TOP 35 Chinese Social media Platforms in 2025 + Statistics!
Have you ever wondered what the most popular Chinese social media platforms are? Here are the Top 35 major social media platforms in China for 2025!
This article is updated every year with new popular social media platforms and apps in China. It includes a ranking of apps based on their primary uses, recent demographic data regarding the audience of each platform. Also, depending on the applications, it includes explanations of their main functionalities and advice on how companies can use them.
Every second in China, 486 articles are published on WeChat, 166 rooms are booked on Qunar, 115,740 questions are answered on Zhihu, and 3,472 orders are placed on Ele.me, and more than 62% of people check the WeChat app more than 10 times a day.
The role of social media in China is enormous, as it not only entertains, but also influences food, lifestyle and fashion choices, provides makeup and lifestyle reviews, and gives advice on vacation spots. It therefore takes up a large part of the working time of white-collar citizens.
FAQ About Social Media in China
What Platforms Do Chinese People Spend Their Time On?
WeChat continues to dominate the social media sphere in China, with its huge user base of over a billion people and its integration into daily life’s basic functions. For businesses, it is simply essential. As of the end of 2023, 87.3% of the population in China uses WeChat.
Douyin – the Chinese TikTok, is used by 78.4% of the Chinese population. Douyin has all the functions of TikTok, but also many others and much more in-depth. The Chinese spend on average more than 2 hours per day watching its short videos.
NB: China recommends that children under 14 limit their use of Douyin to 40 minutes per day.
The instant messaging platform Tencent QQ and the search engine Baidu Tieba are neck and neck with 59.8% and 58.8% Chinese users respectively on their sites.
With a meteoric rise since its creation in 2021, Xiaohongshu has attracted 51.2%of the Chinese population to its app in just 2 years! (App created in June 2021, statistics from September 2023).
And finally, Sina Weibo remains relevant, although its audience has decreased, the app still has 46.8%of the Chinese population as active users!
A Typical Day in the Life of a Daily User in China
A dive into the digital life of a Chinese person
The first thing most of us do when we wake up is check our phone.
The infographic below shows a typical day for an online user in China. Here are the main social media platforms used, at what time and for what purpose.
People tend to check messages and social media first, on WeChat and Weibo, then listen to music on QQ Music Or Netease while getting ready.
They will use WeChat or Alipay to pay for their breakfast, order a taxi via Didi, and may use the Starbucks or LuckinCoffee apps to order a coffee.
On desktop computers, QQ, WeChat And WeCom are used to chat with colleagues and exchange professionally.
At noon, Eleme or Meituan are used to order lunch from mobile phones.
During lunch and dinner, people often watch TV or short videos on platforms iQiyi and Youku and check their finances on Alipay.
In the evening, it is time to check WeChat Moments, make some purchases on Taobao or JD.com, or watch a movie, booked via Maoyan.
Interesting fact:
Due to previous scandals involving fake production and imports (some of which ended in fatalities), consumers do not trust official advertising in China as much as they once did. Instead, they prefer to follow what other consumers say and do.
Therefore, the idea of providing online advice and recommendations to others has become a well-paid service. It is known as influencer marketing through KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders). Even more importantly than in the West, China is now one of the most popular countries for brands to collaborate with influencers as a marketing medium to reach Chinese audiences.
Top Chinese Social Media Sites and Apps in 2025
With a population of more than 1.4 billion, China remains one of the most “connected” countries in the world, with 79% of its population being active users of social media platforms (compared to 71% last year) and spending on average 5 to 6 hours on the internet per day. 89% of its people watch videos, 71% watch streaming, 53% play live video games and 74% make online purchases using their mobile phones.
In this context, it is not surprising to see that the Chinese app ecosystem is highly segmented and each platform or app has its own well-defined place.
Online commerce plays an important role in the country’s economy and occupies a large part of the digital ecosystem. However, the current trend is that video is now the second largest segment based on the number of regularly used video apps and platforms.
Discover our selection! ⬇️
The TOP 8 Most Used Social Media Platforms in China
#1 WECHAT – ALL IN ONE: THE TOP 1 APP IN CHINA!
Q: What kind of app is WeChat?
A: WeChat is a messaging app, a social media platform, an online bank – it’s basically a super app with every feature imaginable.
Q: How many users does WeChat have?
A: As of 2023, WeChat had over 1.36 billion registered users.
Q: Who are the main users of WeChat?
A: Chinese people; the main age group of active users is between 16 and 64 years old (78% of users).
It is no exaggeration to say that the super app WeChat simply makes life easier in China. It’s almost impossible to live there without it. It is interesting to note that 98.5% of smartphone users aged 50-80 use WeChat and that 61% of users over 60 years old devote more than half of their total mobile data consumption to it.
These figures are significantly lower than those of the younger population, who only devote around 14% of their mobile data to the platform. In addition, Users getting information via official WeChat accounts are mostly over 30 years old.
Overall, the distribution of WeChat users is about 48% female and 52% male. They spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes per day on the platform!
Main Functions of WeChat
WeChat is used to send voice messages, videos, pictures and texts over the Internet. It supports group chats and users mainly use it to communicate with their friends through SMS, MMS, GIFs, video calls, etc.
The WeChat app is completely free, you just need an internet or Wi-Fi connection to use it.
WeChat supports mini-programs directly integrated into its interface and designed separately by brands and companies. Like other apps, they aim to sell, engage or entertain.
WeChat’s integrated apps include everything you can think of: brands, utility payments, mobile phone top-ups, online ordering and more.
Adding Friends on WeChat and Privacy Feature
The most common ways to add friends on WeChat are searching by phone number, WeChat QR code scan of someone, adding from QQ friends list or mobile phone contact list.
