Can you create a Bilibili account in the US? A step-by-step guide – WP Newsify

Are you an anime lover, gaming fan or just someone curious about Chinese digital culture? If so, you’ve probably heard of it Bilibilione of China’s most popular and dynamic video sharing platforms. Often compared to YouTube, but with a uniquely Chinese twist, Bilibili is known for its vibrant commentary culture, high-quality anime content and live streaming features. But if you live in the United States, you might be wondering: can you actually create a Bilibili account and access its content?

TL;DR (too long; didn’t read)

Yes, you can create a Bilibili account in the United States, but there are a few extra steps involved as the platform is optimized for Chinese users. You’ll need a valid international phone number or, for best functionality, a VPN to access region-locked content. The interface is mostly in Chinese, so a little ingenuity (or Google Translate) will come in handy. Follow the guide below and you’ll be watching Chinese anime and commenting via bullet chats in no time!

What is Bilibili?

Bilibili is a video sharing platform that mainly focuses on the ACG (Anime, Comics and Games) community. It was launched in 2009 and quickly became popular for its unique ‘bullet chat’ feature, which allows users to post live commentary that scrolls across the screen as the video plays. Over time, it has expanded into live streaming, documentaries, e-learning and even mobile gaming.

What makes Bilibili special is its community involvement and deep integration with subcultures that revolve around animation, gaming and fandoms. The platform is also known for its curated content and high content quality standards. Watching a video here is less like consuming media and more like participating in a conversation.

Why people in the US want a Bilibili account

With its vast library of Chinese and Japanese anime, livestreams, and fan-made content, Bilibili offers a kind of experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Some specific reasons why fans in the US want a Bilibili account include:

• Exclusive anime titles which are not available on platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix.
• Early access to game trailers, esports content and fan-led media.
• Authentic cultural insights from Chinese makers and fans.
• Interactivity through short commentaries, fan communities and niche interest groups.

Step-by-step guide to creating a Bilibili account in the US

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to create a Bilibili account outside of China:

1. Visit the Bilibili website or app

Start by going to the official Bilibili website: https://www.bilibili.com/ or download the mobile app from the Android or iOS store. Certain features may be limited based on your location, so use one VPN more consistent access can be provided at this stage.

2. Change the language (optional)

By default, the interface is in Chinese. Although Bilibili does not offer a full English version, you can use browser extensions such as Google Translate to help you navigate. Some unofficial versions of the mobile app offer partial English support.

3. Click on “Register”

Look for the “注册” (Register) button at the top right corner. Clicking on this will take you to the registration form.

4. Choose your registration method

Bilibili allows you to sign up with a phone number or an email address. The telephone number method is more commonly used and is generally more reliable. Proceed as follows:

• Choose your country code (i.e. US is +1).
• Enter your phone number.
• Receive a text message with a confirmation code.
• Enter the code and proceed to the next step.

Remark: It may happen that the SMS does not arrive due to international restrictions. If so, you may need to use a friend’s number or a virtual number service (although this is not always recommended for security reasons).

5. Set your username and password

After verification, you will be asked to set a username and password. Usernames must be unique and generally adhere to Bilibili’s character count and language rules.

6. Pass the Entrance Quiz (optional but useful)

Unlike other platforms, Bilibili is known for allowing new users to pass a short ‘community entry quiz’. This test is intended to ensure quality discussions and remove spam accounts. However, in some cases it is optional for international users.

If you’re asked to take it and want the full Bilibili experience, you’ll need to answer basic questions about Bilibili’s community terms and popular anime culture. Community forums and Reddit threads often have translations of the questions and answers to help you.

7. Browse and personalize your profile

Once your account is all set up, you can start following creators, liking videos, and joining interest groups. Don’t forget to upload an avatar and fill out your user bio to make friends and get noticed!

Make the most of your Bilibili experience from the USA

While you’re at it, how can you maximize your navigation and access?

Use a VPN for full access

Some videos on Bilibili are geo-restricted, meaning they are only viewable from IP addresses in China. A reputable VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN can help you bypass this limitation and view everything on the platform seamlessly.

Enable subtitles or use automatic translation

While some videos have English subtitles, many do not. But don’t worry: all is not lost. Some tips include:

• Use the built-in subtitle settings of the Bilibili app (if available).
• Watch videos in a web browser that supports it Google Translate to give meaning to menus and user comments.
• Look for fan subgroups that post subtitle files or translate popular content.

Join niche communities and events

Once you’re an active user, try diving deeper by joining niche interest groups or participating in community events such as:

• AV competitions (audiovisual). for video editing enthusiasts.
• Danmaku discussionswhere bullet comments tell their own story.
• Livestream interactions with fans with popular makers and musicians.

Common challenges and how to solve them

Despite all the excitement, you may encounter a number of bumps along the way:

• SMS not received: Please try again during Chinese working hours or use a different carrier.
• Language barrier: Rely on translation tools or bilingual forums like Reddit’s r/Bilibili.
• Geo-restricted content: As mentioned earlier, use a VPN for smoother viewing.
• Video loading problems: Switch to a lower resolution or test different regional servers via VPN settings.

Final thoughts

Creating a Bilibili account in the US is not only possible; it opens the doors to a diverse world of animation, gaming and cultural exchange that is vastly different from what Western platforms offer. While there may be a learning curve, especially when it comes to language and access restrictions, the reward is a rich and engaging platform with a wealth of content that you won’t easily find anywhere else.

So whether you’re an anime fan looking for early episodes or a gamer interested in Chinese esports culture, go ahead and start your Bilibili journey today!

Latest messages from Editorial Staff (see all)