bilibili

Inspired by similar video sharing websites, Nico Nico Douga and AcFun, Xu Yi ({{zh|s=徐逸|p=Xú Yì}}, known as "⑨bishi" on the internet) founded Bilibili in 2009.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2018/07/09/chinese-millennials-are-flocking-to-this-anime-and-gaming-site-but-can-it-make-money/#1a7d08158263|title=Chinese Millennials Are Flocking To This Anime And Gaming Site, But Can It Make Money?|last=Wang|first=Yue|work=Forbes|access-date=2018-11-21|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122053534/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2018/07/09/chinese-millennials-are-flocking-to-this-anime-and-gaming-site-but-can-it-make-money/#1a7d08158263|archive-date=22 November 2018|url-status=live}} At the time, Xu Yi was an AcFun user and wanted to create a better website than AcFun.{{cite web|last=Fathan|first=Muhammad Ukasyah|title=Tutorial Bilibili, China's biggest anime site, covers the screen in user comments|url=https://www.tutorialike.com|access-date=2018-11-21|website=Tutorialike.com|archive-date=6 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206180906/https://www.tutorialike.com/|url-status=live}} He spent three days creating a prototype website named Mikufans.cn as a fandom community of Hatsune Miku.{{cite journal |last=Lou |first=Xiaojing |date=30 April 2012 |title=哔哩哔哩吐槽动漫 |trans-title=Bilibili Talks About Anime & Manga Industry |url=http://cbnweek.com/yuedu/ydpage/?raid=1486 |url-status=dead |journal=CBN Weekly |publisher=Shanghai Media Group |volume=16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120503230720/http://cbnweek.com/yuedu/ydpage/?raid=1486 |archive-date=2012-05-03}} As it grew, he reshaped the website to specialise in video sharing and launched it on 14 January 2010 with the name Bilibili, a nickname for the protagonist Mikoto Misaka in the anime A Certain Scientific Railgun.{{cite journal | author = 土八哥 |date= August 2011 | script-title=zh:让字幕飞——互联网"弹幕"视频全方位解析 |trans-title=Let the Subtitle Fly: Comprehensive Analysis of Internet "Danmaku" Video | journal = Popular Software | issue = 375 | pages = 19–27 | location = Beijing | publisher = China Society for Scientific and Technical Information |isbn= 9783319209074 | language = zh | oclc = 308996806 | issn = 1007-0060}} Bilibili also names many of its features after the anime and celebrates Mikoto Misaka's birthday on its homepage every year on 2 May.

Bilibili's domain name bilibili.us was revoked in 2011, because of the domain registrar enforcing .us restrictions. As a result, Bilibili switched to bilibili.tv on 25 June 2011. Later that year, Xu Yi founded the startup, Hangzhou Huandian Technology ({{zh|s=幻电|p=huàndiàn|l=fantastic electricity|links=no}}) based in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, to develop and operate Bilibili. In April 2012, Bilibili obtained an agreement with Nico Nico Douga to webcast the latest Chinese-subbed episodes of the newly airing anime Fate/Zero starting from 7 April.{{cite press release | publisher = Nico Nico Douga Taiwan | date = 7 April 2012 | language = zh | title = Fate/Zero第2季週六晚間繁中字幕同步播出！ | trans-title = The second season of Fate/Zero will be webcast with traditional Chinese subtitle simultaneously in Saturday evening! | url = http://tw.blog.nicovideo.jp/2012/04/fatezero-17.html | access-date = 1 October 2012 | quote = 另外，本次為了造福中國地區的粉絲，也確定在中國動畫網站『嗶哩嗶哩動畫』進行《Fate/Zero》第２季簡體中文字幕網路同步播出！| trans-quote = Besides, for the enjoyment of fans in China at this time, we decided to webcast Fate/Zero the second season with simplified Chinese subtitle on the Chinese anime website "Bilibili Donghua" at the same time! | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120606135938/http://tw.blog.nicovideo.jp/2012/04/fatezero-17.html | archive-date = 6 June 2012 | url-status = live }} However, the program was censored after three episodes for being reported as unauthorised operations of Internet audio-video broadcasting services and Hangzhou Huandian Technology was penalised and fined ¥10,000 by the local government.{{cite web |url=http://220.191.211.173:8090/xzcfjgb.do?cmd=view&id=200019731&tourl=/site/xzcf_remark.jsp |title=行政处罚结果公示 |trans-title=Public Notice on Result of the Administrative Penalty |author=((Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, TV, Film, Press and Publication)) |date=26 April 2012 |access-date=2012-10-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831131832/http://220.191.211.173:8090/xzcfjgb.do?cmd=view&id=200019731&tourl=%2Fsite%2Fxzcf_remark.jsp |archive-date=2012-08-31}} Bilibili started to display logos on its homepage in August 2012 to indicate its affiliation with the state-owned Shanghai Media Group and share the use of various content provider licenses in the hopes of avoiding future legal risks. Meanwhile, anonymous visitors to its website were redirected to a subdomain of Shanghai Media Group Broad Band subsidiary (bilibili.smgbb.cn).