There’s also a cool little feature that lets you “find people nearby” by shaking your phone!
The most common messaging functions are instant voice messages, video chats, and WeChat calls.
Your Own Photo/Video Timeline or Your Own “Moments”
WeChat offers its users the possibility of creating a “wall”, a space where you share the “Moments” of your life through photos, videos, messages, music, etc.
You can also choose which of your friends can see it, so it’s up to you to configure your WeChat according to your exposure to social media platforms!
Business Functions
WeChat is widely used for business promotion, as it enables business accounts to be created and promoted on the platform.
Many accounts have a specific purpose: offers, registrations, blogs, etc., while other accounts display general information about the business.
WeChat mini apps allow you to use partner services, such as calling a taxi, making a hospital appointment or paying bills.
WeChatPay
WeChat has been so successful in China because of its easy payment system. Simply scan a WeChat QR code to pay for items via your WeChatPay wallet (bank account integrated directly into the app wallet).
This is a boon for businesses because it pushes users to consume more easily and in particular via impulse shopping on all platforms available in China!
WECHAT STATISTICS IN 2024
Take a look at our guide here: 30 Marketing Tools on WeChat!
#2 WeChat Channels
Channels is a feature of the WeChat ecosystem that allows you to share and consume video content. Similar to Instagram’s “Reels” function, Youtube Shorts or Tiktok, it is a news feed containing popular videos (HOT), from our friends or from accounts we follow. Part of the powerful all-in-one WeChat messenger, it is very easy to share and send content from Channels, allowing the user to entertain themselves on the most used platform. With the addition of this feature, WeChat thus meets all the user’s needs, allowing them to do everything on a single application!
So Channels benefits from the enormous traffic from WeChat, making it a platform with a larger audience than Douyin and Kuaishou. This video format has the highest engagement time per user at 80% compared to photo sharing on WeChat Moments!
This platform is used by individuals and businesses alike and attracts many professionals with the advertising options it offers. With 813 million monthly active users, it is estimated that the audience of Channels is composed of 80% women and therefore 20% men. This audience spends on average 1 hour per day watching videos (up to 1 hour in length, but short videos are preferred) on Channels.
WECHAT CHANNELS STATISTICS IN 2024
#3 DOUYIN – THE CHINESE TIKTOK
Q: What kind of social media platform is Douyin?
A: Douyin is originally a short video sharing platform.
Q: How many users does the Douyin app have?
A: Douyin has over 1 billion registered users.
Q: Who are the main users of Douyin?
A: 48.7% of Douyin’s daily users in China are under 30.
Known internationally as TikTok, Douyin is the king of short videos. Its 755 million users come from third-, fourth- and fifth-tier cities and spend more than 2 hours per day on the platform! Besides short videos, 90% users watch live broadcasts (live streaming).
Today, Douyin has also become one of the most popular e-commerce platforms on social media, attracting millions of influencers and customers. The shopping experience may remind us of the telemarketing that was so popular in the 90s. With a fresh approach and a hint of glamour, this new business model is boosting sales for many smaller brands looking to reach the middle class in China.
Advertising on Douyin is also a great way to make a brand popular in china. Douyin, which offers very competitive rates, wants to attract more international brands to the platform in China.
DOUYIN STATISTICS IN 2024
Want to learn more about advertising on Douyin? Check out our article here: Marketing on Douyin 2023: How to sell on Douyin
#4 QQ – THE CHINESE VERSION OF MESSENGER
Q: What kind of app is QQ?
A: QQ is one of the most popular messaging apps in China.
Q: How many users does QQ app have?
A: QQ has about 817 million active users.
Despite the rise of its predecessor WeChat, QQ Messenger, still has more than 817 million active userseach month. It is more commonly used on desktop computers because it is integrated with email and file management, and has a certain nostalgia for those who used online messaging before WeChat came along.
Creator of WeChat, QQ Zone, QQ Messenger and dozens of secondary brand products, Tencent is one of the earliest innovators in technology development in China.
Today, Tengxun.com is a popular search engine (linked to WeChat) and QQ Mail is one of the most widely used email services by individuals and businesses.
QQ Music and V.QQ are both entertainment platforms. QQ Zone is one of the main platforms of Tencent Group where users can communicate on a global ecosystem.
But QQ Messenger serves as an instant messenger and social media platform. It allows you to send messages, make voice and video calls, microblog, and has many other features that promote social interaction! Despite the app being accessible worldwide, 96% of its users are located in China. These users are approximately 52% male and 48% female.
QQ STATISTICS IN 2024
#5 XIAOHONGSHU OR RED, THE CHINESE INSTAGRAM
Q: What kind of app is Xiaohongshu?
A: Xiaohongshu is a social media platform, e-commerce and product review platform.
Q: How many users does the Xiaohongshu app have?
A: Xiaohongshu has over 163 million monthly active users.
Xiaohongshu, also known as Little Red Book or RED, is a Chinese platform combining social media platforms and e-commerce, comparable to Instagram. Created in 2013, it mainly targets young people, especially women from large cities, with 80% of users under 30. RED stands out for its user-generated content, a strong presence of influencers (KOLs) and e-commerce integration, allowing users to discover and purchase foreign products. With a community of nearly 200 million monthly active users and over 140,000 brands, Xiaohongshu offers a unique platform for foreign brands looking to enter the Chinese market.
Its user base, predominantly female (82% women, 62% Gen Z) is active and influential, focusing on fashion, cosmetics and lifestyle products. These “digital natives” with high incomes and significant consumption value branding. RED stands out with unique features and e-commerce integration, providing an attractive platform for influencer marketing and product promotion. 56% of its users say they use the platform several times a day!
