Social:YY.com

YY

Type of site	Online chat, streaming media
Available in	Chinese
Owner	YY, Inc.
Website	www.yy.com
Registration	Optional
Launched	2005
Current status	Active

YY (Chinese: YY语音) is a major China video-based social network with over 300 million users. It features a virtual currency which users earn through activities such as karaoke or creating tutorial videos and which is later converted to real cash. Launched in 2005 as duowan.com (NASDAQ: YY), it originally targeted gamers, before broadening to include video streaming and chat features for uses such as concerts, fashion and sports. Users exchange "virtual roses" as a form of currency, with top users said to earn as much as $20,000 per month. In November 2012, YY was listed on the NASDAQ.

See also

• Justin.tv
• Livestream
• Major League Gaming
• Streamup
• Tinychat
• Twitch.tv
• Ustream

External links

• VoaNews: The Largest Social Network You've Never Heard Of
• Forbes: YY.com, China's Unique Real-Time Voice and Video Service with a Virtual Goods Twist
• New York Times: Lucrative Stardom in China Using a Webcam and a Voice
• NPR: YY Changes Its Tune After Karaoke Is A Hit