Bilibili App: Complete Guide, History, Features, Download, and How to Use It in 2026
The world of online video is growing faster than ever. Every day, millions of people use platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and other video applications to watch entertainment, learn new skills, follow creators, and discover new trends. Among these platforms, one name that has attracted significant attention is Bilibili.
Bilibili is a popular video-sharing and online entertainment platform that originally became famous for anime, comics, and gaming content. However, the platform has developed significantly over the years and now offers much more than anime and games. Users can discover technology videos, educational content, lifestyle videos, music, live streams, gaming content, entertainment, knowledge-based videos, and a wide range of user-generated content.
If you are searching for Bilibili app, Bilibili APK, Bilibili download, Bilibili Android app, Bilibili app download, Bilibili APK download, Bilibili alternative to YouTube, Bilibili creator platform, or how to use Bilibili, this complete guide will help you understand the platform.
In this article, we will explain what Bilibili is, when Bilibili was created, who founded Bilibili, how Bilibili works, what you can watch on the platform, how to use the Bilibili app, how to download the APK, whether Bilibili is available on the Google Play Store, and why the platform is becoming interesting for international users and content creators.
What Is the Bilibili App?
Bilibili is a video-sharing, entertainment, and online community platform.
The platform was originally built around anime, comics, and gaming culture, commonly known as ACG culture. Because of this history, Bilibili became especially popular among anime fans, gamers, and younger internet users.
However, Bilibili is no longer limited to anime and gaming.
Today, users can find many different types of content, including:
- Anime and animation.
- Gaming videos.
- Technology tutorials.
- Smartphone reviews.
- Computer and software content.
- Educational videos.
- Science and knowledge content.
- Music.
- Dance.
- Lifestyle videos.
- Food and cooking.
- Travel.
- Entertainment.
- Cosplay.
- Live streaming.
- Short videos.
- Creator content.
- Community discussions.
This expansion has made Bilibili a much broader platform and is one reason why people increasingly compare it with services such as YouTube.
However, Bilibili has its own identity and community culture, which makes it different from traditional video-sharing platforms.
When Was Bilibili Created?
One of the most common questions about Bilibili is:
When was Bilibili created?
According to Bilibili’s official corporate information, the website was launched in June 2009. The platform was officially named “bilibili” in January 2010.
The original idea behind the platform was strongly connected with anime, comics, games, and online fandom culture.
At the beginning, Bilibili was much smaller than it is today. It was mainly a community where people with similar interests could share and discuss content.
Over the years, the platform continued to grow.
The company later began commercial operations in 2011, and Bilibili Inc. was established as a company in 2013.
This long history is important because Bilibili is not a new application. It has been developing its community and technology for more than a decade.
The platform’s ability to maintain a strong community while expanding into new content categories has been one of the most important parts of its growth.
Who Founded Bilibili?
Bilibili was founded by Yi Xu, also known as Xu Yi.
Yi Xu founded the website in 2009 and played an important role in the development of Bilibili’s technology and community features.
One of the most recognizable features connected with Bilibili is its bullet-comment system, commonly known as danmu.
This feature helped make Bilibili different from traditional video platforms.
Instead of simply watching a video and reading comments underneath it, users can interact with the video through comments that appear directly over the video during playback.
This community-focused approach became an important part of Bilibili’s identity.
Why Did Bilibili Become Popular?
Bilibili became popular for several reasons.
The first major reason was its strong connection with anime, comics, and gaming communities.
People who were interested in these subjects could find other users who shared the same interests.
The second major reason was the platform’s interactive viewing experience.
The danmu system allowed viewers to react to videos while watching them.
The third reason was the growth of creator-generated content.
As more users joined the platform, more creators began publishing videos. This created a cycle in which more creators produced content, more viewers joined the platform, and more communities developed around specific interests.
Bilibili eventually expanded into technology, education, lifestyle, entertainment, music, and other categories.
This helped the platform attract audiences beyond its original anime and gaming community.
What Is Danmu or Bullet Comment?
If you are new to Bilibili, you will probably notice something unusual while watching videos.
You may see comments moving across the screen.
These are known as danmu, or bullet comments.
