Rakuten Viki is a top American platform for Asian television and movies. The site features a huge library of content subtitled in many languages. But before you create your account, there are a few things you’ll want to understand about how Viki works.
Read on for the top 5 things you should know about the platform so you can make the most of your experience on it.
1. Rakuten Viki’s free plan
Yes, there is a free plan. While Viki provides a no-cost viewing option, you should know a few things. You can still access a wide selection of titles as a free user.
However, there are some limitations to your experience, which include the following:
- Advertisements: You’ll see brief commercials between parts of your show since part of the free experience involves ads. This allows you to watch without a monthly subscription.
- Video quality: The resolution will be limited to 480p for free streaming.
- New releases: The most recently added or popular shows may not be instantly available to you without upgrading to a Viki Pass. But as a free user, you still have thousands of hours of content to explore.
2. Rakuten Viki’s subscription plans and costs
This site provides two paid membership tiers to remove interruptions, boost video quality, and grant early access to select titles. Let’s have a look:
- Viki Pass Standard: This plan is priced at $4.99 per month or $49.99 annually. During the included 7-day trial, this ad-free membership lets you stream all shows and movies in 720p high-definition on any single supported device you choose. You’ll appreciate smooth, uninterrupted viewing with better picture quality. If you continue after the trial, your membership will automatically renew monthly or yearly, depending on your selection.
- Viki Pass Plus: For $9.99 monthly or $99.99 annually, you receive all the perks of the Standard plan plus even better 1080p picture quality. Exclusive premier content is also unlocked for your viewing pleasure. The Plus plan expands your access to two supported devices simultaneously. It, too, comes with an initial 7-day trial period to test the features before an automatic recurring payment schedule begins.
Both membership levels aim to accommodate different needs, whether you prefer to casually sample shows or deeply follow Asian entertainment as an avid fan. The options allow you to customize your Viki experience based on your budget and preferences.
3. Availability across regions
When using Rakuten Viki, it’s essential to know how the service’s global reach impacts content availability depending on location. While Viki provides entertainment options worldwide, licensing agreements can influence what’s offered in different areas. Here is a breakdown:
- North America: Rakuten Viki allows full access to its complete movies and television show library without restrictions in the United States and Canada. As core markets, these nations enjoy unlimited viewing of all Asian content.
- Asia: Viki has a strong Asia presence as a hub for popular productions from Korea, Japan, China, and more. Countries here use extensive locally-made dramas, documentaries, variety shows, and other programs.
- Europe: Most European countries can experience Viki, though occasional title limitations may apply depending on specific locations due to licensing.
- Oceania: Locations like Australia and New Zealand also have consistent availability of Viki programs similar to what’s provided in North America.
- Latin America: Regions such as Mexico and Brazil access this platform, but some shows may be restricted under current licensing deals for these areas.
4. Content library: genres and must-watch shows
Viki has many Asian television programs and movies across many genres. You will always find something to enjoy here, be it romantic comedies that make you feel good, exciting action thrillers, or medical dramas that tug on your heartstrings.
Here are some of the types of shows available on this Asian platform:
- Romantic Comedy: These make-you-smile shows like “Falling for You” and “Only For Love” are perfect for being in a good mood with their charming love stories.
- Historical Time Period: Travel back in time with cultural stories like “The Last Immortal” and “Princess Agents” that mix romance with intrigue against rich backgrounds.
- Action & Suspense: Edge-of-your-seat thrills like “Revenge Note 1” and “Hot Girl” excite you with daring deeds and twisting tales.
- Fantasy & Strange: Explore magic lands and odd beings in series like “Till the End of the Moon” and “Guess Who I Am.”
- Doctor Television: Get an inside look at medical life through gripping programs like “Hi Venus” and “Easy Fortune Happy Life.”
- Variety: Spontaneous fun with celebrities and games in shows like “Wish You Talk Live” and “My Little Kitchen Season 1.”
Some must-see titles that truly show Viki’s range include the hugely popular “Till The End Of The Moon,” the mythical epic “My Lethal Man,” the historical romance “The Long Ballad,” and the romantic fantasy “Eternal Yesterday.”
5. Ownership and community influence
Rakuten Viki was built by Razmig Hovaghimian, Changseong Ho, and Jiwon Moon in 2007. They began in the United States.
Later, in 2008, Viki moved to Singapore to benefit from the helpful programs provided by the government there. Because of its location, Singapore is also an important center for media about Asia.
Several years later, in 2013, the platform partnered with a large company called Rakuten, a major business based in Japan that works in online shopping and internet services.
When Rakuten became involved, it helped Viki expand its massive collection of available shows and assisted with improving the technologies used on the platform.
An important part of the Viki platform is how users worldwide come together to add subtitles to content themselves. Anyone can contribute subtitles or translations to make shows understandable in over 200 languages.
As a result, the site can offer a wide range of television programs and movies to more global viewers in many languages.