How to Watch Youku in USA in 2024 [5 Easy Steps]

Youku is one of China’s leading online video-sharing platforms home to a variety of domestic Chinese television dramas, variety shows, and reality TV programs. These range from historical dramas, romantic comedies, action thrillers, and more.

Most of its content is available to view for free with ads. Unfortunately, Youku is not available in the US, and its only available to stream in China. This is due to copyrights and international licensing agreements.

If you try to watch Youku in USA, or outside China, you will face an error message while playing the video:

“Sorry, this video can only be streamed within Mainland China.”

Luckily, to bypass this error and stream Youku in USA, you can use a VPN. A Virtual Private Network allows you to change your IP address and unblock the channel from anywhere with ease.

How to Watch Youku in USA [Quick Steps]

Follow these steps to watch Youku in the US:

1. Sign up for a reliable VPN such as ExpressVPN.
2. Download and set up the VPN app on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in hong Kong.
4. Visit the Youku TV website.
5. Enjoy streaming your favorite Chinese shows online in the US.

Why You Need a VPN to Watch Youku TV in the USA

Youku is unavailable outside of China due to licensing and distribution restrictions. As a result, viewers in the USA must use a VPN to access Youku by bypassing these geo-restrictions.

If you’re outside China, or traveling abroad, you’ll likely encounter an error message when trying to stream Youku, indicating that the content is restricted in your region. This happens when attempting to access Youku from the USA as well.

To bypass these geo-blocks and watch Youku in USA, you can use a VPN to connect to a Hong Kong server, making it appear as though you are accessing Youku from within Hong Kong, thereby unlocking the content.

However, not all VPNs are capable of bypassing these regional restrictions, so choosing the right VPN is crucial for streaming Youku smoothly.

Best VPNs to Watch Youku in the US

After testing over 30 VPN services, we’ve narrowed down the top 3 VPNs for streaming Youku. These VPNs offer reliable servers in Hong Kong, allowing you to easily bypass Youku’s geo-blocks.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Youku in USA

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for streaming Youku. It offers excellent security, fast connection speeds, and several servers in Hong Kong. Known for its ability to quickly bypass geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN ensures smooth, uninterrupted streaming.

With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including Hong Kong, ExpressVPN makes it simple to access Hong Kong IP addresses, making it an ideal choice for watching Youku from the USA. The service provides excellent video quality with minimal buffering when connecting to a Hong Kong server.

In addition to Youku, ExpressVPN works well with other geo-restricted platforms like 9Now, Stan, Sling TV, Spectrum TV, and Starz Play.

It is compatible with multiple devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Firestick, and Roku. You can connect up to 8 devices at once, and it also offers apps that are easy to use.

Key security features include Split Tunneling, Threat Manager, and Stealth Servers. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature is also beneficial for streaming on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs.

Pricing starts at $6.67 per month, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try ExpressVPN risk-free.

2. Surfshark – Affordable VPN for Streaming Youku in the USA

Surfshark is an affordable yet reliable VPN for streaming Youku, offering great performance, budget-friendly pricing, and support for unlimited simultaneous connections—a rare feature among VPN providers.

With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including several servers in Hong Kong, Surfshark provides stable and fast connections for accessing Youku from the USA.

During our tests, Surfshark maintained 76% of the original internet speed using the WireGuard protocol, ensuring a buffer-free streaming experience. Connecting to a Hong Kong server was fast and reliable, offering smooth video playback.

Surfshark also works with other geo-blocked platforms, including TF1, BT Sports, and Eurosport.

The VPN supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, as well as popular streaming devices like Roku and Firestick. It allows for unlimited device connections.

For smart TVs and gaming consoles, Surfshark’s SmartDNS feature simplifies the setup process. Additional features like split tunneling, ad-blocking, and enhanced privacy controls are available, all with easy-to-use apps.

Surfshark starts at just $2.19 per month and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, plus a 7-day free trial, making it an affordable option for streaming Youku.

