Youku Tudou Signs Exclusive Content Agreement with TVB

Youku Tudou, China's leading Internet television company, and Hong Kong Television Broadcasts announced an exclusive partnership that will bring an annual volume of over 2,500 hours of TVB's hot dramas and old classics to Youku Tudou's websites and mobile clients. The announcement was made at a star-packed conference held during the 37th Hong Kong International Film Festival.

The two-year deal will extend Youku Tudou's coverage to virtually all new and classic TVB titles. The two parties will also explore partnerships to co-produce original content and share resources, including co-promoting content generated by TVB-affiliated celebrities, related performances and other events.

Conforming to the fast growing mobile traffic, the deal will also make TVB's exclusive content available on iPads, iPhones, and other mobile devices. By the end of 2012, Youku Tudou had recorded over 100 million daily video views from mobile devices.

Prior to this exclusive partnership, Youku Tudou users were already strongly connected to TVB content. Previously, Youku.com and Tudou.com each opened a TVB channel, the video industry's most comprehensive, most convenient destination for watching TVB shows. This partnership represents the latest move in Youku Tudou's continuing pursuit of original overseas film and television content.

Youku Tudou reached an agreement three months ago with US cable network AMC to become the exclusive source for AMC content in China, in addition to other recent partnerships with the BBC, MBC (Korean Munhwa Broadcasting Corp.) and major US TV content right holders.

"Youku Tudou has both the largest copyrighted video repository and user base. TVB has a spotless reputation and history throughout the Chinese-speaking world," said Youku Tudou president Dele Liu. "This strategic and co-operative partnership combines the strength of Youku Tudou's internet platform and apps with TVB's wonderful repertoire of shows. It's an invaluable combination that will help Youku Tudou achieve its goal of being the go-to source for high-quality internet television in China."