In November 2014 {{Interlanguage link|Chen Rui|lt=|zh|陈睿 (1978年出生)}} ({{zh|s=陈睿|c=|t=}}) was appointed CEO and chairman of the board of Bilibili.{{Cite web |title=Management {{!}} Bilibili |url=https://ir.bilibili.com/corporate-governance/management/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707041820/https://ir.bilibili.com/corporate-governance/management/ |archive-date=7 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-07 |website=ir.bilibili.com |language=en}}{{Cite news|last=Wang|first=Yue|title=Chinese Millennials Are Flocking To This Anime And Gaming Site, But Can It Make Money?|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2018/07/09/chinese-millennials-are-flocking-to-this-anime-and-gaming-site-but-can-it-make-money/|access-date=2020-07-16|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=22 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122053534/https://www.forbes.com/sites/ywang/2018/07/09/chinese-millennials-are-flocking-to-this-anime-and-gaming-site-but-can-it-make-money/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Chen Rui |url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/chen-rui/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709101152/https://www.forbes.com/profile/chen-rui/ |archive-date=9 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-07 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Officer Profile |url=https://in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/officer-profile/BILI.OQ/2915310 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707042831/https://in.reuters.com/finance/stocks/officer-profile/BILI.OQ/2915310 |archive-date=7 July 2020 |access-date=2020-07-07 |website=Reuters}} Chen was an early member of Bilibili's community and started watching anime on the platform in 2010, before he met Xu Yi in 2014 when he was convinced to become the company's earliest investor. He was the fifth member of the company.{{Cite web |title=Blood, sweat, and tears: Anecdotes and lessons from Chen Rui, Bilibili's CEO on achieving entrepreneurial success - Oasis |url=https://oasis.kr-asia.com/blood-sweat-and-tears-anecdotes-and-lessons-from-chen-rui-bilibilis-ceo-on-achieving-entrepreneurial-success |date=2021-10-01 |website=Oasis by KrASIA |language=en |access-date=2022-08-12 |archive-date=2022-08-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814000012/https://oasis.kr-asia.com/blood-sweat-and-tears-anecdotes-and-lessons-from-chen-rui-bilibilis-ceo-on-achieving-entrepreneurial-success |url-status=dead }}