3.NordVPN – Large Server Network For Watching Youku in the US

NordVPN is another excellent choice for unblocking geo-restricted content, including Youku. It offers strong security features and provides a reliable, buffer-free streaming experience.

With over 6,400 servers across 111 countries, including several servers in Hong Kong, NordVPN delivers fast and consistent performance.

During testing, NordVPN’s connection to Hong Kong servers was seamless, with high-quality streaming and no buffering. This makes it a great choice for watching Youku.

NordVPN is also effective for unblocking other popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, We TV, and Sky Sports.

NordVPN offers top-notch security with AES-256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure privacy.

It works on all major operating systems, as well as devices like Android TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Roku. NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, which is perfect for larger households.

Features like Meshnet (for secure device networking) and SmartDNS make it easier to bypass geo-blocks on devices that don’t support VPNs.

NordVPN starts at $3.39 per month, comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and offers a 7-day free trial, making it a great option for streaming Youku.

How We Selected the Best VPNs for Watching Youku in the USA

To choose the best VPNs for watching Youku in the USA, we considered the following factors:

• Reliability: We tested each VPN’s ability to consistently access Youku, prioritizing stable connections over intermittent access.
• Speed: We evaluated the streaming speeds to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience.
• Server Availability: We looked at the number of servers in Hong Kong to ensure reliable access to Youku.
• Device Compatibility: We tested the VPNs across a variety of devices, ensuring compatibility with multiple platforms and support for simultaneous connections.
• Privacy and Security: We reviewed features like a kill switch, no-logs policies, and additional security features such as malware protection.
• Price: We compared pricing to make sure each VPN provides good value relative to its features and performance.
• Money-Back Guarantee: We ensured each VPN offers a money-back guarantee, so users can test the service risk-free.

How to Sign Up for Youku VIP in USA

To access all content, follow these steps to sign up for a VIP account on Yoku in USA:

• Sign up for ExpressVPN and download its app on your device.
• Open the VPN app and log in.
• Connect to a server in Hong Kong.

• Visit the Youku website and click the VIP diamond button on the top right.

• Now choose the VIP subscription plan you want. There are various options available. Once you have chosen the plan, click ‘Pay’.

• Now add your email address and other details to get started. Make the payment to finish your VIP subscription.

• Log in to your Youku account and enjoy streaming Chinese dramas in the US.

Pricing Plans for Youku VIP

Youku is a free streaming service, but to access all its content and episodes, you need to subscribe to the Youku VIP plan. It offers the following pricing plans:

• Youku Monthly for $2.99
• Youku Quarterly for $8.99
• Youku Annual for $28.99

Youku vs Other Popular Streaming Services

Here’s a comparison between Youku and other popular sports streaming services to help you choose the best option.

Youku

• Content: Youku is a popular Chinese streaming platform offering a wide range of Chinese dramas, movies, variety shows, and original series.
• Special Features: Youku provides multilingual subtitles, interactive comments during playback, and a vibrant fan community.
• Cost: Youku VIP costs ¥19.8 per month or ¥198 per year (approximately $3/month), offering ad-free viewing, HD content, and access to exclusive shows.

IQIYI

• Content: IQIYI offers a wide range of entertainment, including popular Chinese dramas, movies, variety shows, anime, and original content.
• Special Features: IQIYI provides high-quality streaming with 1080p and 4K options, offline downloads, and a user-friendly interface.
• Cost: $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year for VIP membership, which includes ad-free viewing, early access to episodes, and higher video quality.

Rakuten Viki

• Content: Viki is a global streaming platform focused on Asian content, offering a vast library of Korean dramas, Chinese dramas, Japanese anime, and movies.
• Special Features: Viki offers multilingual subtitles, user-generated comments during video playback, and a wide community of fans.
• Cost: $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year for Viki Pass Standard, which includes ad-free viewing, access to HD content, and early access to selected shows.

