Viu (streaming service)

Viu (pronounced as view) is a Hong Kong-based over-the-top (OTT) video streaming provider from PCCW Media Group's Viu International Ltd. 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).

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

History
Viu International Ltd launched the Viu OTT video service in Hong Kong on 26 October 2015.

In January 2016, Viu announced its official launch in Singapore.

In March 2016, Viu announced its official launch in India and Malaysia.

In May 2016, Viu launches in Indonesia.

In November 2016, Viu announced its official launch in the Philippines and has achieved four million users and over 218 million video views.

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.

In May 2017, Viu announced its official launch in Thailand and has expanded to 15 markets across Asia and the Middle East countries.

In September 2018, Viu announced its official launch in Myanmar.

In March 2019, Viu announced its official launch in South Africa.

In December 2019, Viu announced its suspension of operations in India without providing a date. 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.

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.

Content
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
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.

Exclusive international distribution
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, 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.

Availability
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.

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 advertisments.