RUTUBE - Russia's largest video platform (with daily live streaming exceeding YouTube by December 2025)

RUTUBE is Russia's largest domestic video hosting and streaming platform, often referred to as the "Russian version of YouTube." Headquartered in Moscow, it is wholly owned by Gazprom-Media (a large Russian state-owned media group). The platform primarily features Russian-language content, reaching users in the CIS and globally. It supports web, Android clients, and smart TVs, but was temporarily removed from the Apple App Store in August 2024. Its core business model is a free + advertising model, while also offering diverse monetization methods such as creator revenue sharing, paid content, and live streaming donations.

Development History

Founded and Early Stages (2006): Founded by two entrepreneurs from Oryol, Oleg Volobuyev and Mikhail Paulkin; acquired by Gazprom-Media in November 2008, valued at approximately $15 million, after which the headquarters moved to Moscow and the management was restructured.

Integration and Adjustment Period (2010–2020): Launched Now.ru online cinema, introducing Hollywood copyrights from Sony, Disney, and other companies; merged with local copyright distributor Pladform in 2016; by the end of 2020, Gazprom-Media completed a 100% buyout, returning to a dual-track approach of UGC + professional content.

Explosive Growth (2022–Present): Following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, demand for alternatives to YouTube surged in Russia; a large-scale cyberattack in May 2022 briefly took its platform offline; in December 2025, RUTUBE surpassed YouTube (22.3 million) in daily active users (23.8 million) for the first time in Russia, with monthly active users exceeding 80 million and over 4.5 million channels, becoming one of the fastest-growing video platforms in Russia.

Features

• Diverse Content: Covers various categories including movies, TV series, music videos, games, and lifestyle content, primarily in Russian with multilingual subtitle support.

• Video Upload and Sharing: Registered users can create channels and upload videos for free, supporting high-definition quality and long videos (up to 24 hours).

• Live Streaming: Supports live streaming of various events including games, concerts, and news.

• Interactive Features: Offers social interaction features such as comments, likes, and sharing.

• Offline Viewing: Supports video downloads for convenient viewing without an internet connection.

• Creator Monetization: Supports multiple monetization methods including ad revenue sharing, paid content, and live stream donations. Creators can unlock monetization after reaching 5000 views.

• Smart TV Support: Adapts to various smart TV platforms, providing a large-screen viewing experience.

• Personalized Recommendations: Provides accurate content recommendations based on user viewing history and preferences.

How to Access RUTUBE

• Web Version: Directly access https://rutube.ru to watch videos without registration.

• Android Client: Downloadable from the Google Play Store or third-party app stores. Smart TVs: Supports major smart TV platforms such as Samsung, LG, and Sony. Search and install via app stores.

• Apple Devices: Temporarily removed from the Apple App Store starting August 2024. iOS users can access it via the web version.

Comparison with YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I register a RUTUBE account?

Visit rutube.ru, click the register button in the upper right corner. You can register via email, phone number, or social media account (VK, OK, etc.). The process is free and simple.

2. How do I upload videos to RUTUBE?

After registering and logging into your account, click the "Upload" button at the top of the page, select your video file, fill in the title, description, tags, etc., set privacy options, and then upload.

3. Is RUTUBE free to use?

Yes, RUTUBE is free for all users and sustains its operations through advertising revenue. Users can watch, upload, and share videos for free.

4. How do I monetize on RUTUBE?

Creators must meet the following conditions: their channel must have at least 5,000 views, their content must comply with platform regulations, and they must complete real-name authentication before applying for monetization.

5. Why was RUTUBE removed from the Apple App Store?

In August 2024, due to changes in Apple's policy, RUTUBE was temporarily removed from the App Store. The specific time for its reinstatement is yet to be determined. iOS users can continue to access it through the web version.

6. What is the video quality like on RUTUBE?

Supports up to 4K Ultra HD video quality, automatically adjusting resolution based on user network conditions to ensure a smooth viewing experience.

Latest Data in 2025 (News of Daily Active Users Surpassing YouTube)

• Daily Active Users: In December 2025, RUTUBE's daily active users in Russia reached 23.8 million, surpassing YouTube's 22.3 million for the first time.

• Monthly Active Users: Exceeded 80 million, a year-on-year increase of 117%.

• Number of Channels: Exceeded 4.5 million, with the creator ecosystem continuing to expand.

• Mobile Performance: Average daily active users reached 6.5 million, a year-on-year increase of 253%, far exceeding the growth rate of other video platforms.

• Market Position: Became one of the fastest-growing video platforms in Russia, with a continuously increasing preference rate among local users.

According to Russian media reports, this milestone marks RUTUBE's official establishment as the leader in the Russian domestic video market, demonstrating Russian users' recognition and support for the local platform. The platform plans to further expand its content library and upgrade its technical infrastructure in 2026 to maintain its growth momentum and consolidate its market position.