Bilibili App Is Now Global: What It Is and How to Use It

If you’ve been on X or TikTok in the last few weeks, you’ve probably seen people calling Bilibili “China’s YouTube” and saying it just launched worldwide. A lot of my followers have been asking me about it too, so I decided to dig in properly.

Short answer: yes, something big did happen. But it’s not quite what the viral posts are saying. In this guide, I’ll explain what Bilibili actually is, what changed, how to sign up the safe way, and whether it’s worth your time.

What Is Bilibili?

Bilibili is a video platform from China. It’s publicly traded, it was founded in Shanghai in 2009, and it started as a community for anime, comics, and gaming content before growing into one of China’s largest video sites. It crossed 376 million monthly active users in the first quarter of 2026, and people spend an average of about two hours a day on it.

To give you an idea of how big it is in the anime world, it’s China’s largest streaming platform for Japanese animation, ahead of Tencent Video and iQIYI.

So when people call it “China’s YouTube,” they’re not completely wrong. You can upload videos, watch creators, and comment. But there’s one feature that makes it feel totally different.

The Feature That Makes Bilibili Different: Bullet Chat

On YouTube, comments sit below the video. On Bilibili, they fly across the screen while you watch.

This is called danmu, or “bullet chat.” The comments scroll directly across the video in real time, synced to the exact moment they were posted, so every video turns into a shared viewing experience.

Imagine watching a cricket highlight and seeing hundreds of people react to the winning six at the exact same second. That’s the vibe.

Honestly, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it feature. Some people find it fun and social. Others find it distracting. The good news is you can turn it off with one tap if it’s too much.

So What Actually Changed in 2026?

Here’s the part most viral posts get wrong. Bilibili didn’t just “launch” globally. It relaunched.

The app has been on the Google Play Store for years, but it was very limited. Outside Southeast Asia, it was basically restricted to voice chat and text posts. No videos, no anime library, nothing that made the platform famous.

Then came the big update. Bilibili relaunched a global version of its app on Android on August 19, 2026, and the new app doesn’t require identity verification, which the old app did.

Here’s what’s new:

• No passport or ID needed. Before this, overseas users had to submit an ID document to sign up. Now an email address is enough.
• Full video content globally. Both user-made videos and licensed anime are now part of the international app, instead of just voice chat and posts.
• Chinese and international content mixed together. The feed is meant to blend global and Chinese content rather than keep them as two separate worlds.
• AI dubbing. The app’s AI Dubbing feature is described as a way to watch creators without needing subtitles. For now, language coverage is reported as Chinese–English, with more languages planned.

How to Download Bilibili (The Safe Way)

This is the most important section, so please read it carefully.

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone.

Step 2: Search for “bilibili“.

Step 3: Before installing, check that it’s the official app. Look at the developer name, the number of downloads, and the reviews. The official app has millions of downloads.

Step 4: Tap Install, open the app, and sign up.

What about iPhone? Not yet. The relaunched app is live on Google Play, with an iOS version announced as coming soon. The existing iOS listing still reflects the older, region-restricted version.

What if it doesn’t show up in your country? That can happen. Reports noted that at relaunch, the app wasn’t available in some countries such as India and Romania, and Bilibili has said more countries will get access gradually. If it’s not in your Play Store yet, just wait. Don’t go looking for shortcuts.

Please Don’t Download “Bilibili APK” Files

When you search for Bilibili on Google, you’ll find dozens of websites offering a “Bilibili APK” with “free movies, no ads, no signup.” Most of these are not official. Some even admit it on their own pages, warning users to be careful because they could end up downloading files infected with malware.

My advice is simple: only install apps from the Play Store or App Store. A random APK can steal your data, show you endless pop-up ads, or worse. No free anime is worth that.

How to Sign Up

Signing up is much easier now. You can create an account with an email address, an international phone number, or a third-party login like your Google account, and you can skip identity verification.

Once you’re in, pick a few interests (anime, gaming, tech, music, etc.) so the app can recommend better videos.

Is Bilibili Safe to Use?

This is a fair question, especially since it’s a Chinese app and everyone remembers what happened with TikTok.

Here’s the honest picture. Tech reporters have pointed out that Bilibili’s global expansion raises the same questions about censorship, moderation, and data security that shaped TikTok’s long fight in the US. At the same time, Bilibili has not been accused of specific data handling violations.

So my take: it’s fine to try it, but use common sense. Don’t share personal information you wouldn’t share on any other social app, use a strong password, and review the app’s permissions after installing.

Can You Earn Money on Bilibili?

If you’re a creator like me, this is probably your next question. The short answer: not yet, at least not easily.

The brand marketplace for international creators is still in development, so for now Bilibili is mainly a way to reach a new audience rather than an income stream. I’ll keep an eye on it and update this post when monetization actually goes live.

Bilibili vs YouTube: Quick Comparison

• Comments: YouTube has them below the video. Bilibili puts them on the video with bullet chat.
• Content focus: YouTube covers everything. Bilibili is strongest in anime, donghua (Chinese animation), and gaming.
• Language: YouTube is fully multilingual. Bilibili is still mostly Chinese, with AI dubbing and translation slowly improving that.
• Earning money: YouTube has a mature Partner Program. Bilibili’s international creator tools are still being built.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bilibili free?
Yes, the app is free to download and use. Some licensed content may need a paid membership.

Do I need to know Chinese?
Not completely. The app has translation and AI dubbing, but a lot of content is still in Chinese.

Is Bilibili available on iPhone?
Not the new global version yet. iOS is “coming soon,” with no official date.

Is Bilibili the same as Bilibili TV?
They’re related but not the same. The main Bilibili platform is the Chinese one, and the international app is Bilibili’s way of bringing it to the rest of the world.

Final Thoughts

Bilibili isn’t new, but for most of us outside China, this is the first time we can actually use it properly. If you love anime, donghua, or gaming content, it’s definitely worth a try. Just download it from the official Play Store, skip the shady APK sites, and turn off bullet chat if it drives you crazy.

I’ll be testing it more over the next few weeks, so follow me on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook at @techwithtaimoor for updates. Have you tried Bilibili yet? Let me know in the comments what you think.