Unlike traditional comments that remain underneath a video, danmu comments can appear directly on top of the video during playback.
For example, if something funny happens at a particular moment, viewers can react to that moment, and other people watching the same video can see those reactions.
This creates a feeling of watching a video together with a large community.
For many Bilibili users, danmu is one of the most enjoyable features of the platform.
It also makes Bilibili’s viewing experience different from YouTube and many other video applications.
Users who prefer a cleaner screen can generally manage comment-related viewing options depending on the application’s available settings.
What Can You Watch on Bilibili?
Bilibili has a large variety of content.
Anime
Anime remains one of the most recognizable categories associated with Bilibili.
Users can discover anime-related content, fan videos, discussions, reviews, cosplay, animation content, and other material connected with anime culture.
Gaming
Gaming is another major category.
You can find gameplay videos, gaming tutorials, walkthroughs, game reviews, strategies, esports content, gaming news, and creator videos.
Technology
Technology creators can publish smartphone reviews, computer tutorials, software guides, gadget information, AI content, programming tutorials, and technology news.
For technology enthusiasts, Bilibili can be an interesting platform because of the amount of technical and educational content available.
Education
Bilibili also contains educational and knowledge-based videos.
Users can find content related to science, programming, mathematics, history, languages, technology, professional skills, and other subjects.
This means Bilibili is not only an entertainment application.
It can also be used as a learning platform.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle content is another growing area.
Depending on your region and recommendations, you may find cooking, travel, fashion, daily-life videos, food content, creative projects, and cultural content.
Music and Entertainment
Music, dance, performances, comedy, reactions, and other entertainment content are also available.
Live Streaming
Bilibili also supports live streaming, allowing creators to interact with audiences in real time.
Is Bilibili Like YouTube?
A very common search question is:
Is Bilibili like YouTube?
The answer is both yes and no.
Both Bilibili and YouTube are video platforms where users can watch and publish content.
However, their communities and features are different.
YouTube has a massive worldwide audience and is widely used across many countries.
Bilibili has developed a particularly strong community around anime, gaming, technology, entertainment, knowledge, and fandom culture.
The danmu bullet-comment system is also a major difference.
Because of this, it is better to think of Bilibili as another major video platform rather than simply a copy of YouTube.
For some users, Bilibili can be an additional platform alongside YouTube.
For creators, it can also provide another place to reach audiences.
Is Bilibili Available on Android?
Yes.
Bilibili has an Android application, and its international Android application is currently listed on the Google Play Store.
The international application is called “bilibili – All Your Fav Videos” and is published by BILIBILI INC.
The availability of applications can sometimes differ by country, region, device, and application version.
This is why some users may not see exactly the same Bilibili application when they search the Play Store.
There are also different Bilibili applications associated with different markets.
Therefore, if you cannot find the application in your local Play Store, you should first check whether the correct international version is available for your region.
Is Bilibili Available on the Google Play Store?
This is an important question for Android users.
As of August 31, 2026, the international Bilibili Android application is available on Google Play.
The Google Play listing shows the application under the name “bilibili – All Your Fav Videos.”
However, Play Store availability can vary depending on the user’s country and account region.
If the official application is available in your country, downloading it directly from Google Play is generally the safest and easiest option.
If it is not available to you, some users look for an APK version through third-party websites.
How to Download Bilibili APK
Android applications can sometimes be installed through an APK file.
APK stands for Android Package Kit.
It is the file format used to install applications on Android devices.
If you specifically want to look for a Bilibili APK, you can visit app.apkfac.com and search for Bilibili.
However, it is important to understand that APKFac is a third-party APK website and is not the official Bilibili developer or Google Play Store.
For this reason, users should be careful when downloading APK files from third-party websites.
Always check the application name, developer, version number, file size, permissions, and other available information before installing an APK.
Whenever the official Google Play version is available for your device and region, it is generally preferable to use that version.
How to Download Bilibili from app.apkfac.com
If you want to search for the Bilibili APK through app.apkfac.com, the general process is straightforward.
Step 1: Open Your Browser
Open Chrome or another trusted browser on your Android phone.
