China anime market data: streaming, co-productions, and regulation
China is the largest Asian anime market outside Japan by some estimates, yet official figures are scarce and foreign content faces regulatory constraints.
Published: 2026-08-19. Updated: 2026-08-19.
Short answer: China is one of the largest anime markets in Asia Pacific, but verified country-level revenue figures are not publicly available from official sources. Research and Markets says China and South Korea follow Japan as the next largest anime streaming markets in Asia Pacific. Bilibili, China's leading youth video platform, distributes its animation content in over 190 regions, 12 TV channels, and 41 international streaming platforms. The Asia Pacific anime merchandising market is projected to grow at a 9.3% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, with China's segment growing at 8.7%, according to GII.
What is the anime market size in China?
There is no official Chinese government or industry-body estimate for the country's anime market size that is publicly available. China is included in Asia Pacific market research reports, and Research and Markets says Japan led Asia Pacific in anime streaming revenue in 2024, with China and South Korea following.
IMARC estimates that Asia Pacific held a 38.7% share of the global anime market in 2025. China is the largest economy in that region and is consistently named as one of the key country markets alongside Japan, India, and South Korea.
Data limitation: China-specific anime revenue is not publicly disclosed by official sources. Private-sector estimates vary widely in methodology and should be treated as directional rather than precise.
Streaming platforms and distribution
Bilibili is the most visible Chinese platform for animation content. In a December 2023 press release, Bilibili said its animation content is available in over 190 regions, 12 TV channels, and 41 international streaming platforms. The platform has co-produced titles with Japanese studios, including To Be Hero X with Aniplex and Metallic Rouge with Bones.
Research and Markets notes that the US-China trade war in 2025 increased regulatory barriers for anime licensing and distribution, particularly for Chinese studios, and that US-based platforms face higher acquisition costs for Chinese-origin content. That tension affects how Japanese anime enters China and how Chinese animation is distributed abroad.
Verified indicators for the Chinese anime market.| Indicator | Value | Source and period |
|---|
| Asia Pacific share of global anime market | 38.7% in 2025 | IMARC |
| Bilibili animation distribution reach | 190+ regions, 12 TV channels, 41 platforms | Bilibili PR Newswire, December 2023 |
| China anime merchandising CAGR | 8.7% (2024-2031) | GII |
| Asia Pacific anime merchandising CAGR | 9.3% (2024-2031) | GII |
Chinese animation going global
Bilibili's international strategy illustrates China's role as both a consumer and exporter of animation. The platform's Link Click has been released in over 200 countries and accumulated more than 500 million views, according to Bilibili's December 2023 press release. It also received a rating of 8.73 out of 10 on MyAnimeList.
That success is part of a broader trend: Chinese animation, or donghua, is increasingly distributed outside China through partnerships with Netflix, Crunchyroll, ADN, and Rakuten VIKI. However, this guide focuses on market data rather than creative output.
Regulatory environment
Foreign anime content in China faces content review, quota, and licensing requirements. The Association of Japanese Animations does not break out China in its public overseas market summary, and Japanese rights holders rarely disclose China-specific revenue.
Research and Markets notes that global platforms are diversifying content sourcing toward Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia as a result of regulatory friction. That suggests China's anime market is large but also more opaque and less predictable than other major markets.
China in the regional context
Asia Pacific dominates global anime consumption. Dataintelo reports that Asia Pacific accounted for 48.6% of global anime streaming app revenue in 2025, equivalent to $3.31 billion. China is a major contributor to that total, though its exact share is not publicly verified.
The cleaner conclusion is that China is structurally important due to its size, but the available public data is thinner than for markets such as Germany or the United States. Analysts must rely on platform disclosures, co-production announcements, and regional market estimates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the anime market size in China?
There is no publicly available official estimate for China's anime market size. China is included in IMARC's 38.7% Asia Pacific share of the global anime market in 2025 and is described by Research and Markets as following Japan and South Korea in Asia Pacific anime streaming.
Which platforms stream anime in China?
Bilibili is the leading Chinese platform for animation. It distributes content globally through partnerships with Netflix, Crunchyroll, and others. Domestic streaming in China is subject to regulatory approval.
Is Chinese animation popular overseas?
Yes. Bilibili's Link Click has been released in over 200 countries and accumulated more than 500 million views. Bilibili animation content is available in over 190 regions through 41 international streaming platforms.
What is the outlook for anime merchandise in China?
GII projects China's anime merchandising market will grow at an 8.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, within an Asia Pacific market projected to grow at 9.3%.
Sources and methodology
- Bilibili Showcases Global Expansion Ambitions for Original Chinese Content at Asia TV Forum and Market, Bilibili via PR Newswire. Bilibili animation distribution reach, Link Click viewership, co-productions with Japanese studios. December 2023.
- Anime Streaming Research Report 2026: A $14.65 Billion Market by 2030, Research and Markets via GlobeNewswire. China and South Korea follow Japan in Asia Pacific anime streaming; regulatory barriers noted.
- Anime Market Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast by Revenue Source, and Region, 2026-2034, IMARC. Asia Pacific 38.7% global anime market share in 2025; China included in country scope.
- Asia Pacific Anime Merchandising Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report, Global Information, Inc. (GII). China anime merchandising market projected 8.7% CAGR 2024-2031.