JOYY: the history behind its technology business

September 18, 2026 Benjamin

JOYY’s operating history began in Guangzhou in 2005 with online gaming and community services, including the Duowan portal.

How JOYY developed

The company launched YY Voice in 2008, listed on Nasdaq in 2012 and expanded into live-streaming and social-entertainment platforms. It invested in BIGO in 2014 and later consolidated the business; the corporate name changed to JOYY in 2019 and its US ticker changed from YY to JOYY in 2025.

JOYY in 2026

By 2026, JOYY’s portfolio centred on global social and live-entertainment products including Bigo Live and related services.

Why the history matters

The company is an example of a Chinese internet business that moved from domestic gaming communities into mobile-first global social entertainment through both product development and acquisitions.

This profile was checked against company disclosures, regulatory filings and reputable independent or industry sources where applicable. Information reflects public material available on 18 September 2026.