PPS

About PPS

PPStream, operating under the name PPS.tv, was a significant entity in China's online video streaming market, founded in 2005 by Zhang Hongyu and later joined by Xu Weifeng. The company officially launched its peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming video network software on June 1, 2006. This technology was a key differentiator, allowing for lower operational costs and a superior streaming experience compared to competitors who were burdened by slow and expensive alternatives.

PPS.tv primarily targeted users in mainland China, offering a vast library of content from East Asia, including movies, Japanese anime, and sports channels. Its business model was multifaceted; while it started as a freeware service, it generated revenue through online advertising, gaming services, and membership programs. By the third quarter of 2010, the company had captured an 8.9% market share in China, positioning it as a major player behind Youku and Tudou. A major milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Baidu in May 2013 for $370 million. Following the acquisition, PPS's online video business was merged with Baidu's existing video platform, iQiyi, with PPS continuing to operate as a sub-brand. This strategic move aimed to create China's largest online video platform in terms of mobile users and viewing time. The founders, Zhang Hongyu and Xu Weifeng, took on roles as co-presidents of the newly combined entity, overseeing the PPS sub-brand and new business development.

The platform's P2P nature meant that every user also acted as a server, which helped distribute bandwidth load but could also impact an individual user's internet performance. The service was available across multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Ubuntu, iOS, and Android. Before its acquisition, PPS had successfully raised approximately $59.5 million through four funding rounds from investors such as Ceyuan Ventures, Qiming Venture Partners, and LB Investment, and had once planned for an IPO in 2011.