Creating engaging content has never been easier with the variety of Chinese apps available for content creators. As we enter 2024, it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest and most effective tools to enhance your content creation process. In this article, Bluefocus has compiled a list of the top Chinese apps that every content creator should consider using this year.
Chinese Apps Suitable for Short Videos
抖音 – Douyin
- Douyin, the Chinese counterpart of TikTok, is a powerhouse for trends and content ideas. With its extensive library of short videos, creators can find endless inspiration across various genres. Whether you are into dance, comedy, education, or lifestyle content, Douyin has something for everyone.
- The platform offers four versions: Original, Huoshan (focused on live streaming), Speed (for faster video browsing), and Select (curated high-quality content).
- Douyin’s advanced algorithms ensure that users receive personalized content, making it easier for creators to connect with their target audience. Among Chinese Apps, Douyin stands out as a leading platform for short videos.
快手 – Kuaishou (Kawai)
- Kuaishou, known as Kawai in some regions, excels in fostering community engagement through short videos. It’s a go-to platform for series, sitcoms, short films, animations, and rural life content. The app’s unique left-swipe feature allows users to easily browse through a channel’s entire video library, enhancing the viewing experience.
- Launched in 2011, five years before Douyin, Kuaishou has grown into a massive platform with significant traffic. Many Douyin creators also maintain a presence on Kuaishou, making it a valuable alternative for content ideas if you can’t access Douyin. This versatility makes Kuaishou a top choice among Chinese Apps for short video content.
小红书 – Xiaohongshu (RED)
- Xiaohongshu, or RED, blends social media with e-commerce, focusing heavily on photo content. It’s a haven for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle enthusiasts, offering high-quality, aesthetically pleasing images that resemble those on Instagram.
- The platform is particularly effective for product discovery and conversion, with a higher sales conversion rate compared to Douyin. Creators can share detailed reviews, tutorials, and recommendations, making it a trusted source for consumers.
- As one of the prominent Chinese Apps, Xiaohongshu is perfect for those who prioritize photo content and aesthetic appeal.
皮皮虾 – Pipixia
- Another gem from ByteDance, Pipixia specializes in short, humorous videos and photos. Despite being less popular, it has a loyal user base drawn by its entertaining content and witty comments (神评).
- These comments often become more popular than the original posts, creating a unique community culture. I once built a page with 100k followers solely based on the hilarious comments from Pipixia users, proving the app’s potential for engagement. Pipixia is a notable example of Chinese Apps that excel in humor and community interaction.
Video Platforms
西瓜视频 – Xiguashipin
- Xiguashipin, or Watermelon Video, is a comprehensive video platform that predates Douyin’s extended video format. It’s ideal for longer content like movie reviews, educational videos, crime documentaries, science explainers, and vlogs.
- The platform’s vast library ensures that users can find virtually any type of content. Although Douyin has since increased its video length, Xigua remains a favorite for its ease of following short films and detailed reviews. Among Chinese Apps, Xiguashipin is a top contender for those seeking diverse and in-depth video content.
哔哩哔哩 – Bilibili
- Bilibili, often dubbed the YouTube of China, is a haven for anime, animation, and gaming content. It caters primarily to Gen Z, offering a mix of user-generated videos, professional productions, and live streams.
- The platform is also known for its “bullet comments” that fly across the screen, adding an interactive element to the viewing experience. Bilibili hosts a variety of content, from educational series and vlogs to music videos and e-sports, making it a versatile platform for creators.
- Bilibili stands out among Chinese Apps for its unique community features and diverse content.
iQIYI, WeTV, MangoTV, Youku
- These streaming giants offer a plethora of TV dramas, reality shows, and exclusive series. iQIYI is often compared to Netflix for its extensive library of original content and popular series. WeTV, MangoTV, and Youku also provide a wide range of entertainment, though many of their premium shows require a VIP subscription for full access.
- These platforms are especially popular among fans of Chinese celebrities and entertainment, providing high-quality productions and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. They are essential Chinese Apps for anyone interested in Chinese TV dramas and reality shows.
Apps for Live Streaming
- Inke: Inke is a leading live streaming platform that allows content creators to broadcast in real-time and interact with their audience. It’s perfect for those who want to build a closer connection with their followers through live Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive events. Inke is a must-have among Chinese Apps for live streaming enthusiasts.