XIAOHONGSHU/LITTLE RED BOOK 2024 STATISTICS
Check out our latest article which details everything you need to know about Xiaohongshu!
How to register a store on Xiaohongshu? Here’s the answer!
#6 WEIBO – THE CHINESE TWITTER/X?
Q: What kind of app is Weibo?
A: Weibo is a micro blogging platform.
Q: How many users does the Weibo app have?
A: Weibo has over 588 million active users.
The wide variety of functions available has allowed Weibo to evolve into a versatile platform which has no equivalent in Western social media. Just think of any function that can be found in social media platforms and Weibo will offer it. Among its hundreds of millions of users, the post-1990 generation represents 48% and the post-2000 generation 30%. With a male/female split of almost 50/50, they spend on average 50 minutes on the platform, every day.
Weibo, short for MicroBlog, is a platform for sharing short messages in real time. Considered China’s X (formerly Twitter), Weibo is a complex platform that offers different types of native advertising, semi-targeted ads, and even a live streaming option.
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF WEIBO
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Short/long messages:
Originally, it had a text limit of 140 characters per post, but Weibo has increased its character limit and encourages longer posts. The idea is to post thoughts or updates to people who follow you online (like on Facebook or Twitter). -
Follow accounts/topics:
Weibo is a communication tool. It allows you to follow people or organizations that interest you in order to see their new content, shared information… Like any social media platform, other people can also follow you. -
Live chat:
To increase online attention, users can discuss hot topics and interact with other people. -
Mention and Hashtags:
As on Instagram, the @ symbol is used to mention someone. Hashtags are also commonly used to search for topics (Weibo introduced this feature years before Instagram added its “follow hashtag” feature). -
Public comment and private message:
You can comment and forward other people’s posts. For more privacy, you can chat via private messages. - Weibo also offers many functions of gamification such as acquiring medals and adding apps (Weibo Square is where you can check these out).
- Live Streaming – Livestreaming
- Video vlogs
SINA WEIBO STATISTICS IN 2024
#7 KUAISHOU – AUTHENTIC AND UNFILTERED
Q: What kind of media is Kuaishou?
A: Kuaishou is a short video sharing and live streaming platform.
Q: How many monthly active users does Kuaishou have?
A: Kuaishou has over 504 million monthly active users.
True to its name, which means “fast hands”, Kuaishou has quickly established itself as one of China’s leading social media apps. She distinguished through its emphasis on short videos, favoring authentic and unfiltered content such as live streams and vlogs.
This popular livestreaming app has 504 million monthly active users, including 70% are under 35 years old.
Kuaishou differentiates itself from Douyin by creating extensive interactions between users and content generators. The application brings together every day 347 million users who pass more than 2 hours watching content ! We note that men are slightly more present than women with 55% against 45%.
KUAISHOU STATISTICS IN 2024
#8 BILIBILI – CULTURE AND COMMUNITY
Q: What type of media is Bilibili?
A: Bilibili is a video sharing and streaming platform.
Q: How many monthly active users does Bilibili have?
A: Bilibili has over 336 million monthly active users.
Bilibili (Chinese name: 哔哩哔哩) started as a space for anime fans and has grown into a cultural community and platform that some now call the “Chinese YouTube”. It is primarily a video hosting site, but it also offers livestreams, particularly popular among gamers, and is launching into the television program production.
This application and its features are especially appealing to 19-24 years old, which represent 61% of all users. Men and women are equally present on the platform and spend an average of 1 hour 30.
BILIBILI STATISTICS IN 2024
Social Media Platforms for News and Information in China
#9 JINGRI TOUTIAO (TODAY’S HEADLINES) – CHINESE NEWS UGC
Q: What type of media is jingri toutiao?
A: Jingri Toutiao is a news broadcasting platform
Q: How many monthly active users does Jingri Toutiao have?
A: Jingri Toutiao has over 270 million monthly active users.
JinRi Toutiao (Today’s Headlines) is a user-generated content and news platform that is extremely popular among young Chinese users. The age breakdown of Toutiao’s 700 million users is fairly homogeneous across the generations, as is gender (Women 45% and Men 55%). The average user spends 76 minutes on the site each day, which translates to 1.3 billion articles read each day.
JinRi Toutiao aims to help businesses, institutions, media and independent media gain more visibility and attention. With over 700 million registered users and 410 million monthly active users, who wouldn’t want a piece of this massive online audience? However, Toutiao accounts are difficult to apply for and it is particularly easy to get banned.
Users’ high-quality content will get more exposure thanks to a powerful intelligent recommendation algorithm, while the industry-leading weight removal protection mechanism will keep the original free from infringement worries.
The platform can publish videos, questions and answers. Also “Recommended” marked in red means that the platform supports this content.
#10 ZHIHU – THE CHINESE VERSION OF QUORA
Q: What is zhihu?
A: Zhihu is a knowledge/encyclopedia site in the form of a sharing and Q&A forum.
Q: How many monthly active users does zhihu have?
A: Zhihu has over 102 million monthly active users.
Zhihu can be considered the Chinese version of Quora for social media. Users can ask and answer questions on virtually any topic. 80% of registered users have a bachelor’s degree or higher and 20% of users have experience teaching abroad. Among its 102 million monthly active users, 71% are under 35 years old.
Recognized as the largest Q&A platform in China, Zhihu was included in the TOP 30 most influential platforms in China in 2017. Soon after, Zhihu launched “Zhihu university” in 2018, which allows users to educate themselves through online courses
The course system includes Zhihu Live and “Zhuhu Private Course” launched in late 2017. It includes both audio and video, a single course for bite-size learning and a series of longer courses that require more time and effort. The book system includes e-books and audiobooks, as well as a “Know the Book Club” section, launched in early 2018 to help users take apart and analyze books.
