Kuaishou vs. Douyin: Who Leads the Short Video Trends China Race?

When it comes to short video apps in China, two giants dominate the scene: Kuaishou and Douyin. Think of them as TikTok’s homegrown cousins—but with their own unique flavors. While both serve bite-sized entertainment, they cater to different audiences and cultures within China’s massive digital landscape. So, who’s really winning the race? Let’s dive in.

The Battle of User Base & Engagement

Douyin, owned by ByteDance, is sleek, trendy, and urban. It’s where fashion influencers, dancers, and foodies shine. Kuaishou, on the other hand, thrives in smaller cities and rural areas, promoting authenticity over polish. It’s more community-driven, like a digital village square.

As of 2024, here’s how they stack up:

Wait—Douyin has more users, but Kuaishou users spend more time on the app? That’s right. Kuaishou’s users are deeply engaged, often bonding with creators through live streams and comments. They don’t just watch—they participate.

Content Philosophy: Glamour vs. Grit

Douyin is all about discovery. Its algorithm pushes polished, high-energy content. Want to see viral dance challenges or luxury travel reels? Douyin’s your go-to.

Kuaishou celebrates real life. You’ll find farmers livestreaming harvests, moms sharing parenting hacks, and local artisans selling handmade goods. It’s raw, relatable, and refreshingly unfiltered.

This difference shapes their monetization too. Kuaishou leads in live commerce, with users more likely to buy directly from trusted creators. In 2023, Kuaishou’s e-commerce GMV hit $120 billion, compared to Douyin’s $100 billion.

Algorithm & Creator Culture

Douyin’s algorithm is a fame machine. Post something catchy, and you could go viral overnight—even without followers. This fuels aspirational content but can feel impersonal.

Kuaishou uses a ‘bilateral follow’ model. Fans actively choose whom to follow, and creators build tight-knit communities. It’s slower growth, but deeper loyalty.

So, Who’s Winning?

It’s not black and white. Douyin dominates in brand advertising and global influence (thanks to TikTok). Kuaishou wins in user retention and grassroots commerce.

For marketers: If you’re selling premium skincare to Gen Z in Shanghai, go Douyin. Selling kitchenware to families in Henan? Kuaishou’s your jam.

In the end, both platforms are redefining how China consumes content—one scroll at a time.