In October 2016, Bilibili announced that it would become the sponsor of the Shanghai Sharks basketball team, whose name was later changed to Shanghai Bilibili.{{cite web |title=【bilibili】 冠名上海男篮_新闻中心_比特网 |url=http://news.chinabyte.com/258/14080758.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214639/http://news.chinabyte.com/258/14080758.shtml |archive-date=2018-03-16 |access-date=2018-03-16 |website=news.chinabyte.com}}{{cite web |last=网易 |date=13 October 2016 |title=上海男篮携手新冠名商正式更名为上海哔哩哔哩队_网易体育 |url=http://sports.163.com/16/1013/19/C39GDL4C0005877V.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214714/http://sports.163.com/16/1013/19/C39GDL4C0005877V.html |archive-date=16 March 2018 |access-date=2018-03-16 |website=sports.163.com}} Bilibili chose to sponsor the Shanghai Sharks as both entities originate from Shanghai. In December 2017, Bilibili purchased an e-sports team originally called IM for League of Legends and renamed it to Bilibili Gaming (BLG).{{Cite web |last=Yang |first=Zeyi |date=2021-01-27 |title=Bilibili, China's esports powerhouse, is about to take on Tencent |url=https://www.protocol.com/china/bilibili-china-esports-tencent |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209215956/https://www.protocol.com/china/bilibili-china-esports-tencent |archive-date=9 December 2021 |access-date=2021-12-09 |website=Protocol — The people, power and politics of tech |language=en}}{{cite web |title=B站收购电竞战队成立BLG 征战英雄联盟S8赛季 |url=http://tech.ifeng.com/a/20171219/44810590_0.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214414/http://tech.ifeng.com/a/20171219/44810590_0.shtml |archive-date=16 March 2018 |access-date=2018-03-16 |website=tech.ifeng.com}} In January 2018, Bilibili purchased the broadcasting rights to the spring competition season of LPL, League of Legends World Championship, and League of Legends Rift Rivals.{{cite web |title=B站获《英雄联盟》春季赛转播权 自家战队正式亮相LPL |url=http://tech.ifeng.com/a/20180116/44847498_0.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316214416/http://tech.ifeng.com/a/20180116/44847498_0.shtml |archive-date=16 March 2018 |access-date=2018-03-16 |website=tech.ifeng.com}} In September of the same year, Bilibili purchased Hangzhou Spark, an Overwatch League team, which took part in the 2019 Overwatch League season.{{cite web |last=Wolf |first=Jacob |date=5 September 2018 |title=Sources: Overwatch League to add D.C. and Hangzhou, China, teams |url=http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/24579713/sources-overwatch-league-add-dc-hangzhou-china-teams |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180905205840/http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/24579713/sources-overwatch-league-add-dc-hangzhou-china-teams |archive-date=5 September 2018 |access-date=5 September 2018 |website=ESPN}} In March of that year Bilibili filed for an initial public offering of up to US$0.4 billion on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).{{cite news|title=BRIEF-Bilibili Inc Files For U.S. IPO Of Up To $400 Mln – SEC Filing|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-bilibili-inc-files-for-us-ipo-of-u/brief-bilibili-inc-files-for-u-s-ipo-of-up-to-400-mln-sec-filing-idUSEMN0D3REJ|access-date=3 March 2018|work=Reuters|date=2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302202929/https://www.reuters.com/article/brief-bilibili-inc-files-for-us-ipo-of-u/brief-bilibili-inc-files-for-u-s-ipo-of-up-to-400-mln-sec-filing-idUSEMN0D3REJ|archive-date=2 March 2018|url-status=live}} The company listed on the NASDAQ on 28 March 2018.{{cite news|title=Nasdaq Welcomes Bilibili Inc. (Nasdaq: BILI) to The Nasdaq Stock Market|url=https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/nasdaq-welcomes-bilibili-inc-nasdaq-bili-to-the-nasdaq-stock-market-20180328-01054|access-date=28 March 2018|work=NASDAQ|date=28 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180330012152/https://www.nasdaq.com/press-release/nasdaq-welcomes-bilibili-inc-nasdaq-bili-to-the-nasdaq-stock-market-20180328-01054|archive-date=30 March 2018|url-status=live}}

On 23 March 2019, Bilibili announced at AnimeJapan that they had partnered with Sony-owned American anime distributor Funimation to jointly license anime titles for both the U.S. and Chinese markets.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-23/funimation-bilibili-establish-partnership-for-joint-anime-licensing/.144881|title=Funimation, bilibili Establish Partnership for Joint Anime Licensing|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=23 March 2019|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190323062317/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-23/funimation-bilibili-establish-partnership-for-joint-anime-licensing/.144881|archive-date=23 March 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}} On 9 April 2020, Sony Corporation of America announced it would acquire a 4.98% minority stake in Bilibili for {{USD|400 million}}, valuing Bilibili at {{USD|8 billion}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bilibili-m-a-sony/sony-invests-400-million-in-chinese-video-site-bilibili-idUSKCN21R202|title=Sony invests $400 million in Chinese video site Bilibili|last=Li|first=Pei|date=9 April 2020|publisher=Reuters|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-date=12 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412065708/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bilibili-m-a-sony/sony-invests-400-million-in-chinese-video-site-bilibili-idUSKCN21R202|url-status=live}} Upon completion of the deal, Sony and Bilibili signed an agreement for the expansion of anime and mobile games within the Chinese market.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/asia/sony-buys-stake-in-china-bilibili-1234575663/|title=Sony Paying $400 Million for Stake in Bilibili, Chinese Online Platform|last=Frater|first=Patrick|date=9 April 2020|publisher=Variety|access-date=10 April 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409165626/https://variety.com/2020/biz/asia/sony-buys-stake-in-china-bilibili-1234575663/|url-status=live}} Later that year, Bilibili Esports, its e-sports arm, signed a partnership deal with Ping An Bank.{{cite web|url=https://archive.esportsobserver.com/bilibili-esports-ping-an-bank/|title=Bilibili Esports Partners With China Ping An Bank|last=Chen|first=Hongyu|date=6 August 2020|access-date=6 August 2020|archive-date=18 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818150340/https://archive.esportsobserver.com/bilibili-esports-ping-an-bank/|url-status=live}} Bilibili began its foray into original programming by joining the production of a fourth season for Informal Talks.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} In August 2020, Bilibili produced the show {{ill|Rap for Youth|zh|说唱新世代|vertical-align=sup}}.{{cite web |last=Tone |first=Sixth |date=24 October 2020 |title=On China's 'Rap for Youth,' the Medium Is the Message |url=http://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006319/on-chinas-rap-for-youth%2C-the-medium-is-the-message |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205092830/https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1006319/on-chinas-rap-for-youth%2C-the-medium-is-the-message |archive-date=5 December 2020 |access-date=2020-12-08 |website=Sixth Tone |language=en}} In December 2020, it produced a competition programme for voice actors called Voice Monster.

