What is Viki?
Viki is a popular streaming platform offering a wide selection of K-Dramas and Asian TV shows with subtitles. Founded in 2007, Viki has become a beloved destination for fans of Asian entertainment, bringing diverse and high-quality content to viewers worldwide. By providing subtitles in multiple languages, Viki ensures that language barriers do not hinder the enjoyment of its extensive library of shows and movies.
History
Viki, originally known as ViiKii, was established in 2007 by Razmig Hovaghimian, Changseong Ho, and Jiwon Moon. The platform started as a collaborative subtitling site, allowing volunteers to create subtitles for various shows. In 2010, Viki launched its streaming service, which quickly gained traction due to its unique approach to community-driven subtitling. In 2013, the Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten acquired Viki, further expanding its reach and resources. Today, Viki boasts millions of users and continues to innovate in the streaming space, offering an extensive library of Asian dramas, movies, and variety shows.
Is Viki Free to Watch?
Viki offers both free and premium subscription plans. While many shows are available for free with ads, Viki Pass provides an ad-free experience with access to exclusive content.
How Much is Viki Plus?
Viki Plus is a premium subscription plan that offers additional perks like early access to new episodes and HD streaming. The cost varies, but it is generally around $4.99 per month.
What is Viki App?
The Viki app allows users to stream their favorite shows on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.
What’s in Viki?
Viki offers a vast array of content that caters to fans of Asian entertainment. Here’s what you can find on the platform:
Viki K-Dramas
Viki is renowned for its extensive collection of Korean dramas. From romantic comedies to intense thrillers, there’s something for every K-Drama enthusiast. Popular titles include “Descendants of the Sun,” “Goblin,” and “Crash Landing on You.”
Viki TV Shows
Beyond K-Dramas, Viki features a wide variety of TV shows from other Asian countries such as Japan, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. This diverse selection includes genres like historical dramas, modern-day romances, and action-packed series.
Best Movies on Viki
Viki also offers an impressive library of movies, including critically acclaimed films and popular blockbusters from across Asia. This allows viewers to explore Asian cinema in its many forms.
Variety Shows
Fans of variety shows can enjoy popular programs from South Korea and other countries. These shows often feature celebrities participating in games, challenges, and other entertaining activities.
Subtitles in Multiple Languages
One of Viki’s standout features is its extensive subtitle support. Volunteers from around the world contribute subtitles in numerous languages, making content accessible to a global audience. This community-driven approach ensures that viewers can enjoy shows in their preferred language.
Challenges Faced
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Licensing Issues | Securing rights to stream various shows can be challenging and limits the availability of some content. |
| Subtitling Accuracy | Reliance on volunteer subtitles can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in translation quality. |
| Competitive Market | Competing with major streaming services like Netflix and Hulu poses significant challenges. |
| Technical Issues | Users occasionally report technical glitches and buffering issues, impacting the viewing experience. |
Key Points
- Viki offers a wide selection of K-Dramas and Asian TV shows with subtitles.
- Founded in 2007, Viki has grown through community-driven subtitling.
- Acquired by Rakuten in 2013, further expanding its reach.
- Extensive library includes K-Dramas, Asian TV shows, movies, and variety shows.
- Multilingual subtitles created by volunteers enhance accessibility.
- Original content and interactive community features set Viki apart.
- Challenges include licensing, subtitling accuracy, competition, and technical issues.
References
- Kim, S. (2021). “The Rise of K-Dramas: How Viki is Leading the Charge.” Asian Entertainment Journal. Retrieved from Asian Entertainment Journal
- Park, J. (2022). “Viki and Its Impact on Global TV Consumption.” Streaming Insights. Retrieved from Streaming Insights
- Chen, L. (2020). “Community Subtitling: The Heart of Viki’s Success.” Tech and Culture Review. Retrieved from Tech and Culture Review
- Smith, R. (2019). “Rakuten’s Acquisition of Viki and Its Implications.” Business Today. Retrieved from Business Today
- Twitter Post: @Viki. (2023, May 1). “New shows are coming to Viki! Which one are you most excited for? #KDrama #AsianTVShows” [Tweet]. Retrieved from Twitter