Bilibili, often called “China’s YouTube,” has become one of Asia’s most influential video-sharing platforms. Originally known for anime, gaming, and subculture content, it has evolved into a massive community with millions of creators producing everything from vlogs to educational videos. With its growing international audience, many creators are now asking the same question: How can I monetize my content on Bilibili?
This guide explains the requirements, eligibility criteria, and best practices for monetizing on Bilibili in 2025. Whether you’re a new creator or an experienced video maker looking to expand your presence in the Chinese market, this article will help you understand what it takes to start earning.
1. Understanding Bilibili’s Monetization System
Unlike YouTube, where ad revenue is the primary income source, Bilibili uses a multi-channel monetization system. This includes:
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The Bilibili Creator Incentive Program (激励计划) – direct rewards from Bilibili based on video performance.
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Coins, Likes, and Favorites – viewer engagement that increases your visibility and eligibility for bonuses.
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Membership and Premium Content – paid or exclusive videos.
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Brand Sponsorships and Collaborations – partnerships between creators and brands.
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Live Streaming Gifts – tips from viewers during live streams.
Each method has different requirements, but all depend on one thing: meeting the basic creator eligibility standards.
2. Basic Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Bilibili monetization, your account must meet several general criteria. The numbers below are based on Bilibili’s official creator guidelines and verified creator reports as of late 2024–2025.
a. Follower Requirement
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You need at least 1,000 followers (subscribers) to apply for monetization programs such as the Creator Incentive Plan.
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Some programs (like brand collaborations) may require more—typically 10,000 followers or higher.
b. View or Watch-Time Threshold
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Your videos should collectively reach at least 100,000 total views.
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Bilibili also values watch time—longer audience retention increases your performance score.
c. Account Verification
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You must complete real-name verification (实名制认证).
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This includes linking a phone number, email, and ID verification (for Chinese citizens) or equivalent identity proof (for international users).
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Accounts must be in good standing—no copyright strikes, community violations, or spam activity.
d. Original Content Requirement
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Bilibili strongly prioritizes original content.
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You must own or have permission to use all content in your videos—music, images, and clips included.
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Reposted or plagiarized content will disqualify you from monetization and may result in account penalties.
3. The Creator Incentive Program
The Creator Incentive Program (also called the Video Encouragement Program, 激励计划) is Bilibili’s main monetization route for uploaders. It rewards creators based on several metrics:
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Playback Data – view count, completion rate, and watch time.
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User Interaction – likes, comments, “coins,” shares, and favorites.
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Video Quality – originality, editing, and relevance.
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Account Activity – consistency of uploads and engagement with fans.
Once your account meets the basic requirements (1,000 followers, 100k total views, verified identity), you can apply through the Bilibili Creator Center.
After acceptance, your videos start earning “incentive points,” which are converted into cash monthly. There is usually a monthly cap on basic rewards to prevent abuse, but creators with high engagement can surpass it through performance bonuses.
4. Additional Monetization Options
a. Live Streaming and Gifts
If you stream live on Bilibili, viewers can send virtual gifts using the platform’s internal currency, known as B-coins. These gifts can be converted into real income. To become a Bilibili streamer, you must:
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Pass real-name verification.
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Have stable stream quality and comply with platform guidelines.
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Maintain consistent viewer interaction and good standing.
b. Brand Collaborations and Sponsorships
Once you build a solid fan base, brands may reach out for sponsored content or promotions. Bilibili also runs its own creator–brand matching system where eligible creators can apply for partnerships.
c. Paid Membership or Exclusive Videos
Creators can lock certain videos behind a premium paywall or offer exclusive membership content. This feature is limited to creators who already meet monetization standards and maintain high engagement.
5. Payouts and Regional Considerations
a. Payout Method
Creators are paid in Chinese Yuan (CNY). Payments are typically made to a verified Alipay or mainland Chinese bank account.
b. For Non-Chinese Creators
International creators can still join Bilibili, but monetization may be challenging due to:
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Payment system limitations (many foreign accounts can’t receive CNY transfers).
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Language and localization requirements (Bilibili’s interface and audience are primarily Chinese).
Some creators collaborate with Chinese partner MCNs (Multi-Channel Networks) to handle verification and payments.
6. How to Apply for Monetization (Step-by-Step)
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Register and verify your account.
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Link your phone number and complete identity verification.
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Upload original videos consistently.
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Maintain high-quality production, subtitles, and audience engagement.
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Reach 1,000 followers and 100,000 total views.
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Go to the Bilibili Creator Center → Monetization or Incentive Plan tab.
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Submit your application.
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Provide accurate information about your content and audience.
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Wait for review and approval.
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Processing can take several days to weeks depending on workload.
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Start earning through views, engagement, and bonuses.
7. Best Practices for Growing and Monetizing Faster
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Focus on niche communities. Bilibili audiences are highly loyal within specific interests (anime, education, music, etc.).
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Encourage interaction. Ask viewers to “like, coin, and favorite” your videos—these metrics directly impact your monetization score.
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Engage in comments. Bilibili values creators who respond and interact with their audience.
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Optimize for Chinese search terms. Use Chinese titles, subtitles, and hashtags if possible to increase reach.
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Stay consistent. Regular uploads maintain your algorithmic ranking.
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Avoid copyright risks. Even background music without permission can harm your monetization eligibility.
8. Common Reasons for Monetization Rejection
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Not meeting the follower or view threshold.
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Uploading non-original or low-quality content.
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Violations of community rules (e.g., political, violent, or copyrighted material).
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Incomplete verification information.
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Using automated or spam engagement tactics.
To avoid rejection, always ensure transparency, originality, and consistent quality.
Conclusion
Monetizing on Bilibili is achievable, but it requires patience, originality, and a deep understanding of the platform’s culture. The key thresholds—1,000 followers, 100,000 total views, and verified identity—are your first milestones. Once achieved, creators can access a variety of income streams, from incentive rewards and gifts to brand sponsorships.
For international creators, Bilibili offers a unique opportunity to reach one of the world’s largest and most active online audiences. By focusing on authentic engagement and consistent content creation, you can turn your passion into profit and become part of Bilibili’s vibrant creator community.
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