Zhihu is a much more serious platform than Quora and attracts industry professionals to share opinions and advice. Unintellectual or childish questions are not well received on the platform and are often not published on Zhihu.
Programmers, managers, founders, CEOs, etc. are the main professions of Zhihu users. Most of the content published therefore comes from the users themselves. Some profiles are labelled as an “expert” in a certain field, with a badge certifying their account.
The app’s interaction features are extensive and always oriented towards a clear goal of high-quality education and knowledge sharing. It is therefore possible to follow expert profiles and institution accounts, but you can also follow questions asked and get notified of the progress of the discussion and its related answers. You can also create and participate in polls and surveys, as well as like, share, comment and save posts, and participate in live streams and arrange private calls with experts.
The aim of this platform is to share constructive knowledge, and it allows professionals to stand out and prove their expertise in their chosen field, as well as reach an educated audience.
To learn more about Zhihu as a marketing tool, please check our article: All about Zhihu
#11 DOUBAN
Q: What kind of media is Douban?
A: Douban is an interest-based social media platform and forum.
Q: How many monthly active users does Douban have?
A: Douban has over 300 million monthly active users.
Douban originally started as a movie database, accompanied by movie discussion forums. Today, the forums have evolved to encompass discussions on all sorts of topics, and the site could be compared to Reddit rather than IMDb.
Its 300 million plus monthly active users are typically college-educated, middle-class urbanites. With a 57-43% female-to-male audience, Douban is one of the best word-of-mouth marketing platforms for entertainment. 65% of its users are under 35 (40% are between 24 and 35).
Founded in 2005, Douban is a forum dedicated to books, films, music, podcasts (Douban FM) with opinions, ratings and discussions. Douban also has a group feature, where people can join together based on their common interests! Chinese people pay close attention to the rankings given by this platform to choose whether to watch a TV show or a movie.
#12 HUPU
Q: What kind of media is Hupu?
A: Hupu is a sports-based news forum.
Q: How many monthly active users does Hupu have?
A: Hupu has over 86 million monthly active users.
HUPU, a platform focused on sports news, brings together 91% men within its user base. 86% of its audience is under 30!
The information shared can come from certified accounts and profiles but also from users. The content can be posts and written articles but also livestreaming sessions and discussions in closed forums.
The platform has a total of 86 million monthly active users.
#13 NETEASE
Q: What type of media is Netease?
A: Netease is a news and information platform.
Q: How many monthly active users does Netease have?
A: Netease has over 300 million monthly active users.
Just like Toutiao, Netease is a platform that shares news and articles posted by professionals or individuals. With a predominantly male audience (65% vs 35%), the latter is young since 85% of users are between 18 and 35 years old. They write, read, comment, like and share relevant articles.
#14 36KR
Q: What type of media is 36kr?
A: 36kr is a news platform based on the technology industry and the startup environment.
The application draws its content from verified sources, newspapers and journalists who are experts in the field, as well as from professionals in the sector. Authors have the ability to publish articles that will be shared and commented on. They can also create newsletters to which their audience can subscribe. Readers can then be reminded to read the latest trends following specific profiles, companies and even topics!
This platform is famous for advertising because it is the only one to offer advertising on its own account: 36KR.
E-Commerce Websites and Apps in China
#15 TAOBAO – ALIEXPRESS IN CHINA
Q: What kind of app is TaoBao?
A: TaoBao is an e-commerce platform and online marketplace.
Q: How many users does TaoBao app have?
A: TaoBao has over 877 million active users.
TaoBao, a platform launched in 2003 by Alibaba Group, has become an essential for e-commerce in China.
With annual revenues exceeding several hundred billion dollars, it compares to giants such as eBay and Amazon.
The platform is popular among a wide range of consumers, especially young people, thanks to its wide range of products and ease of use. TaoBao stands out with its live streaming, customizable stores and interactive features, attracting a large user base, including many young consumers.
It plays a crucial role in China’s digital retail landscape, offering a complete and varied online shopping experience.
To learn more about Taobao, please see our article.
TAOBAO STATISTICS IN 2024
Chart description:
The e-commerce platform is popular among both women and men (51% and 49%), and age breakdown doesn’t vary much from one category to another. 16% are under 24, 26% are between 25 and 34, 19% are between 35 and 44, 17% are between 45 and 54 and 12% are over 55.
The platform does not support cross-border e-commerce. In China, it hosts domestic chain stores and individual stores. Taobao offers business models such as general e-commerce, B2B and B2BC. In keeping with the Chinese social media ecosystem, the platform supports Livestreaming, which is an integral part of its customers’ shopping experience.
In 2024, the main product categories were: “clothing, shoes and bags”, “digital products”, “jewelry”, “beauty and skin care” and “mother & baby products”.
#16 PINDUODUO – TAOBAO BUT EVEN CHEAPER
Q: What kind of app is pinduoduo?
A: Pinduoduo is a group buying platform
Q: How many users does Pinduoduo app have?
A: Pingduoduo has more than 751 million monthly users.
Q: How does Pinduoduo differ from other apps?
A: ¨Users can buy discounted products by forming purchasing groups with friends, family, and strangers»
In 2023, e-commerce giant Pinduoduo had more active users than JD.com, including 90% that born after the year 2000. 60% of its users come from third and fourth tier cities.
Founded in September 2015 by Shanghai XunMeng Technology, before going public in the United States in 2016, Pinduoduo became the second most downloaded app in China last year. Pinduoduo is a third-party social e-commerce platform that focuses on the C2B conglomerate.
