Imagine a video screen overlaid with colorful scrolling text, where countless opinions and emotions collide in real time—this is the unique charm of danmu (bullet comments). At the forefront of this cultural phenomenon stands AcFun (known as "A Station"), a platform that revolutionized video interaction in China.
The Birth and Early Development: Germination of Danmu Culture
Founded in June 2007 in Wuhan, AcFun—short for "Anime Comic Fun"—emerged as China's first danmu video platform with a deep commitment to ACG (Anime, Comic, Game) culture. Starting as an anime streaming site, it quickly attracted a community of young enthusiasts who transformed passive viewing into dynamic social interaction through real-time on-screen commentary.
This innovative approach created a distinctive communal atmosphere where users shared reactions, critiqued narratives, and exchanged insights, laying the foundation for China's unique danmu subculture.
Ownership Transitions: Navigating Strategic Shifts
AcFun's journey faced turbulence through multiple ownership changes. In 2010, original founder Xilin sold the platform to Bianfeng Network, a gaming company where Chen Shaojie became general manager. This era saw the birth of AcFun's live-streaming service "Shengfang Song," later rebranded as Douyu (now a major streaming platform).
Subsequent transitions included acquisitions by mobile game developer Jinghe Sidong (2014), investment by Alpha Group (2014), and ownership by Youku's parent company Unity Group (2015). Each transition brought strategic realignments as AcFun sought sustainable growth.
The Kuaishou Era: A Platform Reborn
2018 marked a turning point when short-video giant Kuaishou acquired AcFun. The infusion of capital and technological resources addressed longstanding stability issues while leveraging Kuaishou's massive user base for broader reach. Under new leadership appointed in 2019, AcFun embarked on comprehensive rebranding while preserving its core identity.
Challenges and Adaptation
The platform weathered significant setbacks, including a June 2018 data breach that exposed user information and a May 2019 temporary suspension of danmu functions for technical upgrades. These incidents underscored the balance between innovation and platform security in AcFun's development.
Defining Features: Interactive Culture and Community
AcFun's enduring appeal lies in its vibrant danmu ecosystem. The synchronous commentary transforms solitary viewing into collective experience—where humor, analysis, and emotional reactions create a sense of shared participation. This interactive layer has cultivated a distinctive digital culture that fosters belonging among China's youth.
The platform enhances engagement through personalized spaces and discussion forums, maintaining an open community ethos that distinguishes it from conventional video sites.
Multiplatform Accessibility
With optimized web, mobile, and tablet interfaces, AcFun ensures seamless access to ACG content across devices. This multiplatform strategy has expanded its audience while preserving the signature interactive experience.
As China's original danmu innovator, AcFun remains both a cultural archive of ACG evolution and a living community—a testament to how technology can redefine media participation. Under Kuaishou's stewardship, it continues to evolve while staying true to its roots as a digital gathering space for generations of enthusiasts.