.
- "PCCW Media's Viu OTT video service expands to India and Malaysia further to its launch in Hong Kong and Singapore". PCCW.com.
- "Vuclip launches OTT Service- Viu in Indonesia - Exchange4media". Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- "Viu achieves 4 million users across Asia in first year of launch. Service further expands to the Philippines". PCCW.com.
- "Viu launches in Middle East | VOD | News | Rapid TV News". www.rapidtvnews.com. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- "Viu launches in Thailand". PCCW.com.
- "Viu launches in Myanmar | VOD | News | Rapid TV News". www.rapidtvnews.com. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- Laghate, Gaurav (2019-03-01). "Viu launches OTT service in South Africa". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- Roy Choudhury, Anirban (16 Dec 2019). "Viu to shut India operations". afaqs!. Retrieved 2019-12-19.
- "Viu". www.viu.com. Retrieved 2019-05-15.
- "Viu launches premium subscription in Singapore with Singtel". PCCW.com.