How to watch Tencent outside China

Tencent Video is one of China’s best streaming platforms. It offers hit dramas, movies, Chinese variety shows, and live sports. If you try to watch Tencent Video outside China, you’ll see an error message.

Without a valid Chinese IP address, it is impossible to stream Tencent’s full catalog. You’ll also see errors when streaming Chinese TV on services like iQiyi and Youku. The good news? You can unblock Tencent Video and watch Chinese TV abroad by using a VPN.

A VPN routes your traffic through a Chinese VPN server (or a virtual Chinese server). This changes your IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and stream content as if you were back home.

In this guide, I explain how to watch Tencent Video outside China. I also show how to use a VPN to access Chinese streaming platforms, and how to use a free VPN trial to watch some Chinese TV for free. If you’re in a rush, I’ve included my list of fully tested VPNs below.

Best VPNs for Tencent Video:

1. CyberGhost — Excellent choice for beginners. Easy-to-use apps and clearly labeled servers make it simple to get started, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
2. Private Internet Access — Fantastic option for technical users. Offers extensive customization options and advanced settings for users who want full control over their VPN connection while streaming Tencent Video.
3. PureVPN — Good for users connecting from restrictive countries. Includes features designed to cope with tougher network conditions, making it useful when standard VPN connections fail.
4. Hotspot Shield — Superb choice for streaming. Provides fast connections optimized for streaming, which helps reduce buffering when watching Tencent content overseas.
5. HideMyAss — Works to get a Chinese IP address. Offers one of the widest selections of VPN locations, including virtual IPs in China that work to watch Chinese TV.

How to watch Tencent Video outside China

Even if you find a VPN with virtual IPs in China, the likelihood that it will reliably unblock Tencent Video is low. That’s why I tested leading VPNs to find reliable Chinese servers that support HD streaming without buffering.

The good news? As long as you stick to a recommended VPN, watching Tencent Video outside China is straightforward. Thousands of Chinese expats do this successfully every day.

Here are the steps needed to watch Tencent Video outside China:

1. Choose a VPN for Tencent. I recommend CyberGhost because it’s fast, reliable, and excellent value for money. Alternatively, PIA is highly reliable and packed with customization features. PureVPN also gives you access to Tencent Video and other Chinese TV platforms without breaking the bank. You can use the links I have provided to get a discount.
2. Install the VPN app on your device. The VPNs I recommend support major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This lets you watch Tencent Video on your phone, tablet, or computer.
3. Connect to a Chinese or virtual Chinese server. To unblock Tencent Video, you must connect to a server that provides a valid Chinese IP address. This makes Tencent think you’re accessing the platform from inside mainland China, even if you’re abroad, at work, or on public wifi.
4. Open Tencent Video and start streaming. Once connected, launch Tencent Video in your browser or app and sign in. If everything is set up correctly, content should load normally, giving you full access to Chinese dramas, movies, and other Tencent content from anywhere.

Tencent Video VPN troubleshooting

Already subscribed to a recommended Tencent VPN? You’re good to go. Using a different VPN? You can try my troubleshooting steps, but they’re unlikely to work. If you can’t get your current VPN to work with Tencent, you’ll need to switch to one of my alternatives.

Use these VPN troubleshooting steps:

1. Access Tencent Video in your browser. Streaming apps often use secondary tracking signals like GPS, device identifiers, or regional app settings, which may conflict with your VPN. The easiest fix? Connect your VPN and watch Tencent Video via the website in your browser.
2. Clear cookies and cache. Old cookies or cached location data stored in your browser can conflict with your VPN connection. Clearing cookies and cache should allow you to log back in to Tencent without errors.
3. Restart the VPN app. Make sure you’re running the latest version of the VPN software, then close and reopen the app to refresh the connection.
4. Restart your device. This ensures the VPN’s network adapters and routing rules load correctly, which can fix connection issues after installation.
5. Switch VPN protocols. Some protocols perform better under China’s network restrictions. If available, try WireGuard, OpenVPN UDP, or any China-optimized protocol offered by your VPN.
6. Change the server or virtual location. Virtual Chinese IPs can behave differently depending on routing conditions. Testing a different Chinese server option may help unblock Tencent Video.
7. Contact VPN support. The VPNs I recommend offer live chat support. Support agents can tell you which servers or connection modes currently work best for Tencent Video.

