What Viki Pass is and who it's for
Viki Pass is a paid subscription tier on the Viki streaming platform that removes ads from shows and gives you access to content that is otherwise locked behind a paywall. Viki is a video streaming service owned by Rakuten that focuses on Asian television dramas, films, and variety shows — primarily Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian content.
If you watch Viki without a subscription, you see ads and cannot watch certain shows or episodes. Viki Pass removes those ads and unlocks that restricted content. The service also offers a free tier with ads and limited access, so you can test whether the content library appeals to you before paying.
Viki Pass is useful if you regularly watch Asian dramas or films and want an ad-free experience. It is not useful if you only watch occasionally or prefer Western content — in that case, the free tier or a different streaming service may suit you better.
Key Takeaways
- Viki Pass costs a monthly fee (the exact amount varies by region and changes periodically) and removes ads while unlocking restricted content.
- You can cancel your subscription at any time, and you will retain access to Viki Pass features until the end of your current billing period.
- Viki offers a free tier with ads and limited content, so you can watch some shows without paying.
- Viki Pass works on phones, tablets, computers, and some smart TVs through the Viki app or website.
- Content availability varies by region due to licensing agreements, so some shows may not be available in your country even with a subscription.
How to set up a Viki Pass subscription
To start a Viki Pass subscription, you first need a Viki account. Go to the Viki website or read the Viki app on your device, then create an account using an email address or by signing in with a Google, Facebook, or Apple account.
Once you have an account, look for the subscription or upgrade option — this is usually a button labeled "Get Viki Pass" or "Subscribe" on the home page or in your account settings. Viki will ask you to enter a payment method: a credit card, debit card, or a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay. After you confirm your payment details, your subscription begins when ready and you can start watching ad-free content right away.
Your subscription renews automatically each month (or year, depending on which plan you choose) on the same date you signed up. You can cancel anytime through your account settings, and you will keep access to Viki Pass until the end of that billing period.
What you get with Viki Pass
Viki Pass removes ads from all shows and episodes you watch. On the free tier, you see ads before, during, and between episodes; with Viki Pass, those ads disappear entirely.
Viki Pass also unlocks content that is otherwise restricted. Some newer episodes, full seasons, or entire shows are only available to paid subscribers. The exact content varies by region because Viki licenses shows from different studios and networks, and those licenses have geographic limits.
You can read episodes to watch offline on the Viki app (on phones and tablets), which is useful if you travel or have spotty internet. The number of episodes you can read at once varies depending on your device and subscription plan.
Pricing and billing cycles
Viki Pass pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so the exact monthly cost depends on where you live. In the United States, prices have ranged from roughly $4.99 to $9.99 per month, but you should check the Viki website or app for your region's current rate.
Viki typically offers both monthly and annual plans. An annual plan usually costs less per month than paying month-to-month, but you pay the full year upfront. For example, if the monthly plan costs $5.99, an annual plan might cost around $50 to $60 for the year — a small savings if you plan to stay subscribed.
Your billing date is the same day each month (or year) that you started your subscription. Viki will charge your payment method automatically on that date. If a payment fails, Viki will usually retry it a few times before suspending your subscription.
Canceling your subscription
You can cancel Viki Pass at any time through your account settings on the Viki website or app. Look for a "Subscription" or "Billing" section in your account menu, then select the option to cancel or manage your subscription.
When you cancel, your subscription remains active until the end of your current billing period. If you paid for a month on the 15th, you can watch with Viki Pass until the 15th of the next month, even if you cancel today. You will not be charged again after that date.
If you cancel and then change your mind, you can resubscribe at any time. Your watch history and saved shows will still be there.
Content availability by region
Viki's content library varies significantly by country because the platform licenses shows from studios and networks that restrict where their content can be shown. A drama that is available in the United States might not be available in Canada, Australia, or the United Kingdom, even if you have a Viki Pass subscription.
When you open the Viki app or website, the platform detects your location (based on your IP address or the country you set in your account) and shows you only the content licensed for that region. If you travel to another country, you may see a different library. Some shows will say "Not available in your region" even though they are on Viki elsewhere.
This is a limitation of how streaming licenses work, not a problem with your subscription. Viki Pass gives you access to all content available in your region, but it cannot override licensing agreements that restrict content to specific countries.
Devices and streaming quality
Viki works on most common devices: smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android), computers (Windows and Mac via the website or app), and some smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Roku, Fire TV, and others). You can stream on one device at a time with a standard Viki Pass subscription, though Viki occasionally offers higher-tier plans that allow simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.
Video quality depends on your internet connection and the device you are using. Viki streams at up to 1080p (Full HD) on most devices, though some older devices or slower connections may stream at lower quality automatically. You can sometimes adjust the video quality manually in the app settings if you want to save data or improve playback on a slow connection.
Subtitles are available in multiple languages for most shows. You can turn them on or off and choose your preferred language in the video player settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I share my Viki Pass subscription with family members?
Viki Pass is tied to a single account, and you can stream on one device at a time with a standard subscription. Sharing your login credentials with family members is technically possible but violates Viki's terms of service. If multiple people in your household want to watch simultaneously, check whether Viki offers a family or multi-user plan in your region.
What happens if I don't cancel before my next billing date?
Your subscription will renew automatically and Viki will charge your payment method for the next billing period. You will not receive a reminder before the charge goes through, so mark your calendar or set a phone reminder if you plan to cancel before a specific date.
Can I change my payment method?
Yes. Go to your account settings, find the subscription or billing section, and look for an option to update your payment method. You can add a new credit card, debit card, or digital wallet and use it for future charges.
Does Viki Pass work outside my home country?
Viki detects your location based on your IP address. If you travel internationally, you may see a different content library in that country. Some shows available at home might not be available abroad, and vice versa. VPNs can mask your location, but using a VPN to access content outside your licensed region violates Viki's terms of service.
Is there a free trial for Viki Pass?
Viki occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the Viki website or app for current promotions. If a trial is available, you will usually need to enter a payment method, and the subscription will convert to a paid plan when the trial ends unless you cancel beforehand.