Why Kuaishou Videos Go Viral in China

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  • Source:The Silk Road Echo

If you've scrolled through Chinese social media lately, you've probably seen those raw, real, and ridiculously relatable Kuaishou videos. No glitzy filters, no Hollywood scripts — just everyday people living their truth. So why do these clips explode online? Let’s break it down like your favorite viral duet.

Kuaishou isn’t just another TikTok clone. While Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese cousin) serves up polished content for urban elites, Kuaishou thrives on authenticity. Its algorithm favors genuine engagement over follower count, giving small-town farmers, street vendors, and factory workers a spotlight. In fact, over 60% of Kuaishou’s 620 million monthly active users come from lower-tier cities — places often ignored by mainstream platforms.

What makes Kuaishou special? It’s all about community. The platform promotes a 'double-click' culture — liking isn’t enough; you gotta double-tap to show real support. This tiny gesture builds emotional bonds between creators and viewers. One farmer in Henan gained 2 million fans just by livestreaming his daily pig farm routine. People didn’t care that his videos were shaky — they loved his honesty.

And let’s talk money. Kuaishou’s live-streaming economy is booming. In 2023, the platform reported 15.8 billion RMB in quarterly e-commerce GMV (that’s ~$2.2 billion). Users don’t just watch — they buy. From handmade jewelry to rural snacks, Kuaishou turns ordinary lives into profitable stories.

Metric Kuaishou (2023) Douyin (2023)
Monthly Active Users 620 million 750 million
Avg. Daily Usage (mins) 120 95
E-commerce GMV (Quarterly) 15.8B RMB 45B RMB
Content Origin (Tier 3+ Cities) 60% 35%

See the difference? Kuaishou users spend more time and feel deeper connections. That’s because the content feels like home — unfiltered, unscripted, and undeniably human.

The secret sauce? Empathy. While other platforms chase trends, Kuaishou rewards consistency and sincerity. A single video of a grandmother cooking dumplings might rack up millions of views not because it’s fancy, but because it reminds people of family.

So if you're trying to go viral in China, skip the flashy edits. Grab your phone, step outside, and share something real. On Kuaishou, being yourself isn’t just accepted — it’s celebrated.