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 […]
“What do you think of the development of the hot pot industry”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
The history of Chinese hot pot goes a long way, which can be traced back to as early as the “Three Kingdoms” period. It has later become popular nationwide and developed many regional variations. Therefore, eating by a sizzling hot pot together is a very common get-together scene among Chinese consumers especially due to the […]
Douyin vs TikTok: decoding the unique features and marketing strategies of the two sister apps
With a network consisting of more than 1 billion users at the end of 2022, China holds the world’s largest number of netizens. The country boasts an extremely developed system of social media platforms, each with its own distinct features. These platforms offer a wide range of services to users, from simple social media functionalities […]
Chinese social media platforms: everything you need to know
Compared to the western part of the world, the situation of social media in China is very different. Creators and platforms must face more challenging legal environment. Apps such as Facebook or Twitter are inaccessible. Nonetheless, Chinese social media platforms managed to attract a pool of users which in June 2022 reached up to 1.05 billion […]