Step 2: Visit app.apkfac.com
Enter app.apkfac.com in your browser.
Step 3: Search for Bilibili
Use the website’s search function and type Bilibili.
Step 4: Check the APK Information
Before downloading, carefully review the information provided for the application.
Check the:
App name, developer, version, Android requirements, file size, update date, permissions, and package information.
Step 5: Download the APK
If you decide to use the third-party APK, select the download option provided by the website.
Step 6: Install the Application
After downloading, open the APK file.
Android may display a security warning because the application was downloaded from outside Google Play.
Only proceed if you trust the source and have verified the file.
Step 7: Open Bilibili
Once the installation is complete, open Bilibili and sign in or create an account.
Is Downloading an APK Safe?
This is an important question.
An APK file itself is not automatically dangerous. APK is simply the standard package format used for Android applications.
However, the source of the APK matters.
Downloading an application from an unknown or unreliable website can expose users to modified applications, unwanted software, malicious files, or privacy risks.
That is why users should be careful.
Before installing a third-party APK, consider checking:
- Developer name.
- Application version.
- File information.
- Required permissions.
- Download source.
- User feedback.
- Whether the application has been modified.
- Whether the file matches the official application.
If you are unsure about an APK, the safer choice is to use the official Google Play version.
How to Install Bilibili on Android
If you already have a legitimate Bilibili APK file, installing it on Android generally involves opening the downloaded APK and following the Android installation instructions.
Depending on your Android version and security settings, your phone may require permission to install applications from that particular source.
Android may refer to this as “Install unknown apps.”
You should only enable installation from a source you trust.
After installation, it is a good idea to review the application’s permissions and make sure everything looks normal.
How to Create a Bilibili Account
After installing Bilibili, users can create or access an account using the registration and login methods provided by the current version of the application.
The available options can vary by country and application version.
Once you have signed in, you can personalize your experience.
You can search for videos, follow creators, interact with content, and explore different categories.
Following creators is particularly useful because it allows you to build a personalized content feed.
How to Use the Bilibili App
The Bilibili application is primarily designed around discovering and watching video content.
When you open the app, you can explore recommended videos or search for specific content.
The search feature allows you to find videos, creators, topics, and other content.
For example, technology users can search for:
Android tutorials
AI tools
Smartphone reviews
Programming tutorials
Kotlin tutorials
iPhone reviews
Computer tips
Software tutorials
Gaming users can search for games, walkthroughs, strategies, reviews, and gameplay.
Anime fans can search for anime-related content, discussions, cosplay, and fan-created videos.
How to Watch Videos on Bilibili
Watching videos on Bilibili is simple.
Search for a video or select one from your recommended feed.
Tap the video to start playback.
Depending on the specific video and region, different playback options may be available.
Some content may include subtitles or other language-related features.
The international Bilibili application has also promoted multilingual functionality and AI-based dubbing features designed to help users understand creators from different languages.
This is particularly useful for international users who want to discover content created in languages they do not understand.
How to Follow Bilibili Creators
If you find a creator whose content you enjoy, you can follow that creator through the available follow feature.
Following creators can help you discover their future uploads more easily.
For example, if you regularly watch smartphone reviews, you can follow technology creators.
If you enjoy gaming videos, you can follow gaming channels.
If you enjoy anime content, you can follow creators who specialize in anime and related topics.
Over time, your Bilibili experience can become more personalized.
Can You Upload Videos to Bilibili?
Yes.
Bilibili is also a platform for creators.
Creators can publish videos and build communities around their content.
The general process involves preparing your video, accessing the creator tools, uploading the content, adding a title and description, selecting an appropriate category, adding relevant information, and publishing the video.
However, creator requirements, publishing features, verification rules, copyright policies, and monetization opportunities can vary depending on the creator’s location and account.
Anyone planning to build a serious creator business on Bilibili should review the latest official creator policies before publishing large amounts of content.
What Type of Creators Can Use Bilibili?
Bilibili can be useful for many different types of creators.
Technology Creators
Technology creators can publish:
- Smartphone reviews.
- Android tutorials.
- App tutorials.
- AI tutorials.
- Computer guides.
- Software tutorials.