- Huya: A popular choice among gamers, Huya focuses on live-streaming gameplay. It’s similar to Twitch and is ideal for gaming content creators who want to showcase their skills, host live commentary sessions, and engage with a community of gaming enthusiasts. Huya stands out among Chinese Apps for its focus on the gaming community.
Apps for Social Media and E-commerce Integration
- WeChat: More than just a messaging app, WeChat offers extensive features for content creation and e-commerce. Creators can use Moments to share short updates and multimedia content, while official accounts allow for publishing longer articles and videos. WeChat also supports mini-programs, which are lightweight apps within WeChat, enabling creators to offer services and products directly to their audience. As one of the most versatile Chinese Apps, WeChat is essential for any creator looking to integrate social media and e-commerce.
- Pinduoduo: Known for its social e-commerce model, Pinduoduo integrates shopping with social sharing. It’s a great platform for content creators who want to leverage group buying and social sharing to promote products. Pinduoduo is a standout among Chinese Apps for its innovative approach to social e-commerce.
You can also utilize Bluefocus‘s Facebook agency account rental service to experience the most effective advertising campaigns on Facebook.
- 微博 – Weibo: Weibo is a versatile Chinese app that offers a diverse range of content similar to Facebook. It features personal accounts, organizational channels, celebrity profiles, and community pages. I primarily use Weibo to follow updates on Chinese entertainment (Cbiz), celebrities, anime, art, home decor, and automobiles. It’s one of the most comprehensive Chinese apps for staying informed on various topics.
- 新浪新闻 – Sina News: Sina News is a go-to platform for political news, newspaper articles, drama updates, and information on Chinese entertainment. It provides in-depth coverage of current events, making it a reliable source among Chinese apps for news.
- 今日头条 – Toutiao: Originally a news site owned by ByteDance, Toutiao now allows account synchronization with Douyin and Xigua, similar to the integration of Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. This feature makes it easy to manage and share content across these popular Chinese apps.
- 百度 – Baidu: Besides being a powerful search engine, Baidu offers a wide array of features and services, creating an ecosystem akin to Google. It’s an indispensable tool among Chinese apps for searching and accessing a variety of online services.
Writing Social Networks (for intermediate Chinese speakers)
- 简书 – Jianshu: Jianshu is a social media platform dedicated to writing, ideal for literary enthusiasts. It features a plethora of captivating essays and articles from anonymous authors, making it one of the most engaging Chinese apps for reading and writing.
- 之乎 – Zhihu: Zhihu is a treasure trove of content ranging from short stories, long-form narratives, and diverse topics to in-depth and academic articles. I used to run a page translating stories from Zhihu with a Chinese teacher. Though it was time-consuming, the platform’s rich content made it worthwhile. Many Vietnamese groups, like Weibo Vietnam, specialize in translating Zhihu and Jianshu articles, ensuring daily content and good interaction. Zhihu is among the top Chinese apps for those seeking intellectual and insightful discussions.
- 豆瓣 – Douban: Douban is mainly used for reading reviews and ratings of movies and books by experts. While its newsfeed might seem a bit dull, it remains a valuable resource among Chinese apps for those interested in cultural content.
- 文案管 – Wen’anguan: This app is great for browsing quotes, with many curated from popular comments on NetEase (a music app). It’s perfect for those who enjoy translating short, impactful quotes.
Video Editing
- 剪映 – Jianying: The Chinese version of CapCut, Jianying is my preferred video editing app. It offers many features that CapCut lacks, making it one of the best Chinese apps for video editing.
- 快影 – Kuaiying (KwaiCut): Kuaiying is almost as good as Jianying and was my go-to app before discovering Jianying. Despite not using it much now, it remains a strong competitor among Chinese apps for video editing.
Analysis Tools
- 抖查查 – Douchacha: This app is reliable for in-depth analysis and research on trending content and products on Douyin. While it has a long data loading time, it offers comprehensive features and accuracy, making it a cost-effective choice among Chinese apps for content analysis.
- 蝉妈妈 – Chanmama: Known for its high accuracy, Chanmama allows real-time viewing of live streams and sales charts of channels. It offers smooth performance but comes at a higher price, standing out among Chinese apps for its premium analytical capabilities.
Conclusion
Bluefocus has curated a comprehensive guide on the Best Chinese Apps for Content Creators in 2024. These apps offer diverse functionalities, from video editing to content analysis, catering to various creative needs. By utilizing these tools, content creators can enhance their productivity and creativity, staying ahead in the competitive digital landscape. Explore these apps to elevate your content creation process with us expert recommendations.