In September 2020, the company launched Bilibili Video Satellite.{{Cite web |title=B 站宣布 "哔哩哔哩视频卫星"成功发射 - 哔哩哔哩, B站,卫星 - IT之家 |url=https://www.ithome.com/0/508/822.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927134852/https://www.ithome.com/0/508/822.htm |archive-date=27 September 2020 |access-date=2020-11-02 |website=www.ithome.com}}{{Cite web |date=2020-09-15 |title=Bilibili announces successful launch of its video satellite, first of its kind for a Chinese internet company |url=https://cntechpost.com/2020/09/15/bilibili-announces-successful-launch-of-its-video-satellite-first-of-its-kind-for-a-chinese-internet-company/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926082406/https://cntechpost.com/2020/09/15/bilibili-announces-successful-launch-of-its-video-satellite-first-of-its-kind-for-a-chinese-internet-company/ |archive-date=26 September 2020 |access-date=2020-11-02 |website=cnTechPost |language=en-US}} On 3 February 2021, Bilibili announced it had acquired Shanghai Yarun Culture Communications Co., Ltd, the parent company of animation studio Haoliners Animation League and its subsidiaries.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-02-15/bilibili-acquires-emon-animation-company/.169512|title=bilibili Acquires Emon Animation Company|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|date=15 February 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=15 February 2021|archive-date=15 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215064515/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-02-15/bilibili-acquires-emon-animation-company/.169512|url-status=live}} On 23 March 2021, it was reported that Bilibili would raise US$2.6 billion on the Hong Kong stock exchange (HKEX).{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-22/bilibili-said-poised-to-raise-2-6-billion-in-hong-kong-listing|title=Bilibili Poised to Raise $2.6 Billion in Hong Kong Listing|last=Fioretti|first=Julia|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=23 March 2021|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=24 March 2021|archive-date=23 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323133813/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-22/bilibili-said-poised-to-raise-2-6-billion-in-hong-kong-listing|url-status=live}} This would be the company's secondary listing, as it is already public on the NASDAQ in New York City. On 29 March 2021, Bilibili was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange at an opening price of HK$790.{{Cite web|title=BILIBILI-SW (9626.HK) 股價、新聞、報價和過往記錄 - Yahoo 財經|url=https://hk.finance.yahoo.com/quote/9626.HK/|access-date=2021-11-23|website=hk.finance.yahoo.com|language=zh-Hant-HK|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123162153/https://hk.finance.yahoo.com/quote/9626.HK/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of Bilibili original programming}}

Besides hosting video content, Bilibili's main feature is a real-time captioning system that displays user comments as streams of scrolling subtitles overlaid on the screen, visually resembling a danmaku shooter game. These are called bullet comments, danmu, or danmaku{{Cite book|last1=Chen|first1=Yue|last2=Gao|first2=Qin|last3=Rau|first3=Pei-Luen Patrick|title=Cross-Cultural Design Methods, Practice and Impact |chapter=Understanding Gratifications of Watching Danmaku Videos – Videos with Overlaid Comments |date=2015|editor-last=Rau|editor-first=P.L.Patrick|series=Lecture Notes in Computer Science|volume=9180|language=en|location=Cham|publisher=Springer International Publishing|pages=153–163|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-20907-4_14|isbn=978-3-319-20907-4}}{{cite conference |title = Correlation analysis between user's emotional comments and popularity measures. |last1 = Wu |first1 = Zechen |last2 = Ito |first2 = Eisuke |date = 2014 |publisher = IEEE |book-title = 2014 IIAI 3rd International Conference |pages = 280–283 |conference = Advanced Applied Informatics (IIAIAAI) |doi = 10.1109/IIAI-AAI.2014.65 |hdl = 2324/1463259 |hdl-access = free

}}{{cite conference|last1=Chen|first1=Yue|last2=Gao|first2=Qing|date=2015|title=Understanding gratifications of watching danmaku videos–videos with overlaid comments.|conference=International Conference on Cross-Cultural Design|publisher=Springer|pages=153–163|doi=10.1007/978-3-319-20907-4_14|book-title=CCD 2015: Cross-Cultural Design Methods, Practice and Impact|doi-access=free}} ({{CJKV|c=弹幕|p=dànmù|l=bullet curtain|j=弾幕|r=danmaku}}). This system offers various subtitle controls, including style, format, and movement. Users can also create translated and soramimi subtitles, or special effects with carefully formed subtitles. Bilibili's platform also offers a feature called "advanced subtitles", where users can use an ECMAScript-based API to control video playback, dynamically change danmaku subtitles and draw shapes on the screen. This functionality is only available with the video poster's permission.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