How to Watch Youku in USA on Any Device

You can watch Youku on various devices in USA. The following instructions will guide you on how you can watch Youku TV on some of the most commonly used devices:

How to Watch Youku on a Computer (Windows/Mac)

Follow these steps to watch Youku on your Windows/ Mac devices:

1. Subscribe to a VPN service. ExpressVPN is a reliable choice.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your computer.
3. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server in Hong Kong.
4. Now visit the Youku website on your browser.
5. Enjoy streaming your favorite dramas online.

How to Watch Youku on iOS in the US

1. Subscribe to a VPN like ExpressVPN.
2. Download the VPN app on your iOS device and connect to a server in Hong Kong.
3. Open the App Store, and download the Youku app.
4. Open the app, and enjoy streaming.

How to Watch Youku on Android in USA

1. Download and install ExpressVPN from the Google Play Store.
2. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in Hong Kong.
3. Open the Google Play Store, and download the Youku TV app.
4. Open the app and enjoy streaming.

Stream Youku on Smart TV

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN as it offers an app for Smart TVs.
2. Go to your Smart TV’s app store, and download the VPN.
3. Connect the VPN to a server in Hong Kong.
4. Now go back to the App Store and download the Youku app.
5. Open the app and start streaming.

Watch Youku on Firestick

1. Go to the Amazon App Store on your Firestick, download, and install ExpressVPN.
2. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server in Hong Kong.
3. Go to Firestick settings, then My Fire TV, Developer Options, and turn on “Apps from Unknown Sources.”
4. Find and install the Downloader app from the Amazon App Store.
5. Use the Downloader app to sideload the Youku TV APK.
6. Open the app and enjoy streaming.

How to Troubleshoot Common Youku Streaming Errors

Here are some common streaming errors you might experience while watching Youku:

Why are English subtitles not working on Youku?

If English subtitles are not working on Youku, first check if the drama you are watching offers English subtitles. Popular shows on Youku have English subtitles, but the same cannot be said about all shows.

How do I change the language on Youku?

To change the language on Youku, follow these steps:

• Click on ‘Me’
• Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Language Settings’ on your app.
• Now switch the playback page horizontally and you will see language options.
• Choose your desired language and apply the changes.

Why is Youku not working with VPN?

If you are using a VPN to access Youku and it’s not working, reconnect to the VPN server to get a fresh IP address. If you are using it on a browser, make sure to clear browser cookies and cache as it can reveal your true location.

What Can You Watch on Youku in USA

Youku is home to many popular Chinese dramas, including historical, romantic, and fantasy series. It also offers a wide variety of Chinese and international films, including blockbuster hits, indie films, and classic Chinese cinema.

Here are some of the best shows, movies and anime to watch on Youku:

Popular Shows on Youku in USA

• The Story of Pearl Girl
• In Blossom
• Lighter & Princess
• Kill Me Love Me
• Till the End of the Moon
• Fall in Love
• Hidden Love
• Dashing Youth
• Back from the Brink
• Falling into You

Popular Movies on Youku in USA

• Nezha: Demon Child is Back
• Fangs and Fury
• Battle of Wizardry
• Black Storm
• New Biography of Xishi
• Midnight Inn
• Under the Three Rivers
• Mulan
• Mermaid Legend
• Paper Bride
• The Death Game

Popular Anime on Youku in USA

• Over Goddess
• Legend of Xianwu
• Fall in Love with my trouble
• Forensic Madness
• King of Phoenix
• Back to the Palace
• Lighter and Princess Dress
• The Demon Hunter

Conclusion

Youku’s content library is extensive, making it a go-to platform for anyone interested in Chinese entertainment. However, due to copyrights, Youku is not available outside China. Therefore, to watch Youku in USA you need a VPN.

With a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN, you can connect to a server in Hong Kong and watch your favorite Chinese entertainment on Yoku from anywhere in the world. Enjoy historical Chinese dramas and thrillers on Youku.

FAQs – Youku in USA