In 2023, Pinduoduo, a Chinese e-commerce giant, continues to make waves in the market. With an impressive 66.6% growth in sales over three years and a 142.6% increase in earnings per share, the company attracted strong institutional demand. These remarkable performances have not only strengthened its position in the market but also led to a significant rise in its shares. Pinduoduo stands out for its ability to innovate and meet the changing needs of consumers, giving it a strong position in China’s competitive e-commerce sector.
Interesting fact: Pinduoduo is owned by PDD Holdings, the company that also owns the cross-border e-commerce platform Temu !
PINDUODUO STATISTICS IN 2024
Chart description:
In the same industry as Taobao, Pinduoduo’s gender split is almost even (55% female, 45% male) and the age distribution is relatively even, with a peak of 24% of its users in the 25-34 age category. The remainder consists of 14% of people under 24, 19% of people aged 35 to 44, 18% of people aged 45 to 54 and 14% of people aged 55 and over.
Pinduoduo, like its competitor, supports livestreaming as well as home business stores and individual stores. But the platform also supports “flagship” stores (Flagship Store) and cross-border e-commerce! Its business models include B2C, ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) and a group purchase function.
In 2024, its most popular product categories were “Electronics & Digital”, “Beauty & Skin Care”, “Mother & Baby Products”, “Food & Health” and “Outdoor Sports Equipment”.
#17 JD.COM – LIGHTNING FAST!
Q: What type of app is JD.com?
A: JD.com is an online commerce platform for local and international businesses.
Q: How many monthly active users does JD.com have?
A: JD.com has more than 400 million monthly active users.
One could argue that JD.com is the Chinese’s favorite online supermarket. Founded by Richard Liu in 1998, the company has become a go-to place for shopping with confidence. What makes JD.com so great is its incredible delivery network: what you order in the morning can often arrive on your doorstep before the end of the day! It has made a name for itself by ensuring that all its products, be them electronic gadgets or everyday products, are authentic and of good quality.
Today, theJD.com app has nearly 400 million monthly active users with a generally even gender breakdown (45% Women, 55% Men) and age (-24: 16%, 25-34: 30%, 35-44: 21%, 45-54: 16%, 55+: 17%). Every day, JD.com continues to surprise people by using cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence and even drones, to make the shopping experience even smoother and faster.
JD.COM STATISTICS IN 2024
Chart description:
JD.com hosts a wide range of stores, including those from domestic and international companies, as well as Jingdong Marketplace vendors. The platform also supports cross-border trade, allowing businesses to reach a global audience.
JD.com’s business model is diversified, encompassing B2BC (Business to Business to Consumer), B2C (Business to Consumer), and B2B (Business to Business) segments. This versatility allows the platform to adapt to different types of business transactions, thus meeting the varied needs of its users.
In 2024, the most popular product categories on JD.com included home appliances, electronics, beauty products, kitchen supplies, clothing, shoes and bags. Additionally, like its competitors, the platform supports livestreaming, offering sellers a dynamic and interactive way to showcase their products and engage their customers in real time.
#18 SECOO – LUXURY SPECIALIST
Q: What type of application is Secoo?
A: Secoo is an e-commerce platform specializing in luxury products.
Q: How many monthly active users does Secoo have?
A: Secoo has over 520 million monthly active users.
Launched in 2008, the SECOO app is in some ways the dream destination for luxury lovers in China. The platform specializes in high-end products, ranging from designer clothing to luxury watches and exclusive accessories.
Its site hosts stores but also individuals who can sell to other stores or to other individuals. The key product categories for this year 2024 were clothing, watches and jewelry, bags and leather goods, beauty and skin care, and finally shoes.
SECOO has built a reputation by offering its customers the assurance of purchasing authentic and certified products, often difficult to find elsewhere (except in original stores), particularly because the presence of counterfeit goods is widespread.
Today the platform brings together 520 million monthly active users, split fairly equally between men (56%) and women (44%).
SECOO STATISTICS IN 2024
NB: There are tons of e-commerce platforms in China, so we decided to create a few separate articles dedicated to this topic. Here are some of the most useful ones:
Chinese e-commerce platforms: registration costs
5 Wonderful E-Commerce Solutions Other Than Tmall
Guide to Cross-Border E-Commerce Platforms in China
Video Hosting Platforms and Applications in China
#19 YOUKU – BETWEEN YOUTUBE AND NETFLIX, CHINESE VERSION
Q: What kind of app is Youku?
A: Youku is a video service application.
Q: How many users does the Youku app have?
A: Youku has over 251 million registered users.
Q: Who are the top users on Youku?
A: According to statistics, 80% of Youku users are between 18 and 40 years old.
The original “Chinese YouTube “, Youku occupies an irreplaceable place among the main and essential social media platforms in China. More than two-thirds of its 251 million users come from affluent, college-educated backgrounds, and 82% are aged 18 to 40.
Its audience is 60% female and 40% male, with most users aged 25-34 (33%), followed by 35-44 (21%). Young users under 24 represent 18% of the audience, while older groups are less represented.
MAIN FEATURES OF YOUKU
Youku is therefore a video platform managed by the Youku group of the giant Alibaba. Currently, Youku is one of the leading video platforms covering a daily viewing volume of over 1.18 billion minutes per day, figures that make your head spin.
The platform offers a vast library of content, including movies, series and exclusive content. It supports livestreaming and provides user-driven recommendations. AI to improve user experience. Users can also download content for offline viewing. Videos can be viewed directly on your computer or your TV, but they are mostly watched directly on the mobile phones of users.
