Bv1

Bv1 is the prefix used for Bilibili video identifiers under the platform’s current video-id system. It denotes the new BV encoding that Bilibili introduced to supplement or replace the older AV numbering that had previously identified videos on the site. A BV code consists of the prefix BV followed by a 10–12 character alphanumeric string. The exact encoding algorithm is proprietary, but the BV code serves as a unique, shareable handle for a given video and can be mapped back to the original numeric AV ID in internal systems.

History and purposes

The BV scheme was introduced in the late 2010s as part of Bilibili’s modernization and efforts to curb automated scraping and casual linking of content. Since then, new uploads generally receive BV codes, while older videos retain their AV numbers. The BV and AV identifiers are designed to reference the same underlying videos, and there are publicly available mappings and community tools that convert between BV and AV formats. This dual-system arrangement allows continued access to legacy links while adopting the new, opaque BV identifiers for new content.

Format and usage

BV codes are used in direct video URLs and in API endpoints that reference specific content. Public links to videos typically begin with a BV code in the URL path, such as a pattern like https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV…. The BV identifier is not intended to convey upload date or ranking information; instead, it functions as a stable, unique key for a video within the platform.

Impact

The BV system affects linking, sharing, and programmatic access to videos. It has become the standard for new content on Bilibili, while interoperability with the legacy AV system remains important for older content and for tools that track video history across formats. See also: AV numbering, Bilibili, video identifier systems.