Tudou

Tudou was a Chinese online video sharing platform that emerged as one of the earliest providers of streaming media in China. The service was founded in 2005 by Li Jiyong and a group of entrepreneurs who recognized the potential for video content on the rapidly expanding internet. Initially, Tudou focused on user‑generated videos, short clips, and low‐quality streaming that allowed Chinese users to upload and share content without the high bandwidth costs typical of Western services.

The platform grew quickly, topping the local internet traffic rankings and attracting millions of daily visitors by 2009. In 2007 Tudou entered a partnership with Tencent, which helped expand the technical infrastructure and broaden the user base. That same year the site started offering a range of on‑demand (“VOD”) programming, including films, TV shows, and anime, which was a significant shift from its original peer‑to‑peer model. By the end of 2010, Tudou had introduced mobile applications and began monetizing through advertisements and subscription services.

In May 2011, Tudou was merged with China’s largest video portal, Youku, a move that was largely driven by competing services and the need to consolidate resources. The merger brought together two major catalogues and user communities under a single brand, and the Tudou domain was eventually phased out as the combined entity rebranded and focused on streaming content under the Youku umbrella. The closure of Tudou as a distinct brand marked the end of a pioneering chapter in China’s online video history, but its early use of streaming technology and user‑generated content continued to influence subsequent platforms such as iQIYI, Tencent Video, and Youku Tudou.

The legacy of Tudou is still evident in the way Chinese users discover and share video, and in the industry's shift toward mobile‑first and on‑demand consumption. The site’s pioneering role remains a key reference point in the development of digital media in China.