Cannes – FremantleMedia International has announced a landmark multi-year digital deal with the China-headquartered portal, Youku. The agreement will see a variety of FremantleMedia’s entertainment and drama content available to online audiences, averaging 14 million unique users a day.

Second only to YouTube in terms of worldwide viewership, Youku also has an incredible 200 million mobile users. FremantleMedia is one of the first independent distributors to strike such a deal with the enormously popular platform.

Total Blackout

Taking a wide selection of content exclusively for its VOD channels, youku.com, youku.net and tudou.com, some 202 hours of programming will be available on Youku in the first year. Initial properties include the recently launched Total Black Out USA along with several FremantleMedia International global hit series such as The X Factor USA S3, America’s Got Talent S8, Project RunwayS11, Celebrity Apprentice S6 and American Idol S13.

It has also acquired the high-end scripted series centred around a contract killer (with a twist) and starring Chloe Sevigny, Hit and Miss, along with the period dramas The Crimson Petal and the White and Fingersmith.

Ganesh Rajaram, FremantleMedia International Executive Vice President Asia, said, “Youku is a fantastic outlet for our programming in China allowing some of our best known shows to reach millions of new viewers. Our brands have repeatedly demonstrated their mass appeal around the world so it’s fitting and exciting that they can now reach such a thriving new market.”

Paul Ridley, FremantleMedia International Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, added, “As the Asian region evolves it’s really important for our world class entertainment to be present on platforms which are in line with new consumer viewing habits – with Youku’s vast reach it was the natural choice for us in China.”