Danmaku are easy to post, but only registered users who have passed a verification check and have a phone number tied to their account are allowed to post them. Comments usually move from right to left on a video, and if viewers do not wish to be distracted, they can disable them. There are three types of bullet comments offered on Bilibili: rolling comments, top comments and bottom comments. Non-registered user comments are limited to 20 characters while registered users have a character limit of 120 and may edit the size and colour of their comments. The video creator has the ability to save or delete comments. Bilibili users may use acronyms or slang unique to the site, such as the code "2333" to indicate laughter. Another type of comment unique to Bilibili is a "high energy alert" ({{Lang|zh|高能预警}}), which is a kind of spoiler warning, to tell the audience that something exciting or climactic is approaching.{{cite web|title = "Bullet Comments": the Construction of Online Carnival in China|url = http://www.asiapacificmemo.ca/bullet-comments|website = Asia Pacific Memo|date = 15 April 2016|access-date = 2016-09-12|first = Ying|last = Guo|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160918183208/http://www.asiapacificmemo.ca/bullet-comments|archive-date = 2016-09-18|url-status = dead}} Bilibili users communicate not only through text but also by frequently using emojis and ASCII art to express emotions or add humor. These symbols have become a unique cultural expression on the platform. For instance, the emoticon is commonly used to convey confidence or pride and has become a widely recognized form of interaction among users. Additionally, users employ attention-grabbing symbols such as "!!!" to mark a "high energy alert," signaling that an exciting or climactic moment is approaching.{{Cite journal |last=Yang |first=Yuhong |date=2020-03-14 |title=The danmaku interface on Bilibili and the recontextualised translation practice: a semiotic technology perspective |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10350330.2019.1630962 |journal=Social Semiotics |language=en |volume=30 |issue=2 |pages=254–273 |doi=10.1080/10350330.2019.1630962 |issn=1035-0330}} These symbols not only enrich user interactions but also strengthen the cohesion and uniqueness of the Bilibili community. Research result states that when the main purpose of watching videos is entertaining, the bullet comments meets the leisure and self-expression needs of users,{{Cite journal |last1=Hsieh |first1=Yen-Hao |last2=Zeng |first2=Xin-Ping |date=2022-07-13 |title=Sentiment Analysis: An ERNIE-BiLSTM Approach to Bullet Screen Comments |journal=Sensors |language=en |volume=22 |issue=14 |pages=5223 |doi=10.3390/s22145223 |issn=1424-8220 |pmc=9318645 |pmid=35890903|bibcode=2022Senso..22.5223H |doi-access=free }} though the Ministry of Culture of China has criticised the bullet comment system for allowing the spread of hateful messages on videos.{{cite web|url=http://news.cctv.com/2016/08/20/ARTInKcWcevlBOpB1enOEGyR160820.shtml|title=官方要求加强对"弹幕"安全评估：评什么 怎样评|last=赵|first=丽|date=20 August 2016|website=CCTV News|access-date=5 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907110334/http://news.cctv.com/2016/08/20/ARTInKcWcevlBOpB1enOEGyR160820.shtml|archive-date=7 September 2018|url-status=live}}

In 2012, Bilibili consisted of nine team members all versed in Japanese language and culture. Two are web developers, including Xu Yi himself, and the others were website editors and moderators. Bilibili is free to use, with its main revenue coming from webpage advertisement and affiliate marketing.

Most content on Bilibili is free for anonymous viewing, while some videos require a membership. Select videos are also only available under the Chengbao system, in which case members must pay to access them. Membership is also required to submit videos or comments. Bilibili limits its memberships to balance the quality of its users and moderation capacity.{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} In March 2013, a limited number of invitation codes was shared with existing users. Registrants using the codes needed to complete 100 questions to become a premium member, with questions mostly related to ACG. On 19 May 2015, Bilibili reduced the number of questions to 50, with 20 questions on internet comment etiquette. On 26 February 2017, Bilibili reinstated the 100-question test, with a passing threshold of 60.{{Cite web |url=http://www.bilibili.com/blackroom/#/notice/6 |website=www.bilibili.com |language=zh-Hans |script-title=zh:小黑屋 |access-date=2017-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304194717/http://www.bilibili.com/blackroom/#/notice/6 |archive-date=4 March 2017 |url-status=live }}

