Viu and iQIYI Partner on Streaming Bundle for Southeast Asia

Streaming giants Viu and iQIYI International have announced a strategic partnership to offer a joint subscription bundle across Southeast Asia. Revealed at the APOS conference, the initiative will launch in the second half of 2026, covering key markets including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia. While specific financial details remain undisclosed, the collaboration represents a significant shift in the regional digital entertainment landscape.

This alliance is particularly notable as it marks iQIYI International’s first cross-regional streaming partnership. By combining their respective content libraries—Viu’s strong focus on pan-Asian dramas and iQIYI’s extensive catalog of Chinese-language programming—the two platforms aim to create a more compelling value proposition for consumers in a highly competitive market. The move suggests a strategic pivot toward consolidation as streaming services look for ways to reduce churn and increase subscriber retention.

For the broader industry, this deal signals a growing trend of cooperation among major players to combat market fragmentation. By bundling their services, Viu and iQIYI are likely attempting to lower the barrier to entry for viewers who might otherwise be hesitant to pay for multiple individual subscriptions. If successful, this model could serve as a blueprint for other regional streamers looking to maximize their reach and stabilize revenue streams in the face of rising content production costs and intense competition from global platforms.