- Programming content.
- Gadget reviews.
Gaming Creators
Gaming creators can publish:
- Gameplay.
- Walkthroughs.
- Game reviews.
- Gaming tips.
- Strategy guides.
- Esports content.
- Gaming news.
Educational Creators
Educational creators can create:
- Programming tutorials.
- Science videos.
- Language lessons.
- Educational explainers.
- Professional tutorials.
- Skill-based courses.
Entertainment Creators
Entertainment creators can publish:
- Comedy.
- Reactions.
- Music.
- Dance.
- Lifestyle content.
- Commentary.
- Creative videos.
This wide range of categories means creators do not necessarily have to focus on anime or gaming.
Can Bilibili Creators Make Money?
Creator monetization is an important topic for anyone considering Bilibili as a serious platform.
Bilibili has developed different creator and commercial programs over the years.
However, monetization eligibility, payment methods, creator programs, and requirements can vary by region, account type, content category, and current Bilibili policies.
Therefore, creators should not assume that every account automatically qualifies for monetization.
If your goal is to make money from Bilibili, you should first build an audience and understand the platform’s current creator rules.
Potential creator income opportunities can depend on factors such as audience engagement, content quality, commercial partnerships, platform programs, and eligibility.
Always check the latest official information before making financial decisions based on a specific monetization program.
Can People Outside China Use Bilibili?
Yes.
Bilibili has an international application designed for users outside its original Chinese market.
The international version provides access to a variety of content and features for global users.
However, the exact content available can depend on your location.
Copyright licensing, regional restrictions, language, and local availability can affect which videos users can watch.
This is normal for large international video platforms.
A video available in one country may not necessarily be available in another country.
Is Bilibili Available in English?
Bilibili has been developing its international and multilingual experience.
The international application is designed for global audiences and provides content and features intended to make the platform easier for international users.
Language availability can change as the application is updated.
For English-speaking users, the international Bilibili application is generally the version worth exploring.
Is Bilibili Free?
Bilibili provides a large amount of free content.
However, some content or features may require payment or may include in-app purchases.
The Google Play listing for the international Bilibili application indicates that the app contains in-app purchases.
Therefore, users should understand that while many videos can be accessed for free, some premium features or content may have different requirements.
The availability of paid services can also vary depending on the user’s region.
Bilibili vs YouTube
Both Bilibili and YouTube are major video platforms, but they have different strengths.
| Feature | Bilibili | YouTube |
|---|---|---|
| Video sharing | Yes | Yes |
| Creator content | Yes | Yes |
| Live streaming | Yes | Yes |
| Gaming | Strong | Strong |
| Technology | Strong | Strong |
| Anime community | Very strong | Available |
| Educational content | Yes | Yes |
| Bullet comments | Yes | No equivalent |
| Global audience | Growing | Very large |
| Community culture | Highly distinctive | Broad and diverse |
The biggest difference is not simply the number of videos.
It is the community experience.
Bilibili’s danmu system and strong fandom communities give the platform a unique personality.
Why Technology Creators Should Watch Bilibili
Technology creators are constantly searching for new platforms where they can publish content and reach new audiences.
Bilibili is interesting because technology is already an important part of the platform’s content ecosystem.
Creators can discuss:
Android apps, smartphones, AI tools, computers, programming, software, gadgets, artificial intelligence, technology news, and tutorials.
For someone who already creates technology videos for YouTube, TikTok, or Facebook, Bilibili could potentially become another platform to explore.
However, creators should avoid blindly reposting content.
Before uploading existing videos, always review Bilibili’s copyright and content policies and make sure you have the necessary rights.
Why Bilibili Is Different From TikTok
TikTok is strongly associated with short-form vertical videos.
Bilibili has a broader video ecosystem.
Although Bilibili includes shorter content, it also supports longer videos, educational content, gaming, technology, entertainment, and community-driven content.
This makes the two platforms different.
TikTok is heavily focused on rapid discovery and short-form entertainment.
Bilibili has historically emphasized deeper community participation and interest-based content.
For users who enjoy spending more time with specific topics, Bilibili can provide a different experience.