Youku operates on a business model that includes advertising, premium subscriptions, pay-per-view options, and e-commerce features. Access is free, but it is accompanied with advertisements and excludes access to exclusive content and viewing in high definition (HD).
#20 TENCENT VIDEO
Q: What type of media is Tencent Video?
A: Tencent Video is a video hosting service.
Q: How many people use Tencent Video?
A: 900 million people use Tencent Video.
Launched by tech giant Tencent, this streaming platform has become one of the most popular in China, offering a vast library of content. Tencent Video hosts TV shows, movies, sports and news. But also original content produced in partnership with international studios.
With 385 million monthly active users divided into 48% men and 52% women, half of this audience is under 35 years old. Its contents are compatible with Virtual Reality equipment, incorporate livestreaming and e-commerce services, and let Artificial Intelligence take care of recommendations to users.
#21 IQIYI
Q: What type of media is Iqiyi?
A: Iqiyi is a video hosting service.
Q: How many people use Iqiyi?
A: 465 million people use Iqiyi.
IQiyi, often referred to as the “Chinese Netflix,” is one of the leading streaming platforms in China. Launched in 2010 by Baidu, the application quickly established itself as an essential name for fans of series, films, reality TV shows, and animations.
What sets iQiyi apart is its high-quality original content, ranging from popular Chinese dramas to licensed international productions and most importantly, content exclusive to the platform. This content is undoubtedly a hit with its audience, which is predominantly female (58% versus 42%), spread across the ages: -24: 17%, 25-34: 28%, 35-44: 20%, 45-54: 15%, 55+: 9%. With a user-friendly interface and an ever-expanding catalog, iQiyi caters to all audiences, offering entertainment for all tastes.
Following this trend, iQiyi also offers livestreaming services, AI recommendations and catalogs, and several subscription offers. Among these there is the free model, with advertisements, without access to High Definition and exclusive content. Then there is the Premium offer, which requires a fee, but gives you full access to the platform and its services. There is also a pay-per-content option, meaning you rent the movie for a set period of time. And finally, online commerce is possible here, because during livestreamings, influencers can promote products, which can be purchased through the platform directly.
#22 MANGO TV
Q: What type of media is Mango TV?
A: Mango TV is a very popular streaming platform in China.
Q: How many people use Mango TV?
A: 267 million people use Mango TV.
Mango TV stands out for its dynamic and entertaining content, mainly focused on reality tv shows, THE drama series, and variety programs. Launched by Hunan Broadcasting System, one of China’s largest television stations, Mango TV is particularly popular among younger generations for its innovative, exclusive shows, sometimes produced in-house. Its audience is largely dominated by women to the tune of 76% And 70% are under 35 years old.
Just like its competitors, Mango TV offers a free subscription with advertising, a paid subscription for full access, complementary e-commerce services but also paid livestreaming options! Whether it’s to follow the latest trends or just binge on captivating series, Mango TV offers a colorful and lively streaming experience.
Livestreaming Websites and Apps for Video Games
#23 HUYA – GAME STREAMING PARADISE
Q: What type of media is Huya?
A: Huya is a gaming video/live streaming platform.
Q: How many monthly active users does Huya have?
A: Huya has over 8.36 million monthly active users.
Huya is a gaming livestreaming platform that is extremely popular among active users under the age of 44, which makes up 80% of its audience. User loyalty and interaction with the platform remains at a very high level, with an average daily viewing time of 135 minutes.
Huya tried to merge with DouYu, another live game streaming giant, in 2020. According to Variety, this could have allowed the platforms to capture 80% of the Chinese market. This attempt failed and the platforms denied any rumors that it was still in the works, They nevertheless collaborate, as they are both supported by Tencent.
Huya’s team invests its core resources to provide users with a clear, fast and smooth live viewing experience. Users can interact with the host in real time, in the form of text messages and meetings with their gaming idols. They can also make donations and send virtual gifts, which is part of the platform’s monetization system in addition to subscriptions and partnerships.
The vast majority are male (70%), including big video game fans. Huya offers live broadcasts of popular games, online gaming competitions and broadcasts from gaming stars and influencers: KOLs. All of this is compatible on phone, computer and game console and in 4k, with the possibility of sharing everything easily by having integrated social media platforms into the platform.
#24 DOUYU – FOR GAMING FANS
Q: What kind of media is Douyu?
A: Douyu is a video game livestreaming platform.
Q: How many monthly active users does Douyu have?
A: Douyu has over 5.17 million monthly active users.
Despite a failed merger attempt with Huya, Douyu remains one of the most popular apps for gaming fans. Launched in 2014, Douyu has quickly established itself as the leader in game streaming, where gamers come to watch live games, eSports tournaments, and broadcasts from their favorite streamers.
A little like Huya, Douyu’s audience is composed mainly of men (71%) with 81% of its population under 45, and 58% under 35. The app offers exactly the same compatibility, integration and subscription features as its competitor Huya. However, the difference is in the type of games it hosts. In addition to MOBAs, FPSs and Battle Royales, Douyu also hosts RPGs, which Huya does not.
#25 INKE
Q: What type of media is Inke?
A: Inke is a livestreaming platform.
Inke is a live streaming platform that stands out for its social and interactive side. In fact, the platform only hosts mobile games and its video resolution stops at High Definition.
Launched in 2015, Inke allows its users to stream and watch live videos, covering a wide variety of topics from daily life to artistic talent to live discussions. What makes Inke unique is its focus on connecting users and broadcasters, with features that encourage interaction, like virtual gifts and real-time chats.
In 2024, Inke continues to appeal to a young and dynamic audience, offering a space where everyone can express their creativity and make themselves known. The platform is also known for hosting live events and interactive challenges, making the streaming experience both entertaining and engaging.
