Korea's streaming scene just got a new challenger. While SOOP and CHZZK dominate headlines, a brand new platform launched in early 2026 that's already pulling VTubers, indie streamers, and gaming content creators away from the established players.
It's called ci.me — pronounced "씨미" in Korean — and it's worth knowing about if you follow Korean streaming.
What is ci.me?
ci.me is a virtual and gaming-focused live streaming platform built by Mapl Corporation. It launched its beta service on March 13, 2026, after alpha tests on February 27–28.
The name stands for "Come In and Meet Everyone live" — reflecting its goal of creating a real-time interactive space for streamers and fans.
Unlike SOOP and CHZZK which are broad general-purpose platforms, ci.me is a vertical platform — built specifically for VTubers and gaming streamers, with features designed around that audience.
What Makes ci.me Different?
4K Streaming
ci.me supports 4K ultra-high-definition live streaming with high-quality audio — rare among streaming platforms globally and essentially unheard of in Korea before this. 1080p streams support 8,500Kbps bitrate, while 4K streams support 20,000–35,000Kbps. For VTubers whose appeal depends on visual fidelity and detailed character animation, this is a significant technical advantage.
Low-Latency Streaming via AWS IVS
ci.me uses AWS IVS (Interactive Video Service) — the same infrastructure Twitch uses — for low-latency streaming. This means chat reactions and donations feel synchronized with what's on screen, which is critical for interactive streaming content.
YouTube Simulcast — For Everyone
One of ci.me's most streamer-friendly policies: YouTube simultaneous streaming is available regardless of streamer tier or rank. On most platforms, simulcast rights are locked behind partnership status. ci.me gives this to all streamers from day one, letting them grow their YouTube audience while streaming on ci.me.
Mapl Shop Integration
ci.me integrates with Mapl Shop — Mapl Corporation's merchandise platform — allowing streamers to sell original goods directly through their channel. For VTubers whose fanbases actively buy merchandise, this is a meaningful revenue stream built directly into the platform.
Streamer-Friendly Commission Rates
Founding streamers ("개국공신") get a commission rate of 23% — significantly lower than most platforms. The donation currency is called "빔" (Beam) — 1 beam = 1.1 won including VAT.
Open API
ci.me launched an official Open API on April 15, 2026, enabling developers to build chat bots, overlays, and third-party service integrations. This signals the platform is serious about building an ecosystem, not just a viewer experience.
Who's Already on ci.me?
VTuber group Skoshism (스코시즘) announced their move to ci.me on March 13 as their main streaming platform, one of the first major groups to commit fully.
HANAVI and all Uplift members also announced their move to ci.me in February 2026.
However, not everyone who tried it stayed. Streamer 므엥이 announced YouTube and ci.me simulcast in March but returned to CHZZK exactly one month later on April 7, saying the platform was difficult to grow on. Similarly, 간장 tried ci.me simulcast but abandoned it on April 6, returning to CHZZK, YouTube, and Twitch.
This tells you something honest about where ci.me is right now — it has passionate early adopters, but growth for most streamers is still challenging on a new platform with a smaller audience base.
ci.me vs CHZZK vs SOOP — How Does It Compare?
| Feature | ci.me | CHZZK | SOOP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch | March 2026 | Dec 2023 | 2005 |
| Focus | VTuber / Gaming | General | General |
| 4K streaming | Yes | No | No |
| YouTube simulcast | All tiers | Limited | Limited |
| Merchandise integration | Yes (Mapl Shop) | No | No |
| Open API | Yes | Limited | No |
| Audience size | Small (growing) | Large | Largest |
| Best for | VTubers, indie streamers | LoL / LCK fans | Legacy streamers |
The Reality Check
ci.me has the most streamer-friendly feature set of any Korean platform right now. But features don't build audiences — viewers do. The platform is still in beta, viewer numbers are a fraction of CHZZK and SOOP, and some early streamers have already returned to bigger platforms because they couldn't grow.
That said, it's the most interesting new entrant in Korean streaming in years. Its VTuber and gaming focus gives it a clear identity, and the Open API launch shows a platform thinking about long-term ecosystem development.
Watch this space.
How to Download ci.me VODs
Like SOOP and CHZZK, ci.me VODs can disappear quickly — especially as streamers experiment with the platform and may delete content when they switch back to other platforms.
Vodloader supports ci.me downloads. Paste the stream URL and download the VOD before it's gone — no account needed.