On 9 October 2016, Bilibili launched a premium membership subscription service on the site, costing around ¥25 per month,{{Cite web |title=大会员服务协议 - 哔哩哔哩弹幕视频网 |url=https://www.bilibili.com/blackboard/big-protocol.html |access-date=2023-10-10 |website=www.bilibili.com}}{{Citation needed|date=August 2022}} or approximately US$2 per month on a long-term subscription. Premium members get access to videos in high resolution and can receive early access to certain videos, alongside other benefits such as discounts on Bilibili-owned games.{{Cite web |url=http://www.zhicheng.com/n/20161011/97764.html |title=What's the use of Member B? How much is a big member of station B for a month? |website=至诚财经 |access-date=21 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011232541/http://www.zhicheng.com/n/20161011/97764.html |archive-date=11 October 2016 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://big.bilibili.com/site/big.html |title=哔哩哔哩弹幕视频网 - ( ゜- ゜)つロ 乾杯~ - bilibili |website=bilibili |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610131506/http://big.bilibili.com/site/big.html |archive-date=2017-06-10 |access-date=2017-06-11}} From 1 January 2018, Bilibili extended its early access programme to premium members, giving them early access to certain episodes of animated series, with regular members needing to wait a week to watch them.{{Cite web|date=2017-12-23|title=Copyright requirements Bilibili 2018 part of the animation adopts "pay-first-see" mode|url=http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2017-12-23/doc-ifypvuqf3945798.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212201559/http://tech.sina.com.cn/i/2017-12-23/doc-ifypvuqf3945798.shtml|archive-date=2018-02-12|access-date=2018-02-12|website=tech.sina.com.cn}}

On 26 February 2017, an account blocking function was launched to regulate the website's content and users. Offensive comments can be deleted by administrators and offenders would be penalised. Accounts could be suspended temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of the offence.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bilibili.com/blackroom/#/notice/6 |title=The "Account Block" function will be launched on the same day, and 100 questions will be transferred to the normal test. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304194717/https://www.bilibili.com/blackroom/#/notice/6 |archive-date=2017-03-04 |access-date=2017-03-04}} On 15 June 2017, Bilibili launched a "discipline committee", allowing members to arbitrate reports of violations in some communities and decide whether the behaviour is illegal, and vote on the penalty.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bilibili.com/blackboard/judgementnotice.html |title=Commission for Discipline Inspection will be launched on the same day-Bilibili Video Network-(゜-゜) つ ロ Cheers ~-bilibili |website=Bilibili |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618165732/http://www.bilibili.com/blackboard/judgementnotice.html |archive-date=2017-06-18 |access-date=2017-06-16}}

Bilibili does not allow duplicate videos, but does allow high-resolution and lower-resolution versions of the same content.{{Cite web |url=http://weibo.com/2093001685/zwA3m2dtQ?type=comment#_rnd1447341140966 |title=9bishi Weibo's instructions on direct transmission |last=9bishi |date=2013-05-14 |website=Sina Weibo |access-date=21 January 2020 |archive-date=2 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202015337/https://weibo.com/2093001685/zwA3m2dtQ?type=comment#_rnd1447341140966 |url-status=live }} Similar to other Chinese video sharing websites, Bilibili is subject to strict censorship. As of 10 February 2017, individual users are prohibited from uploading videos regarding politics, with only certified bodies allowed to upload political content.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bilibili.com/blackboard/activity-shizhengmanager.html |title=Announcement on Strengthening Management of Current Video Content |date=2017-02-10 |website=Bilibili |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211093633/http://www.bilibili.com/blackboard/activity-shizhengmanager.html |archive-date=2017-02-11 |access-date=2017-02-11}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/yf1-02102017120631.html |title=Bilibili bans individual users from uploading current affairs politics |date=2017-02-10 |website=Radio Free Asia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210211800/http://www.rfa.org/mandarin/yataibaodao/meiti/yf1-02102017120631.html |archive-date=2017-02-10 |access-date=2017-02-11}}

Bilibili airs a sports programming entitled Bilibili Sports, the sports division of the Bilibili. Bilibili via Bilibili Sports officially obtained broadcasting rights for Meiji Yasuda J1 League for Southeast Asian countries excluding Thailand starts 2024 season. HIGHSPEED Étoile and F1 also aired in the same year.

Bilibili's official mascots are elected by its community, Bili-tans, named "22" and "33".{{cite web

| url = http://www.bilibili.tv/video/av8219/

| title = 【BILI娘投票结束】投票结果发表

| trans-title = (The Vote for Bili-tans Ended) Announcement on Results of the Vote

| author = Bilibili Announcement

| date = 27 May 2010

| access-date = 1 October 2012

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121011073027/http://www.bilibili.tv/video/av8219/

| archive-date = 11 October 2012

| url-status = live

}}

Bilibili has also established affiliated communities: Corari ({{zh|s=协作乡|l=Hometown of Collaboration}}, currently offline), a collaboration project founding community; DrawYoo, a creative drawing community; The Ninth Channel, a support forum for Bilibili.