Chinese Recommendation and Delivery Apps
#26 DIANPING – THE CHINESE VERSION OF YELP/TRIPADVISOR
Q: What kind of application is Dianping?
A: Dianping is an online review, restaurant, and experience platform.
Q: How many users does Dianping app have?
A: Dianping has over 500 million registered users.
Recently acquired by the MeiTuan group, Dianping is a bit like Tripadvisor or Yelp, but much more advanced. Users can find and rate restaurants, hotels, gyms, movies and many other services. They can book directly and benefit from discounts and advantages via the application.
The social dimension is at the forefront, with multiple feeds displaying the best recommendations from the nearby public. Most of the 500 million users are between 16 and 40 years old and are mainly students and urban dwellers. Dianping was hit hard during the COVID-2019 pandemic, but was able to recover as soon as the Chinese economy recovered.
Launched in 2003, and backed by Google and Tencent, Dazhong Dianping is the leading platform for information and evaluation of local life in China. This popular app/platform not only provides information services such as business information, consumer reviews and consumer preferences, but also online business services such as group buying, restaurant reservations, takeaways and e-membership cards.
Want to know how to use it or how to register your business on Dianping? Learn more about Dianping in our previous article.
#27 MEITUAN – ALL SERVICES IN ONE PLACE
Q: What kind of app is Meituan?
A: Meituan is a review and delivery platform and is known for its bike rental.
Q: How many people use Meituan?
A: There are 160 million monthly active users on Meituan.
Meituan is an application very similar to Dianping, it is also operated by the same company: Meituan-Dianping since their merger in 2015 and share their users’ data with each other.
The main differences between the 2 apps are an in-app food delivery service and a bike sharing/rental service, which can be found everywhere in Shanghai and major Chinese cities. Its 500 million users (total number of accounts on the platform) are generally young and have an above-average income, particularly 25-34 year-olds, who represent 37.5% of users.
Its user base is 69% male and 31% female. Meituan offers a wide range of services beyond food delivery, including grocery deliveries, product deliveries, taxi booking, and access to various coupons and deals. It offers extensive nationwide coverage and supports multiple payment methods, such as WeChat Pay, Alipay and local bank cards.
The platform also includes advanced features like real-time tracking, AI-driven recommendations, and 24/7 customer support. Users can exchange reviews, comments and a rating system, with social media integration options. Premium subscriptions are available for those looking for enhanced services.
#28 ELE.ME – EASY AND FAST!
Q: What type of app is Ele.me?
A: Eleme.me is a food and grocery delivery platform.
Q: How many people use Ele.me?
A: There are 70 million monthly active users on Ele.me.
Ele.me is one of the big names in food delivery in China. Founded in 2008, the platform stands out for its ability to quickly connect consumers with a wide range of restaurants, from well-known chains to local establishments. In 2024, Ele.me remains a preferred choice thanks to its efficient and convenient delivery service, which includes not only meals but also groceries and drinks.
What makes Ele.me special is its ease of use: you can order in just a few clicks, track your delivery in real time, and pay flexibly. The platform continues to innovate with advanced technologies to make deliveries even faster and more personalized.
Compared to competitors like Meituan, which offers a wider range of services including hotel reservations and ticketing, or Dianping, which focuses on restaurant reviews and delivery to a lesser extent, Ele.me focuses exclusively on food delivery.
Music Apps In China
#29 NETEASE MUSIC
NetEase Music is a bit of a refuge for music lovers in China. Launched in 2013, this platform is known for its convenient interface and extensive music library. What really sets it apart is the quality of its personalized recommendations and playlists, which allow you to discover new artists and musical genres.
In addition, NetEase Music is a community in itself, with 153 million active users monthly, they can discuss music among enthusiasts. With a good gender balance in its audience (52% Women and 48% Men), 70%users are under 35!
#30 QQ MUSIC
QQ Music, developed by Tencent, is one of the most popular music platforms in China. Since its launch, QQ Music has established itself with its huge catalog of songs, including both international hits and Chinese music. The app offers a seamless user experience with features like karaoke, synced lyrics, and recommendations based on individual preferences.
The platform stands out among its 196 million monthly active users through its musical catalog. Appealing to both a female (52%) and male (48%) audience, more than 50% of its audience falls tinto 18 to 35 category.
#31 XIMALAYA FM
Ximalaya FM is THE podcast and audiobook platform in China. Since its launch in 2012, it has become a meeting place for those who like to learn, be entertained or simply relax while listening to audio content. The app now has over 87 million monthly active users, evenly split between ages (18-24: 13%, 25-34: 26%, 35-44: 24%, 45-54: 19%, 55+: 10%).
It has everything from radio shows, educational podcasts, children’s stories, and even online courses. What makes Ximalaya FM so appealing is the diversity of its content and the ability for users to create their own podcasts.
#32 KUGOU
Finally, Kugou is one of the oldest music platforms in China, best known for its large library of Chinese music. Since its launch in 2004, Kugou has stood out for its ability to deliver a personalized music experience, with features like synced lyrics and karaoke. It is also a platform where its 232 million monthly active users can connect and share their musical tastes with other fans. With its high-quality streaming options and user-friendly interface, Kugou is a top choice for those who enjoy streaming music and discovering new tracks.
Social Medias Opportunities in China
#33 XIANYU – THE CHINESE VINTED
Q: What kind of media is Xianyu?
A: Xianyu is an online second-hand shopping platform.
