Chinese-based iQIYI is one of the top streaming services famous for providing a wide variety of entertainment content, especially from the Asian region. But is it worth signing up to the streaming platform?
Before you join iQIYI, you need to know several things about the streaming platform. Unfortunately, many of these things are not readily available, so you will usually come to know of them when using the service.
But worry not! Below, we’ve compiled seven key things to know about iQIYI before you sign up to enjoy their content.
1. iQIYI Offers a 100% Free Plan but With a Catch
One of iQIYI’s best features is that you can watch content on the streaming platform completely free, with no hidden charges.
You don’t have to register for an account; you can start streaming on your device immediately.
However, the platform’s free plan comes with a few catches, the first being that it is ad-supported.
This might not be an issue for most people, but if you hate adverts, the constant interruption to your streaming can be very frustrating.
The other catch of the free ad-supported plan is that the content offered is limited. Some TV shows and movies are only available on the premium plans, and you must pay to access them.
The free plan includes other restrictions, such as lower stream and audio quality and delayed simulcasts.
2. You Can Subscribe to the VIP Plans
If you don’t like the restrictions placed on the free plan, you can subscribe to iQIYI’s VIP plans. The streaming service offers two subscription-based plans:
- Standard plan: Costs $6.99 monthly or $69.99 yearly
- Premium plan: Costs $9.99 monthly or $99.99 yearly
One of the top benefits of iQIYI VIP packages is access to all content offered on the platform, including iQIYI originals and blockbuster films.
In addition, VIP users benefit from advanced viewing of content, with no delayed simulcasts of TV show episodes.
Another top feature of VIP plans is that you can skip ads, allowing for a smooth streaming experience.
VIP plans also offer several other perks, such as higher stream quality, up to 4K, Dolby Atoms sound quality, and simultaneous streaming on up to four devices.
3. iQIYI Has a Large Library of Entertainment Content
iQIYI is a top streaming platform with a large library featuring over 3,000 digital titles of content to watch. The content includes dramas, movies, and anime.
The platform also offers a variety of other content, such as celebrity interviews, comedy videos, food-related content, talk shows, talent shows, reality shows, travel programs, music, and games.
iQIYI focuses mostly on Asian content, and you can access many Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Malay dramas, movies, and animes.
You can also find a few decent foreign movies and TV shows from places like the UK and the United States.
Another thing to love about iQIYI content is that it is organized into several categories (genres). The top ones include adventure, comedy, romance, family, urban, period pieces (historical), mystery, and LGBT.
Lastly, iQIYI content features original titles exclusive to the streaming platform. These originals include dramas, movies, web series, anime shows, and various content.
4. It Is Accessible Worldwide
iQIYI is an international streaming platform that enjoys a global footprint.
It is available in over 191 countries worldwide and is popular in Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Unfortunately, iQIYI is unavailable in some countries due to censorship. For example, in 2020, Taiwan banned several Chinese-based services, including iQIYI, over security concerns.
Additionally, iQIYI’s content may be banned even in countries where the streaming platform is available.
For example, LGBTQ themed-content is banned in countries like Singapore and Malaysia, while American content is often censored in Mainland China.
6. You Can View Content on Several Devices
iQIYI supports several devices, providing you with several ways to stream the content offered on the platform.
One of the top options is accessing the service through web browsers at iq.com on an internet-connected device.
The other top option is the iQIYI app, available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. In addition to the mobile app, iQIYI offers a PC app for Windows and MacOS computers.
Lastly, you can stream iQIYI content on TV via Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV, Apple TV, and other supported Smart TVs, such as Samsung and LG TVs.
6. It Offers Subtitles in Multiple Languages
iQIYI has an extensive collection of Asian content. However, since it is designed for an international audience, it offers subtitles in several languages, such as Chinese (traditional and simplified), English, and Korean.
iQIYI offers manual (professionally) and auto (machine) translations. Fans and platform users can even submit their subtitles or corrections to the existing subtitles.
In addition to subtitles, some content on iQIYI is available with dubs (audio translations) in several languages, allowing you to stream content in your preferred language.
One thing to note is that subtitles and dubs may be inaccurate, and the quality may be lacking compared with other streaming platforms like Netflix. This is especially the case for fan-made subtitles and dubs.
7. It Has an Offline Viewing Download Feature
Unlike some streaming platforms, iQIYI does not offer a DVR feature. However, you can use the download feature to save your favorite content on your device for offline viewing.
The offline download feature can be handy if you are interested in watching content from iQIYI on the go, especially if you are traveling to an area with an unstable internet connection.
However, the offline download feature is only available with VIP plans and is limited to iQIYI’s mobile app. You cannot download content on the website, PC, or TV app.