How Chinese consumers and TikTok refugees are shaping Little Red Book in China (RedNote)
Little Red Book, also known as RedNote and Xiaohongshu (小红书), was founded in Shanghai in 2013 by Charlwin Mao and Miranda Qu. Although the English name is used to refer to the collection of quotations from Chairman Mao, they are unrelated. RedNote is a lifestyle-focused social media and e-commerce platform that is widely popular among […]
Douyin vs TikTok: Decoding their similarities and differences
Douyin (抖音) and TikTok are often used interchangeably, largely because both are under the Chinese multinational internet company ByteDance and share a reputation as popular short video content platforms. However, they are distinct platforms. The most obvious difference is that Douyin is only available in China, while TikTok is available in many countries outside of […]
From learning platform to live commerce giant: New Oriental Education’s business turnaround
China boasts one of the highest numbers of private schools globally. By 2023, over 33.4% of all educational institutions in China were privately owned, with nearly 16% of the country’s total student population enrolled in these institutions. Among the prominent players in this sector is the “New Oriental Education & Technology Group” (新东方企业网). Established in […]
China’s virtual influencers now endorse brands and livestream e-commerce
Due to the growing demand for entertainment and the rapid development of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), China’s virtual influencer industry is experiencing exponential growth. According to iiMedia, in 2022, China’s virtual influencer industry was valued at RMB 186.61 billion overall, with a core market size of RMB 12.08 billion. Projections indicate that by 2025, […]
“Why do more and more people choose not to get married and have children?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Despite the various endeavors made to encourage population growth after the abandonment of the one-child policy in 2015, China had only 9.56 million births in 2022, marking a record low since 1950. With a fertility rate as low as 1.09 in 2022, it seems China has fallen into the “low-fertility trap,” a concept that suggests the challenges in increasing […]
Bungee jump temperature drops boost the “warm economy”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
With the approaching winter solstice (冬至), the day that marks the arrival of winter in the twenty-four solar terms, temperatures have dropped drastically in China. In some northern regions, by over 20 degrees Celsius in one week, according to the National Meteorological Center. Download our report on Gen Z consumers But the cold weather is causing more […]
Kuaishou is much more than just another Douyin
Kuaishou, a massive short-video app that has already gone public, might not be widely recognized beyond China, unlike Douyin. For foreign investors, it could be perceived as just another Chinese tech unicorn that has undergone an IPO. Among Chinese urban dwellers, however, the app is often labeled as a 土tu (tacky) app, known for its […]
“Do you feel like you have downgraded your spending?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in discussions about the concept of consumer spending, especially on consumption downgrade. Chinese consumers, impacted by the prolonged pandemic, are increasingly inclined to save more and spend less. Download our report on the She Economy in China Social media poll reveals mixed responses to consumption downgrade […]
How social commerce in China is transforming shopping and social media
Social commerce defines an ecosystem that combines social media and e-commerce platforms in a dynamic and distinctive manner. It forms a space where the boundaries between online shopping and social interactions blend seamlessly. This fusion is achieved through the integration of social media, online marketplaces, and mobile payment systems, resulting in an environment that immerses […]
KOL marketing in China: from live streaming to virtual influencers
In the heart of China’s ever-evolving digital landscape, a phenomenon is taking center stage, redefining the rules of engagement and trust in the marketing world. Chinese influencers, commonly known as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), have emerged as the heralds of a new era in social media marketing, setting a fresh paradigm for brand-consumer interactions. These […]
Lemon8: From lifestyle sensation to social media struggles
In April 2020, the Chinese tech giant Bytedance, owner of TikTok, launched an app which was supposed to give Instagram a run for its money: Lemon8. The app was firstly launched in Japan, then reached the US market 2 years later, in February 2022. It can be described as a lifestyle platform similar to the […]
Live streaming in China: advancing into the AI era with complete service solutions
The live streaming market in China is experiencing remarkable growth and innovation, offering a unique platform for businesses to engage with their audience and drive sales. As of February 2022, over 703 million live streaming users resided in China, constituting about 68.2% of the country’s total internet users. The live streaming market in China continues […]