What Viki Pass is and who runs it

Viki Pass is a paid subscription service run by Viki, a video streaming platform owned by Rakuten. It lets you watch TV shows and films, most of them from Asia — particularly Korean dramas, Chinese series, and Japanese content — without ads, and often with subtitles in multiple languages. You pay a monthly or annual fee to Viki directly, not to a government program or housing authority.

Viki operates as a commercial streaming service, similar to Netflix or Hulu. The company licenses content from studios and distributors, then offers it to subscribers. Your payment goes to Rakuten, the parent company, which handles billing, customer service, and content licensing.

The service is available in most countries, though the content library and subtitle options vary by region. You access it through a web browser, mobile app, smart TV app, or other connected devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Viki Pass costs either a monthly subscription or an annual subscription, with the annual option usually offering a lower per-month rate.
  • The subscription removes ads from the service and unlocks access to some content that is otherwise behind a paywall, though not all content requires a paid subscription.
  • You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will retain access until the end of your current billing period.
  • Viki also offers a free tier with ads, so you can watch some content without paying anything.
  • Subtitle availability and content library differ by country, so what you can watch depends on where you are located.

Subscription tiers and pricing

Viki offers two main paid tiers: a monthly subscription and an annual subscription. The exact price varies by country and currency. In the United States, the monthly option typically costs less per month than paying for a full year upfront, but the annual option spreads the cost over twelve months at a lower per-month rate.

Viki also offers a free tier with ads. On the free tier, you can watch many shows and films, but you will see advertisements, and some newer or premium content may not be available to you. The paid subscription removes ads and unlocks additional content.

Prices and available tiers can change. Check Viki's official website or app to see the current rates for your country and currency.

What you get with a paid subscription

When you pay for Viki Pass, you get ad-free viewing across the entire platform. This means no video advertisements interrupt your shows or films. You also gain access to content that is marked as "Viki Pass only" — these are titles that free users cannot watch.

Subtitle availability is often better for paid subscribers. Many shows offer subtitles in multiple languages, and Pass subscribers typically see more language options than free users. However, subtitle availability still depends on the specific title and your region.

Paid subscribers also get early access to new episodes of some shows. If a series releases new episodes weekly, Pass subscribers may be able to watch them sooner than free users.

How to start and stop your subscription

To start a Viki Pass subscription, you create a Viki account (or log into an existing one), go to the subscription or membership section, and choose your plan. You will need a valid payment method — usually a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet like PayPal or Apple Pay, depending on your country and device.

After you enter your payment details and confirm your choice, your subscription begins immediately. You can start watching Pass-only content right away.

To cancel, log into your account, go to your subscription settings, and select the option to cancel. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month on a monthly plan, you keep access until that month ends. You will not be charged again after cancellation.

Billing and payment methods

Viki charges your payment method on the same date each month (for monthly plans) or each year (for annual plans). The charge appears on your statement under Rakuten or Viki, depending on your payment method and region.

Accepted payment methods usually include credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. The exact options depend on your country. If your payment method fails, Viki typically sends you a notice and may suspend your subscription until you update your payment information.

If you are charged in error or want to dispute a charge, contact Viki's customer support through their website. Keep records of your subscription confirmation and billing statements.

Content available by region

Viki's library varies significantly by country due to licensing agreements. A show available in the United States may not be available in Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia. Subtitle languages also differ by region — a title might have Spanish subtitles in Mexico but not in Spain.

When you log in, Viki shows you content available in your region based on your IP address or account location. If you travel or move, your available content may change. Some users report that content becomes unavailable after they change their location.

Before you commit to a subscription, browse the free content available in your region to get a sense of what the library includes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Viki Pass account with family members?

Viki's terms of service state that each account is for personal use only. Sharing login credentials with others violates the terms. However, Viki does not actively police household sharing the way some other streaming services do. If you share your password, you do so at your own risk — Viki could suspend or terminate your account.

What happens if I cancel mid-month?

You keep access to Viki Pass content through the end of your current billing period. If you cancel on the 15th of a month and your billing date is the 1st, you have access until the end of that month. You will not be charged again.

Does Viki Pass work on all devices?

Viki has apps for iOS, Android, web browsers, and many smart TVs and streaming devices. Your subscription works across all of them — you log in with the same account. However, some older devices or regional app stores may not have the Viki app available.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Refund policies vary by country and payment method. Most streaming services offer refunds only within a short window — often 24 to 48 hours — if you cancel immediately after purchase. Contact Viki support with your order number to ask about a refund for your specific situation.

Why is content I watched before no longer available?

Viki's licensing agreements with studios are temporary. When a license expires, content is removed from the platform. This is common across all streaming services. Viki sometimes re-licenses content later, so a show may return after being unavailable for months or years.