Why are some VPNs blocked by Tencent?

To watch Tencent Video, you need a VPN that offers Chinese IP addresses, which is rare due to regulations in China, including the Chinese National Security Law (2015), the Data Security Law (2021), and the Personal Information Protection Law (2021).

Chinese streaming platforms like Tencent Video operate under strict content licensing rules. These agreements restrict where Tencent can legally broadcast shows, movies, and other entertainment. To enforce these contractual obligations, Tencent tracks each viewer’s IP address and location. If you try to log in from abroad, the player will be blocked (you’ll see an error message).

A reliable VPN for Tencent Video lets you hide your IP address and bypass geo-restrictions. When you connect to a VPN server in China, you receive a valid Chinese IP address. However, Tencent is fully aware that VPNs are used to bypass geo-restrictions, which is why many VPNs are already blocked.

Due to pressure from rights holders and Chinese regulators, Tencent must be seen to be protecting content against foreign pirates. This is why only a small number of VPNs consistently allow users to watch Tencent Video outside China.

Common Tencent Video error messages

Do you encounter an error when trying to load Tencent abroad? I’ve included common error messages below to help you understand them.

Geo-blocking or VPN detection

If you see any of the error messages below, Tencent Video believes you are outside of China. This can happen if you haven’t cleared your cookies or if your VPN is being blocked. In that case, you’ll need to test another server or work through my troubleshooting steps (included earlier in the guide).

• Due to copyright, this content cannot be played in your region
• 区域限制

These messages appear when you are outside mainland China or Hong Kong.

• IP address not supported

This error means Tencent has detected a non-Chinese IP address or a VPN IP that has already been blocked.

Playback errors caused by blocked connections

• Network error
• 播放失败

These errors often occur when Tencent blocks the VPN connection during playback.

• Failed to load video
• WARNING_VIDEO_FRAME_DECODE_FAIL (2101)

These messages can appear when Tencent disrupts playback after identifying VPN traffic.

Account-related errors linked to region checks

• Login expired
• 账号异常

These errors are common after logging in from a different country or switching IP locations.

Errors that are usually not VPN-related

• VIP required
• 请开通VIP会员

This message indicates that you need to upgrade to a higher tier to access the content in question. It is not related to geo-blocking or VPN use.

What can I watch on Tencent Video?

Tencent Video has one of the largest Chinese streaming libraries available. The focus is firmly on entertainment, not news or documentaries. While Chinese dramas are the main attraction, the catalog goes well beyond scripted series.

Chinese dramas

This is where Tencent Video excels. The platform dominates modern romance, historical epics, wuxia, and fantasy dramas. You’ll find everything from contemporary relationship stories to large-scale period productions, along with action-driven martial arts and supernatural series. Many Tencent exclusives never appear on international platforms like WeTV.

Popular examples include:

• 星汉灿烂 (Love Like the Galaxy)
• 长相思 (Lost You Forever)
• 庆余年 (Joy of Life)
• 陈情令 (The Untamed)
• 斗罗大陆 (Douluo Continent)

Reality TV and variety shows

Tencent Video also hosts a massive lineup of Chinese variety content. This includes idol survival shows, celebrity game formats, travel programs, and long-running talk shows. These series are extremely popular in China and are refreshed regularly with new seasons and spin-offs.

Here are some shows worth watching:

• 创造营 (Produce Camp / Chuang)
• 脱口秀大会 (Rock & Roast)
• 王牌对王牌 (Ace vs Ace)
• 心动的信号 (Heart Signal)
• 演员请就位 (Actors, Please Take Your Places)

Animation and anime

The platform offers a strong selection of Chinese animation (donghua), alongside licensed Japanese anime and Tencent-produced originals. If you’re interested in action-heavy animated series or well-known anime franchises, Tencent Video is a great option:

• 斗破苍穹 (Battle Through the Heavens)
• 完美世界 (Perfect World)
• 一人之下 (The Outcast)
• 狐妖小红娘 (Fox Spirit Matchmaker)

Sports and esports

Tencent Video offers coverage of live sports such as Chinese basketball and football, as well as popular esports tournaments. Competitive gaming is a major focus, with coverage of popular mobile and PC game competitions available to stream.