The group's companies have published the following games in the Chinese market:

; Bilibili

• BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!{{cite news|author=东施|url=http://news.7k7k.com/doc/1520948.html|title=《BanG Dream! 少女乐团派对!》iOS版本正式上线 一同奏响我们的乐章|publisher=7k7k|date=30 May 2019|access-date=21 March 2020|language=zh|trans-title="BanG Dream! Girls Band Party!" IOS version is officially launched|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322043703/http://news.7k7k.com/doc/1520948.html|archive-date=22 March 2020}}
• Guardian Tales

; MICA Team / Sunborn Network Technology

• Girls' Frontline

; (Wuhu) Sharejoy Network Technology Co. Ltd

• Fate/Grand Order[http://www.xinhuanet.com/mrdx/2018-01/24/c_136919634.htm 严查网游禁止内容,文化部公布6起典型案件] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516021427/http://www.xinhuanet.com/mrdx/2018-01/24/c_136919634.htm |date=16 May 2018 }} {{in lang|zh}}, Xinhua News Agency, 24 January 2018
• Azur Lane
• Bible Bullet
• I-Chu
• Fantasy Hunter Story

; Bilibili HK Limited

• 100 Sleeping Princes and the Kingdom of Dreams
• Jujutsu Kaisen: Phantom Parade{{cite press release|title=Juju Fest 2024: BILIBILI GAME to Globally Launch Jujutsu Kaisen Mobile Later This Year|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2024-08-26/juju-fest-2024-bilibili-game-to-globally-launch-jujutsu-kaisen-mobile-later-this-year/.214771|publisher=Bilibili Game|via=Anime News Network|access-date=August 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826230614/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2024-08-26/juju-fest-2024-bilibili-game-to-globally-launch-jujutsu-kaisen-mobile-later-this-year/.214771|archive-date=August 26, 2024|date=August 26, 2024|url-status=live}}

; Shanghai Hode Information Technology{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1723690/000104746918001762/a2234740zf-1a.htm |title=Bilibili Inc. |website=SEC.gov |date=16 March 2018 |access-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320020021/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1723690/000104746918001762/a2234740zf-1a.htm |archive-date=20 March 2018 |url-status=live }}

• Ark Order{{cite web |url=https://news.qoo-app.com/post/143013 |title=人形競技少女《方舟指令》9月27日正式公測 |language=zh |website=Qoo App |date=27 September 2018 |access-date=9 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009134249/https://news.qoo-app.com/post/143013 |archive-date=9 October 2018 |url-status=live }}

{{controversy-section|date=October 2024}}

Cai Xukun, a Chinese artist and singer, was chosen as a spokesperson of the NBA in January 2019, sparking controversy. His introduction video from Idol Producer, which involved him playing basketball, went viral. Following this, hundreds of parody videos appeared on Bilibili mocking the original video. Cai issued a lawsuit notice asking for Bilibili to remove the parody videos.{{Cite web|url=https://technode.com/2019/04/15/bilibili-threatened-with-lawsuit-about-videos-mocking-chinese-idol/|title=BiliBili threatened with lawsuit about videos mocking Chinese idol · TechNode|date=2019-04-15|website=TechNode|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426211446/https://technode.com/2019/04/15/bilibili-threatened-with-lawsuit-about-videos-mocking-chinese-idol/|archive-date=26 April 2019|url-status=live}} Bilibili responded that they believed the videos were not illegal and refused to penalise the users who uploaded the videos. Lyrics from the video, such as "sing, dance, rap, basketball" went on to become viral as well. To prevent potential backlash and spam from users, Bilibili temporarily halted the verification of new accounts.{{cite web |title=蔡徐坤出圈记之B站篇：律师函与网友的狂欢 |date=17 April 2019 |url=https://36kr.com/p/1723522514945 |access-date=11 September 2020 |archive-date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925235501/https://36kr.com/p/1723522514945 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=蔡徐坤律师函错误百出 |url=https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv2453671/ |access-date=11 September 2020 |archive-date=13 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213112202/https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv2453671/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2019, Bilibili was found to be renting servers illegally in Taiwan. The National Communications Commission required provider Chief Telecom to cease the tie-up immediately after the issue was discovered by a Taiwan-based think tank. Video on demand services based in mainland China are forbidden to operate in Taiwan due to national security concerns.{{cite web|last1=Wang Yi-hung and William Hetherington|first1=Liu Li-jen|title=Bilibili found to be renting server space in Taiwan|url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/09/05/2003721740|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904172630/http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2019/09/05/2003721740|archive-date=4 September 2019|access-date=4 September 2019|website=www.taipeitimes.com|publisher=Taipei Times}}

