Bilibili Monetization in 2026: Can AI Videos Actually Make Money?
For years, YouTube has been the undisputed king of video monetization. But 2026 is different. Bilibili — often called "China's YouTube" — is making aggressive moves into international markets, and creators are paying attention.
The platform now boasts over 370 million monthly active users and is reportedly offering creators up to *$0.70 per 1,000 views**, a figure that has sparked intense discussion among Western creators . One viral post on X put it bluntly: *"While YouTube gives you crumbs, Bilibili is reportedly offering $0.70 per 1,000 views. YouTube 2012 is knocking on the door again. Only this time, it's coming from China."
But the real question for AI content creators is simpler: Can you actually make money on Bilibili with AI-generated videos?
The answer is yes — but the rules are different, and the opportunities are more nuanced than you might expect.
Why Bilibili Is Suddenly Everywhere
Bilibili isn't new. Launched in 2009, it built a massive following in China around anime, gaming, and niche communities. What's new is its international expansion strategy.
In 2026, Bilibili began offering a more streamlined registration process for overseas creators, removing mandatory identity verification for international users and adding features tailored to Western audiences . The platform's distinctive "bullet comments" — real-time comments that scroll across the video — and interest-based communities give it a feel that's fundamentally different from YouTube .
For AI creators specifically, Bilibili has become surprisingly welcoming. The platform's AI content consumption grew 72% year-over-year in Q2 2026, with over 190 million users watching AI-related content monthly . AI advertising revenue on the platform grew over 100% in the same period.
Translation: Bilibili's audience isn't just tolerant of AI content — they're actively seeking it out.
The Monetization Requirements: What You Actually Need
Before you can earn a single yuan (or dollar), you need to understand the eligibility threshold. Bilibili's creator monetization requirements are straightforward but non-negotiable:
For international creators, the process is slightly more accessible than for domestic Chinese creators. The platform has explicitly stated that its international version will offer "a more streamlined registration process without mandatory identity verification" . However, to actually receive payments, some form of verification is still required.
The Real Earnings: What Creators Actually Make
Here's where things get complicated. The viral $0.70 per 1,000 views figure has been widely circulated, but it's not officially confirmed by Bilibili . What we do know from creator reports and platform documentation paints a more nuanced picture:
The Creator Incentive Program (创作激励)
This is Bilibili's baseline monetization program. To join, you need:
The program pays based on a combination of:
Base incentive (稿件基础激励): Capped at 2,000 RMB per month (~$280)
The base incentive is only available to creators earning less than 5,000 RMB/month from the platform, and it's designed to support emerging creators rather than established ones.
Fan Charging (充电计划)
This is where things get interesting for AI creators. The fan charging model allows viewers to directly tip creators, with creators keeping 70% of the revenue . This has become one of Bilibili's fastest-growing monetization channels, with creator charging income growing 71.1% in the past year.
A single AI-generated anime series called Heartbeat Forbidden Zone (心动禁区) generated over 160,000 RMB (~$22,000) in just one week through the high-tier fan charging model, with over 5,400 users paying .
Sponsored Content (花火商单)
Brand partnerships are another revenue stream. Bilibili charges brands a 5% service fee but doesn't take a cut from creators . For AI creators with niche audiences, this can be lucrative.
Live Streaming and E-commerce
Creators can also earn through live streaming gifts and product commissions .
AI Content on Bilibili: The Rules You Must Follow
Bilibili has taken a notably different approach to AI content compared to YouTube. While YouTube has cracked down on "AI-generated" content (restricting monetization for automated, repetitive videos), Bilibili has embraced AI creators — with conditions.
Mandatory AI Labeling
In 2026, Bilibili implemented strict content labeling requirements. Every video must be tagged with one of six mandatory labels, including "Contains AI-generated content" (含有AI生成内容) . Failing to label AI content properly can result in your video being removed or your account restricted.
The platform has processed nearly 200,000 violation cases and suspended over 400 accounts for improper labeling . This isn't optional.
The AI Creation Contest: A Gateway to Serious Money
Bilibili has gone beyond tolerance — it's actively funding AI creators. The platform's first AI Creation Contest in 2026 offered a 3 million RMB (~$420,000) prize pool**, with a grand prize of **1 million RMB (~$140,000) .
The contest was a massive success: over 13,400 creators participated, submitting more than 30,000 entries. Over 60% were non-professional developers, and over 80% worked solo .
The winner, @W博士, created an AI companion project called Cat Girl Project N.E.K.O. that grew from a solo side project to a 15-person full-time team. His development videos accumulated over 5.7 million views on Bilibili .
Another winner, @电烤皇带鱼, had a 14-year-old account with zero followers and zero videos. He uploaded two videos about his AI product Gate of Worlds — and won 100,000 RMB. The videos accumulated 5 million views .
This is the real opportunity: Bilibili isn't just paying for views. It's paying for innovation and community engagement.
How This Compares to YouTube for AI Creators
The key difference: YouTube treats AI as a potential problem. Bilibili treats AI as an opportunity.
The Practical Path: How to Start
If you're an AI creator considering Bilibili, here's a realistic roadmap:
Create an account via the international version (simplified registration)
Post original AI content consistently — focus on quality, not quantity
Reach 1,000 followers or 100,000 views to unlock monetization
Watch for AI contests — they're a legitimate path to serious income
The Honest Verdict
Can you make money on Bilibili with AI videos? Yes — but it's not a get-rich-quick scheme.
The viral $0.70 per 1,000 views figure is appealing but unconfirmed. The base incentive program caps at 2,000 RMB/month. The real money comes from community building — fan charging, sponsored content, and contest prizes.
What makes Bilibili genuinely interesting for AI creators is the platform's attitude. While YouTube is tightening restrictions, Bilibili is hosting million-yuan contests and building dedicated AI channels . The platform's audience is actively consuming AI content at scale .
For creators who understand the community dynamics and are willing to play by the labeling rules, Bilibili offers something YouTube doesn't: a platform that's genuinely excited about what AI can create.
Whether that translates into sustainable income depends on your content, your consistency, and your ability to build a genuine audience. The door is open. Whether you walk through it is up to you.
