Bilibili, often described as “China’s YouTube”, is increasingly drawing the attention of Indian content creators even though the platform has not been officially launched in India. The shift is being linked to improving India–China ties and the growing difficulty of earning revenue on YouTube.
As part of its global expansion, Bilibili has reintroduced its international app on the Google Play Store and is positioning itself as an alternative video platform. Indian creators have begun opening accounts and uploading content ranging from traditional art forms and rural vlogs to lifestyle and travel videos.
The report notes that YouTube plans to significantly raise eligibility thresholds for its advertising and premium revenue programmes from 2027, making it harder for newer creators to monetise. In contrast, Bilibili is seen as offering easier earning opportunities, including options available with around 1,000 subscribers, while also providing access to large audiences in China and beyond.
Another factor helping Indian creators is the app’s AI-based translation, which can convert videos into Chinese and other languages, reducing language barriers. Chinese viewers are said to be particularly interested in Indian daily life, diversity, tourist spots and food, with cooking and spicy cuisine videos receiving strong attention.
The platform’s international service is currently active in markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Bilibili has said it launched its international Android app last month and that an iOS version and expansion to more countries are expected.
One creator cited in the report is Jharkhand-based travel vlogger Navneet Kumar Tiwari, who runs the YouTube channel “Ghumakkad Nawnit”. He said he started posting on Bilibili about 15 days ago and has already gained over 700 followers and thousands of views, alongside his existing following on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
