Chinese Donghua and Manhua Go Global — 2026-09-14
Bilibili's global expansion is accelerating with a new international Android app launch, positioning it as a direct rival to Crunchyroll. Meanwhile, the Chinese animation ecosystem is seeing a surge in AI-generated content, with a solo-created historical short drama achieving tens of millions of views in under a week.
Chinese Donghua and Manhua Go Global — 2026-09-14
Top developments
Bilibili Launches Global Android App, Challenging Crunchyroll
Bilibili has officially launched its international Android app globally, removing previous ID verification barriers and opening its content library to users outside China. While the iOS version and English website are still pending, this move marks a significant step in the platform's strategy to court Western creators and Gen Z users. The launch positions Bilibili as a direct competitor to Crunchyroll, offering cheaper anime plans and a vast catalog of donghua.
AI Short Drama "Ask the Common People" Goes Viral
A solo-created AI historical short drama titled Ask the Common People (Wen Cang Sheng) has exploded in popularity on Bilibili, surpassing 10 million views within five days of its release. Reports indicate the total cross-platform viewership has reached between 50 and 60 million. This viral success highlights the growing viability of AI-assisted production for individual creators in the Chinese animation and short drama sector.
October New Season Anticipation Amid Bilibili's Shift in Japanese Anime Licensing
As the October anime season approaches, Bilibili's strategy regarding Japanese anime licensing continues to evolve, with fans noting the platform has paused purchasing new Japanese series for nearly a year. The community is actively discussing where to watch upcoming titles and how to manage memberships, reflecting a shift in consumption patterns away from traditional simulcast hubs. This uncertainty coincides with the release of promotional videos for titles like Dragon Ball Super: Beerus, which have generated significant engagement despite licensing ambiguities.
Donghua Gains Traction on Western Streaming Platforms
Recent rankings highlight the growing popularity of Chinese animation (donghua) on platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll, with titles such as Swallowed Star and The King's Avatar frequently cited among the best available. Industry observers note that while Japanese anime still dominates, high-quality donghua are increasingly finding dedicated international audiences, supported by improved localization and distribution deals.
Local view
Chinese media outlets like Wenxue City and SMZDM are closely monitoring the shift in viewer habits, particularly the impact of Bilibili's policy changes on Japanese anime availability and the rise of AI-generated content. The discussion around the "October new season" highlights a pragmatic approach by consumers who are adapting to fragmented streaming landscapes.
Context & numbers
- Bilibili Views: The AI short drama Ask the Common People achieved over 10 million views on Bilibili alone in five days, with total cross-platform estimates reaching 50-60 million.
- Engagement: A single promotional video for Dragon Ball Super: Beerus uploaded by a fan group garnered 128,000 views in three days, while another related video reached 840,000 views.
On the radar
- iOS and English Site Launch: Watch for the official release of Bilibili's iOS international app and English-language website, which are currently missing from the global rollout.
- October Simulcast Clarifications: Further announcements are expected regarding which Japanese anime titles will be licensed by Bilibili or other Chinese platforms for the upcoming fall season.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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