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Brief

Youku Advertising

Youku Advertising provides brands with access to one of China's largest streaming video audiences, combining premium content environments with Alibaba's first-party data and targeting capabilities.

Last updated Jun 22, 2026 by ATDb automated enrichment

Founded
2006
HQ
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Connections
4

At a glance

Employees
1001-5000
2integrations1competitors1corporate family

About

One of China's largest online video advertising platforms, integrated within the Alibaba digital marketing ecosystem

Youku Advertising operates as the monetization and advertising business unit of Youku, a major Chinese online video streaming platform owned by Alibaba Group. Youku is often referred to as 'China's YouTube' and commands one of the largest video streaming audiences in the country, making its advertising platform a significant vehicle for brands seeking reach across Chinese digital consumers. The platform offers a range of ad formats including pre-roll, mid-roll, banner, and branded content integrations, leveraging Youku's vast library of licensed dramas, variety shows, movies, and user-generated content.

Business model

Marketplace

Target market

Enterprise

What they offer

  • Pre-roll Video Ads

    Skippable and non-skippable video advertisements shown before streaming content begins

  • Mid-roll Video Ads

    In-stream advertisements inserted during video playback for high-engagement placements

  • Brand Integration / Sponsorship

    Custom branded content and show sponsorships embedded within Youku's original and licensed programming

  • Banner & Display Ads

    Display advertising units shown across the Youku platform interface

  • Programmatic Advertising

    Automated ad buying integrated with Alibaba's programmatic infrastructure and Alimama platform

  • Audience Targeting

    Data-driven targeting leveraging Alibaba's first-party consumer data across demographics, interests, and behaviors

Key features

Access to hundreds of millions of monthly active users in ChinaIntegration with Alibaba's Alimama advertising platformFirst-party data targeting from Alibaba ecosystemPremium video content environments including original productionsMultiple ad formats including OTT and mobile videoCross-platform reach across mobile, PC, and smart TV

Use cases

Brand awareness campaigns targeting Chinese digital consumersProduct launch video advertising in premium content environmentsRetargeting campaigns using Alibaba e-commerce dataSponsorship of popular Chinese drama and variety show productionsPerformance advertising tied to Alibaba commerce outcomesOTT advertising reaching smart TV audiences in China

Customer segments

Large multinational brands entering the Chinese marketDomestic Chinese consumer brandsEntertainment and media companiesAutomotive advertisersFast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brandsLuxury goods advertisers

Tech & specs

Technology stack

Alibaba Cloud infrastructureAlimama programmatic platformBig data and AI targeting from Alibaba DAMO AcademyReal-time bidding (RTB) systemsDMP (Data Management Platform) via Alibaba ecosystem

Security & compliance

China Cybersecurity Law compliancePersonal Information Protection Law (PIPL) compliance

Deployment

Cloud

API

Limited

Corporate history
  1. 2006 · Founded
Connection details

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