Why Bilibili Is Interesting in 2026
The video industry is becoming increasingly competitive.
YouTube continues to dominate global online video.
TikTok remains one of the most important short-video platforms.
Instagram and Facebook continue to invest heavily in video and creator content.
Bilibili provides another option.
Its strength comes from its community, creator ecosystem, fandom culture, technology, gaming, anime, entertainment, and knowledge content.
The international Bilibili application is also becoming more accessible to users outside China through multilingual features and international content.
This makes 2026 an interesting time to explore the platform.
Tips for New Bilibili Users
If you are using Bilibili for the first time, here are some useful tips.
Follow Your Favorite Creators
Following creators helps personalize your content experience.
Use Specific Search Terms
Instead of searching for a single general word, try detailed keywords.
For example, search for “Android Studio Kotlin tutorial” instead of simply searching for “Android.”
Explore Different Categories
Do not limit yourself to one category.
Explore technology, gaming, education, entertainment, lifestyle, and other topics.
Learn About Danmu
Danmu is a major part of the Bilibili experience.
Try watching videos with bullet comments enabled to understand why the feature is so popular.
Be Careful With APK Downloads
If you download Bilibili from a third-party APK website such as app.apkfac.com, carefully check the APK before installing it.
Final Verdict: Should You Try Bilibili?
If you enjoy anime, gaming, technology, educational content, entertainment, live streams, or online communities, Bilibili is definitely a platform worth exploring.
It has a long history, a distinctive community culture, and a large variety of content.
Bilibili began with a strong focus on anime, comics, and gaming, but it has grown into a much broader video and entertainment ecosystem.
Its famous danmu bullet-comment system gives users a different way to interact with videos, while its creator ecosystem provides opportunities for people who want to publish content.
As of August 31, 2026, the international Bilibili Android application is available on Google Play, although availability can vary by country and region.
If the official application is not available to you, you may encounter Bilibili APK files on third-party APK websites such as app.apkfac.com. However, third-party APK files should always be treated carefully, and the official Google Play version should generally be preferred when it is available.
For viewers, Bilibili can be a great place to discover new content.
For creators, it can be another platform worth researching.
And for people interested in anime, gaming, technology, and internet culture, Bilibili offers something that many traditional video platforms do not: a strong sense of community built directly into the viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bilibili
What is Bilibili?
Bilibili is a video-sharing and online community platform that offers anime, gaming, technology, education, entertainment, lifestyle, music, live streaming, and user-generated content.
When was Bilibili created?
Bilibili’s website was launched in June 2009, and the platform was officially named Bilibili in January 2010.
Who founded Bilibili?
Bilibili was founded by Yi Xu, also known as Xu Yi.
Is Bilibili available on Android?
Yes. The international Bilibili Android application is currently available through Google Play in supported regions.
Can I download Bilibili APK?
Yes, Android users may find Bilibili APK files through third-party APK websites. One such website is app.apkfac.com. Users should carefully verify third-party APK files before installation.
Is Bilibili free?
Much of Bilibili’s content is available for free, but some features and content may involve in-app purchases or other paid services.
Is Bilibili like YouTube?
Bilibili and YouTube are both video platforms, but Bilibili has a particularly distinctive community culture, especially around anime, gaming, technology, fandoms, and bullet comments.
What is Danmu?
Danmu, or bullet comments, are comments that can appear directly over a video while it is playing, allowing viewers to react to specific moments.
Can I upload videos to Bilibili?
Yes. Bilibili supports creators and user-generated content, although creator requirements and available features can vary by region and account.
Can people outside China use Bilibili?
Yes. Bilibili provides an international application for users outside China, although content and features can vary depending on location.
Is Bilibili available in English?
Bilibili has an international application designed for global users, with multilingual and international features. Exact language support may change as the application is updated.
Is Bilibili worth trying in 2026?
Yes. If you enjoy anime, gaming, technology, education, entertainment, or community-driven video content, Bilibili is worth exploring as an additional video platform.
Where can I find the Bilibili APK?
Users specifically looking for an APK can search for Bilibili on app.apkfac.com. For maximum safety, however, use the official Google Play version whenever it is available for your device and region.