More than 60% of its 200 million users were born in the 1990s, and nearly 70% are women. You can find this application by following this link: https://2.taobao.com/
Xianyu, also known as “Idle Fish”, is Taobao’s second-hand shopping platform, similar to eBay but without auctions. It is very popular in China for buying and selling second-hand goods, like LeBonCoin. Launched by Alibaba, Xianyu allows users to sell or buy almost anything they can think of: clothes, electronic gadgets, furniture, and even collectibles. What makes Xianyu unique is its community spirit. Users can chat, negotiate prices, and share tips for finding good deals.
The app is particularly popular with younger generations looking to recycle their belongings or find hidden treasures at affordable prices. In 2024, Xianyu continues to thrive by integrating new features like personalized recommendations and secure payment options, making the buying and selling experience even smoother and more enjoyable.
Chinese Blogging Platforms and Apps
#34 BAIJIAHAO – FOR ALL ABOMINATING BLOGGERS AND WRITERS
Q: What type of media is Baijahao?
A: Baijahao is a blogging platform.
Baijiahao is a content creation platform developed by Baidu, China’s No. 1 search engine. This platform is intended for budding bloggers and writers, but also for content creators and journalists. They have the ability to share articles, videos, and other forms of media, giving them a space to publish and monetize their creations.
What sets Baijiahao apart is its integration with the Baidu search engine, which allows published content to reach a wide audience through search results. Contents published on the platform will be delivered to users on Baidu mobile search, Baidu Search on Desktop and Baidu mobile browser. Creators can thus reach a wider audience while benefiting from the analysis and monetization tools offered by the platform. Baijiahao encourages content creators to create high-quality content.
It is therefore thanks to its high visibility and its support for all creators, novice or experienced, that Baijiahao continues to grow its popularity. For users, it is a rich source of information and entertainment from diverse and expert voices.
Professional Social Media Platforms in China
#35 MAIMAI – THE CHINESE LINKEDIN
Q: What type of media is Maimai?
A: Maimai is a professional social media platform.
MaiMai is a must-have app for professionals in China who want to expand their network and find career opportunities. Much like LinkedIn, MaiMai allows you to connect with colleagues, recruiters, and other experts in your field. What makes MaiMai truly unique is its anonymous nature. Users can share their work experiences, give feedback on their company, and discuss sensitive topics without having to reveal their identity.
Launched in 2013, MaiMai quickly gained popularity thanks to this freedom of expression. In 2024, it continues to attract professionals looking to advance their careers, while offering a space where people can talk openly about their daily work life.
Social Media Platforms and Sports and Health Applications
#36 KEEP – FITNESS FOR EVERYONE
Q: What type of app is Keep?
A: Keep is a fitness app.
Keep is the fitness app trusted by millions of Chinese people to stay in shape. Since its launch in 2015, it has established itself as an essential sports companion, offering a variety of workouts suitable for all levels, whether for yoga, weight training, or running. What sets Keep apart is its ability to personalize programs based on your goals, while allowing you to track your progress and stay motivated through a vibrant community.
Recently, Keep launched new features like live classes, nutrition tips, and challenges that push users to surpass themselves. Whether you’re a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, Keep is here to support you and make your workouts accessible and stimulating, right from your smartphone.
#37 MINT (BOHE)
Q: What type of app is Mint?
A: Mint is a health and wellness app.
Mint (also known as Bohe) is a popular app in China for those interested in health and wellness. The app focuses on health tracking, offering tools to monitor your diet, physical activity, sleep, and even your mental state. Mint is designed to be a personal health coach in your pocket, helping you maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Launched with the idea of making health management more accessible, Mint offers personalized advice, reminders to stay active, and recommendations based on your habits. In 2024, Mint continues to improve by integrating advanced features, such as deeper data analysis and even more personalized wellness advice for each user.
Which Chinese Apps Should You Use For Your Business By 2024?
The choice of Chinese apps you decide to invest in will really depend on the type of business you run.
Generally speaking, most Chinese people seek advice (RED, Weibo), read entertaining and educational content (WeChat) and watch videos (Youku, Douyin). Younger generations spend their time on Taobao looking for new or interesting products, while the older generation is looking for good deals on Pinduoduo.
Most platforms offer purchasing options and almost all of them are interactive and very comprehensive, offering maximum functionality to their users. The Chinese social media landscape is truly immense, making it very easy to get lost.
Where to start?
Here are some of our tips to apply:
DON’T CREATE A SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT JUST TO HAVE ONE
Brands often open different accounts on Chinese social media in the hope that people will actively seek them out, but this is not the case. If your account doesn’t add any value to the subscriber’s life (membership, games, discounts, access, etc.), you will have a hard time increasing your subscriber count.
DO NOT OPEN AN ACCOUNT IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO PROVIDE VALUE TO CUSTOMERS
The most successful accounts on WeChat and other platforms are those that are interactive and not just give out information.
Just like Facebook and LinkedIn, most Chinese social media apps intentionally reduce visibility so that brands spend more money on advertising. In fact, apps like WeChat are said to be “closed” because only friends and close contacts can see updates.
However, there are “creative” ways to get known on so-called “open” platforms like Weibo or Douyin, where creating viral content remains easier.
Otherwise, targeted advertising on WeChat remains one of the best options to start with.
Advertising on WeChat: Ad Types, CPM Pricing, PPC Pricing
Identify the best Chinese social media platforms to support your e-commerce solution
Whether or not your brand has a large following on Weibo or Douyin, it is still important to link your e-commerce links to social media platforms.
If you have any questions or would like further information, do not hesitate to contact us.
HI-COM is a digital marketing agency that provides businesses worldwide with China-specific strategies, social media communications services and e-commerce marketing services. Working with more than 100 brands, HI-COM is the preferred partner for companies wishing to enter the Chinese market!
Contact us for a free consultation today!
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