In April 2019, a repository called "Bilibili website backend codes", with a large number of usernames and passwords, was published on GitHub. The repository was taken down by GitHub due to "excessive use of resources". The repository amassed more than 6,000 stars in just a few hours. However, copies could still be found on GitHub and other platforms. Bilibili responded that the leaked code was from an older version of their website and that they had taken "defensive steps to ensure the accident won't compromise user data security".{{Cite web|date=23 April 2019|title=Bilibili source code containing user names and passwords leaked on GitHub|url=https://technode.com/2019/04/23/bilibili-source-code-leaked-on-github-containing-usernames-and-passwords/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423070058/https://technode.com/2019/04/23/bilibili-source-code-leaked-on-github-containing-usernames-and-passwords/|archive-date=23 April 2019|access-date=23 April 2019|publisher=TechNode}}

On 7 February 2022, an influencer known as Wang Luobei posted on Weibo about the death of a content moderator while at work in Bilibili's Wuhan subsidiary during the Lunar New Year holiday period. The cause of death was suspected to be overwork, sparking controversy amid the prevalence of the 996 work schedule in China's internet industry. Bilibili responded the same day that the employee was feeling unwell since the afternoon of 4 February 2022 and completed a standard nine-hour shift that day, ruling out the possibility of excessive work as the cause of death. The response was refuted by a Weibo user who claimed to be the cousin of the deceased, stating that he did not return home for the festive period and stayed behind in Wuhan for work.{{Cite web|date=2022-02-08|title=Death of Bilibili staff member renews discussion about overwork in Chinese tech companies|url=https://kr-asia.com/death-of-bilibili-staff-member-renews-discussion-about-overwork-in-chinese-tech-companies|access-date=2022-02-09|website=KrASIA|language=en|archive-date=9 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209040629/https://kr-asia.com/death-of-bilibili-staff-member-renews-discussion-about-overwork-in-chinese-tech-companies|url-status=live}}

On 12 January 2025, a Bilibili user claimed that an employee exploited their position to insert malicious code into the platform's web version, causing the user’s account to display blank pages and repeated messages stating, "Your account has been banned." The user also shared chat logs showing the employee threatening to ban their account. The employee, identified as Ni (倪袁成), reportedly engaged in doxxing and personal retaliation after a disagreement with the user.

On 16 January, Bilibili confirmed the misuse of authority, terminated the employee, reported the case to regulators, and issued a public apology. The company removed the malicious code, disciplined related supervisors, and offered the affected user a one-year premium membership as compensation.{{Cite web|date=2025-01-21|title=员工植入恶意代码报复用户， B站：已开除|url=https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_29988567|access-date=2025-02-08|website=澎湃新闻|language=zh-hans}}

Bilibili Video Satellite was launched on 15 September 2019. This satellite is developed by CIOMP and it is the first popular science video remote sensing satellite which customized by Chinese internet company. Bilibili wants to use this satellite to help uploaders to make more videos, including technology and humanities. And use it to excite and keep the new generation of Chinese youth in a curious spirit of exploration.{{Cite web|title="哔哩哔哩视频卫星"成功发射 助力科普启蒙-新华网|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/tech/2020-09/15/c_1126495742.htm|access-date=2021-07-14|work=www.xinhuanet.com|archive-date=2020-09-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918232858/http://www.xinhuanet.com/tech/2020-09/15/c_1126495742.htm|url-status=live}}

On 26 June 2019, Bilibili announced that it has achieved deep cooperation with "Teach for China" to build an elementary school and provide support for teachers' humanity support, environment and school equipment in a village of Dali, Yunnan. Meanwhile, Bilibili will also give full play to its own advantages to support schools in providing curriculum resources such as art, science and innovation, and the cultivation of comprehensive literacy, enriching the video course resources of art, science and innovation in school.{{Cite web|title=十岁的B站，为什么要资助一所"美丽小学"|url=http://www.xinminweekly.com.cn/shehui/2019/07/03/12565.html|access-date=2021-07-14|work=www.xinminweekly.com.cn|archive-date=2021-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714130324/http://www.xinminweekly.com.cn/shehui/2019/07/03/12565.html|url-status=live}}

• Online video platform
• Comparison of video hosting services
• List of online video platforms

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.bilibili.com/}}
• {{Finance links

| symbol = BILI

| sec_cik = BILI

| google = Nasdaq:BILI

| yahoo = BILI

| bloomberg = BILI:US

| reuters = BILI.OQ

| nasdaq = BILI

}}

{{Chinese Internet video website}}

{{Video digital distribution platforms}}

{{Hang Seng China Enterprises Index}}

{{Hangzhou Spark}}

{{Video game live streaming services}}

{{authority control}}

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