Chinese Apps You Should Check Out!
Discover the Best Chinese Apps That Are Changing the Game!
Chinese Apps You Should Check Out in the West
In a world where everything’s connected, why stick to the same old Western apps? Chinese apps bring something fresh to the table—cool features, unique vibes, and a peek into a whole different culture. Here’s a rundown of some popular Chinese apps that you might want to add to your daily routine.
WeChat: The Swiss Army Knife of Apps
WeChat is like if WhatsApp, Facebook, Venmo, and a bunch of other apps had a baby. It’s a one-stop shop for pretty much everything.
What’s Cool About It?
- Chatting: Text, voice, video—you name it. Group chats? Yep, it’s got those too.
- Moments: Think of it like Facebook’s newsfeed. Share pics, videos, and updates with your crew.
- Payments: WeChat Pay lets you do everything from splitting bills to paying for stuff with a quick QR scan.
- Global Reach: You can connect with people all over the world and find new communities.
Why Give It a Shot?
✅ It’s perfect if you want everything in one place—messaging, social media, and payments.
✅ Great for staying in touch with friends, family, or business contacts who already use it.
✅ Super handy if you’re traveling to China.
Fun Fact: It’s no exaggeration to say that WeChat simply makes life easier in China. It’s an absolute must if you live there. Interestingly, 98.5% of smartphone users aged 50-80 use WeChat, and 61% of users over 60 spend more than half of their total mobile data consumption on it. Younger users, however, spend only around 14% of their mobile data on the platform. WeChat’s gender distribution is nearly balanced, with 48% women and 52% men, and users spend an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes on the app daily.
Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese Cousin): Short Videos on Steroids
TikTok’s Chinese version, Douyin, takes short videos to the next level, especially with its social commerce features.
What’s the Deal?
- Live Shopping: Buy stuff directly from influencer streams.
- Cool Features: More effects, filters, and creative tools than TikTok.
- Exclusive Content: Get a sneak peek at trends before they go global.
Why Check It Out?
✅ If you’re into creating content or running a small biz, Douyin offers new ways to make money.
✅ It’s a window into China’s fast-paced entertainment scene.
✅ Perfect for anyone who loves short, addictive videos.
Who’s Using It?
48.7% of Douyin’s daily users in China are under 30 years old. Known internationally as TikTok, Douyin boasts 755 million users, many from smaller cities, who spend over 2 hours per day on the platform. Livestreaming is also huge, with 90% of users tuning in.
Xiaohongshu (RED): The Chinese Instagram
Xiaohongshu, also known as Little Red Book or RED, is a social media and e-commerce platform that combines the best of Instagram and Amazon.
What’s Unique?
- User-Generated Content: A strong focus on reviews, recommendations, and lifestyle content.
- E-Commerce Integration: Discover and purchase foreign products directly on the app.
- Influencer Culture: A thriving community of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) who shape trends.
Why Dive In?
✅ If you’re into fashion, beauty, or lifestyle, Xiaohongshu is a goldmine of inspiration.
✅ It’s a great platform for brands looking to tap into the Chinese market.
Who’s Using It?
Xiaohongshu has over 163 million monthly active users, with 80% under 30 years old. Its user base is predominantly female (89% women, 62% Gen Z), and 56% of users claim they open the app multiple times a day.
Bilibili: YouTube Meets Twitch
Started as a hub for anime, comics, and gaming, Bilibili has grown into a go-to spot for all kinds of videos—vlogs, tutorials, docs, and more.
What’s Unique?
- Danmu Comments: Real-time comments that scroll across the screen, making it feel like you’re watching with a crowd.
- Long-Form Content: Unlike TikTok’s quick hits, Bilibili is great for deep dives.
- Super Engaged Community: People here are passionate about niche content.
Why Check It Out?
✅ If you’re into YouTube or Twitch, Bilibili offers a fresh take with unique content.
✅ It’s a cool way to explore Chinese pop culture and trending topics.
Who’s Using It?
61% of Bilibili’s users are aged 19-24, with an equal gender split. Users spend an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes on the platform daily.
Tencent Video: China’s Answer to Netflix
Tencent Video is a top streaming service with a huge library of shows, movies, and live events.
What’s the Buzz?
- Exclusive Content: Get access to hit Chinese shows and movies you won’t find elsewhere.
- Live Streams: Catch global sports and variety shows.
- Ecosystem Integration: Works seamlessly with WeChat for easy sharing.
Why Watch?
✅ If you’re into discovering new shows and movies, Tencent Video has a ton of Chinese content to explore.
✅ It’s a great way to see different storytelling styles and cultural perspectives
QQ Music: Spotify with a Chinese Twist
QQ Music is one of China’s biggest music platforms, offering both international hits and exclusive Chinese tracks.
What’s Special?
- Huge Community: Over 800 million users sharing playlists and recommendations.
- Exclusive Tracks: Discover Chinese and Asian artists you won’t find on Spotify.
- Social Features: Share what you’re listening to and see what’s trending.
Why Listen?
✅ Great for exploring Chinese pop, rock, or traditional music.
✅ The interface is user-friendly, even if you don’t speak Chinese.
Why Bother with Chinese Apps?
The world’s more connected than ever, and trying out Chinese apps can:
🌟 Spice Up Your Digital Life: Discover features that might not be on Western apps yet.
🌏 Dive into Chinese Culture: Get a feel for what’s trending and how people live in China.
🌍 Connect Globally: Meet new people and build relationships across borders.
💼 Open Up New Opportunities: Whether it’s e-commerce, content creation, or networking, these apps can help you tap into new markets.
From entertainment to chatting and payments, Chinese apps offer some awesome alternatives to the usual Western ones. Give them a try and see how they can jazz up your digital world! 🚀