Alibaba looks to expand in online entertainment

Alibaba's digital entertainment unit will seek better synergies between video sites, talent management and reality shows to boost its presence in the online entertainment sector.

Chief People Officer Sun Xiaoguang of Alibaba's digital entertainment unit said that besides commercial deals, it will also leverage more e-commerce and entertainment, art and fashion resources from performers and idol groups through its subsidiary Cool Young Entertainment, which specializes in talent management for dancers, performers and hosts.

“We have a unique position which spans both digital entertainment and Alibaba Group’s extensive business entity so we can better support the development of idol groups and other types of talent,” he said.

At the launch ceremony which celebrates the debut of the first single of the “S.K.Y” idol group, it signed endorsement deals with Trends Media Group, UCCA Center for Contemporary Art and domestic dental care product and service provider Saky.

The idol group came out of Youku's idol survival program "We Are Young”  which was wrapped up last month.

The group of seven will also perform on the final episode of Youku’s popular dance reality show “Street Dance of China” in early October as well as at the Tmall Singles Day Gala in November.