Coverage includes:

• CBA (Chinese Basketball Association)
• 中超联赛 (Chinese Super League)
• 英雄联盟全球总决赛 (League of Legends Worlds)
• 王者荣耀 (Esports tournaments)

Comedy

Comedy content includes stand-up specials, sketch shows, and classic Chinese sitcoms. It’s a smaller category than drama, but still well stocked.

• 脱口秀大会 (Rock & Roast)
• 欢乐喜剧人 (Top Funny Comedian)

Movies and kids content

You’ll also find Chinese blockbuster films, selected Hollywood releases, and a solid kids section. Family-friendly cartoons and dubbed animations are easy to find.

This includes:

• 流浪地球 (The Wandering Earth)
• 你好，李焕英 (Hi, Mom)
• 熊出没 (Boonie Bears)
• 喜羊羊与灰太狼 (Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf)

Can you sign up for Tencent Video from the US or Canada?

You can sign up for Tencent from abroad, but you will need a valid payment method and, in some cases, a Chinese mobile number to receive the confirmation code.

Tencent Video is designed exclusively for users in mainland China. While it is possible to access the platform from the US or Canada using a VPN, signing up and paying for a subscription is not as straightforward as it is when paying for Western services.

If you already have a Tencent account, you can connect to a Chinese VPN server and sign in as usual. However, if you do not have a Chinese payment method and need to subscribe, you will need to use one of the payment methods below.

How to pay for Tencent Video in the USA or Canada

If you are a Chinese expat living in the USA, Canada, Europe, or elsewhere, you can usually pay for Tencent using a Chinese debit or credit card. This is the benefit of being an expat.

Tencent Video primarily accepts:

• WeChat Pay
• Alipay
• Chinese-issued bank cards

Viewers outside China who don’t have a Chinese bank account or payment method will need to find an alternative way to pay. One option is to find a Chinese resident willing to pay for you (this is now a fairly common approach for paying for region-restricted services on platforms like Fiverr, where users advertise this service).

Tencent gift cards are available in China and through international resellers such as SodaGift, Cysend, SEAGM, Coingate, and Cathay Shop (Asia Miles). I recommend conducting research to determine which option is more reliable.

Chinese virtual prepaid cards do exist, but they are difficult to obtain without Chinese ID verification or a local bank account.

How much does Tencent Video cost?

Tencent Video offers various subscription tiers. Pricing is set in Chinese yuan (RMB) and is generally lower than that of Western streaming services. Prices may also vary depending on current promotions.

VIP membership

• Monthly plan: ¥25 RMB (around $3.50 USD)
• Quarterly plan: ¥68 RMB (around $9.50 USD)
• Annual plan: ¥198 RMB (around $27–28 USD)

The VIP tier removes ads and unlocks premium Chinese dramas, early access to episodes, and exclusive content.

SVIP membership

• Monthly plan: ¥35 RMB (around $5 USD)
• Annual plan: typically ¥298 RMB (around $41–42 USD)

SVIP adds early-access episodes, premium viewing features, and occasional content perks on top of standard VIP.

Tencent Video also offers a free tier, so you can access some content with a VPN by creating a website account. That said, access is limited, and most of the popular Tencent dramas remain locked behind the VIP or SVIP paywall.

Can I purchase a Tencent subscription with a Hong Kong card?

No. People with a Hong Kong card typically cannot purchase a mainland Tencent Video subscription directly. You’ll need a local Chinese payment method. That said, there are a few workarounds commonly used in Hong Kong. Third-party top-up sites like Bittopup or SEAGM sell Tencent Video gift cards, or you can purchase access using a mainland SIM or virtual number combined with a VPN.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Tencent Video outside China?

No. Although some free VPNs are reliable for basic online privacy (such as preventing ISPs, public wifi networks, or local network administrators from tracking your activity), they won’t work to stream Tencent Video.

Tencent makes a serious effort to block VPN connections. This makes it difficult for most VPNs to bypass regional licensing rules. Because free VPNs have small server networks, their IP addresses are usually the first to be detected and blocked by Tencent and other Chinese TV platforms.

Even if you try the free plan from a reputable provider like Proton VPN or Hotspot Shield, it still won’t work for Tencent Video. This is because they reserve streaming access for paid plans.

If you want to test Tencent Video streaming from abroad, the best option is to use a VPN with a money-back guarantee. All the VPNs I recommended in this guide have a 30-day refund period, which gives you time to test them to switch your IP to China and stream the free Tencent Video tier.

Tencent outside China FAQs