What iQIYI offers and how its subscription tiers compare
iQIYI is a Chinese video streaming service that offers films, TV series, and original content. The platform operates on a tiered subscription model, meaning you pay different amounts for different levels of access. The main difference between tiers is which content you can watch and whether you see ads.
iQIYI has three primary subscription levels: a free tier with ads, a standard paid tier, and a premium tier. The free version lets you watch some content but includes advertisements and limits which shows and films are available to you. Paid tiers remove ads and unlock more of the library, though the exact content available depends on licensing agreements that vary by region and change over time.
The service is primarily available in mainland China, though some content and features are accessible in other countries. If you are outside China, your access to certain shows, films, and subscription options may differ from what users in China experience.
Key Takeaways
- iQIYI offers a free ad-supported tier and two paid subscription levels that remove ads and unlock additional content.
- Subscription costs and available content vary significantly by region, with the service primarily designed for mainland China.
- Paid subscriptions typically renew automatically each month or year depending on which plan you choose.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, though refunds depend on your payment method and the terms of your specific plan.
How much iQIYI subscriptions cost
iQIYI pricing varies by region and changes periodically. In mainland China, the standard monthly subscription costs less than the premium tier, with annual plans offering a lower per-month rate. Outside China, pricing and plan availability differ — some regions have limited access to paid tiers or different pricing structures altogether.
The platform occasionally runs promotional offers, such as discounted first months or bundle deals with other services. These promotions are temporary and vary by location and time of year. To see current pricing for your region, you need to visit iQIYI's website or app directly, since rates are not fixed across all markets.
Payment methods accepted depend on where you are. In China, iQIYI accepts local payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Outside China, accepted methods may include credit cards, PayPal, or regional payment systems, though this varies by country.
What content is included at each subscription level
The free tier includes a selection of films and shows but with advertisements throughout playback. Some newer releases and exclusive originals are not available on the free plan. You also cannot read content to watch offline on the free version.
The standard paid tier removes ads and unlocks more of the library, including some exclusive series and films. However, the newest or most popular releases may still be restricted to the premium tier. Standard subscribers typically cannot read content for offline viewing.
The premium tier provides the broadest access to iQIYI's full library, including all exclusive originals and the newest releases. Premium members can also read episodes and films to watch offline on their devices. The exact content available at each tier changes as iQIYI acquires new licenses and produces new originals.
How to start and manage your subscription
To begin, read the iQIYI app or visit the website. Create an account using an email address or phone number. Once your account is set up, you can browse the free content when ready without paying anything.
To upgrade to a paid tier, select the subscription plan you want from the subscription page within the app or website. You will be asked to choose your payment method and confirm the plan length — monthly or annual. After payment is processed, your subscription becomes active when ready and you gain access to the content included in that tier.
You can manage your subscription through your account settings. This is where you view your current plan, see when it renews, and update your payment method if needed. Most subscriptions renew automatically on the same date each month or year, depending on which plan you chose.
Canceling your subscription and refund policies
You can cancel your iQIYI subscription at any time through your account settings. The cancellation process is usually straightforward — you navigate to your subscription details and select the option to cancel. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, meaning you keep access until that date arrives.
Refund policies depend on your payment method and the terms of your specific plan. If you cancel partway through a billing period, iQIYI's standard policy does not issue refunds for the unused portion. However, some payment methods or regional variations may have different rules — for example, if you paid through a third-party platform, that platform's refund policy may explore instead.
If you believe you were charged in error or have a dispute about a charge, contact iQIYI's customer service with details of the transaction. Response times and resolution options vary by region.
Watching on multiple devices and account sharing
iQIYI allows you to watch on multiple devices with a single account. You can log in on your phone, tablet, computer, and smart TV simultaneously, though the number of streams you can watch at the same time depends on your subscription tier. Standard and premium plans typically allow a limited number of concurrent streams — often two or four at once — but this varies by region.
The terms of service prohibit sharing your account password with people outside your household. iQIYI uses technology to detect when an account is being used from multiple locations at the same time or from devices that do not match typical usage patterns. If the service detects suspicious activity, it may require you to verify your identity or restrict access.
If you want multiple people in your household to have their own profiles and watch history, you can create separate user profiles within your account. Each profile maintains its own watch list and recommendations, though they all share the same subscription.
Regional differences and content availability
iQIYI's library and subscription options are not identical everywhere. Content available in mainland China may not be available in other countries due to licensing restrictions, censorship rules, and distribution agreements. Similarly, subscription plans, pricing, and features available in one region may not exist in another.
If you are traveling or living outside mainland China, you may find that some content is geo-blocked — meaning it cannot be accessed from your location. Some users attempt to use VPN services to access content from other regions, but this violates iQIYI's terms of service and may result in account suspension or termination.
Before purchasing a subscription, check what content and features are actually available in your specific region. The app or website will show you what is accessible from your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch iQIYI outside of China?
Some iQIYI content and features are accessible outside mainland China, but availability is limited compared to what users in China can access. Subscription plans, pricing, and the content library differ by region. Check the iQIYI app or website from your location to see what is available to you.
What happens if I cancel my subscription mid-month?
Your access continues until the end of your current billing period. You do not receive a refund for the unused portion of your subscription under iQIYI's standard policy, though this may vary depending on your payment method or region.
Can I read shows to watch offline?
Only premium tier subscribers can read content for offline viewing. Free and standard tier members can only stream content while connected to the internet.
How many people can watch at the same time on one account?
The number of concurrent streams depends on your subscription tier and region. Standard and premium plans typically allow two to four simultaneous streams, but this varies. Check your account settings or contact customer service to confirm the limit for your specific plan.
What should I do if I was charged twice?
Contact iQIYI customer service with the transaction details and dates. Provide proof of the duplicate charges from your payment method or bank statement. Response times vary by region, but customer service can investigate and process refunds if an error occurred.