🎞️How to Watch Youku Abroad: "Mainland China Only" Fix (2026)
Updated 2026-07 · RiftVPN team
The problem
When you open Youku abroad, playback shows "sorry, this video is only available in mainland China," and large numbers of series cannot be watched.
Why it's blocked
Domestic video platforms hold streaming rights that mostly cover only mainland China. The platform uses your IP address to determine your location, and an overseas IP is automatically blocked. A China-access VPN works by routing your network traffic through servers inside mainland China so the platform thinks you are in China, restoring normal playback.
How to unlock Youku in 3 steps
- 1
Create a free RiftVPN account (unlimited data): sign up with your email on the website or in the app.
- 2
Download the app: get RiftVPN from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android); desktop users can install the Chrome extension.
- 3
Open RiftVPN, tap to connect the "Smart route to China", then reopen Youku and refresh — it works normally.
FAQ
Is RiftVPN free?
Yes. You can use it free after signing up, with unlimited data and regional media unlocking included. VIP (from $1.99/mo) adds faster dedicated-line speed, an ad-free experience and other enhancements.
Will video stutter after connecting?
RiftVPN uses smart split-tunneling: only traffic to domestic apps takes the back-to-China line while everything else connects directly, minimizing impact on your local speed. If you hit stutter during peak hours, you can upgrade to a VIP dedicated line.
RiftVPN — free to start, unlimited data
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