From Douyin to Kuaishou How China's Short Video Apps Shape Pop Culture

In the past decade, short video apps have exploded across China, turning everyday users into digital stars and reshaping how pop culture is created and consumed. At the heart of this revolution are two giants: Douyin (known as TikTok outside China) and Kuaishou. While they may look similar on the surface, their cultural impact, user bases, and content philosophies couldn’t be more different.

Douyin, launched by ByteDance in 2016, thrives on polished, trend-driven content—think choreographed dances, fashion hauls, and viral challenges. It’s the go-to platform for urban youth craving glamour and global trends. In contrast, Kuaishou, founded earlier in 2011, champions authenticity. Its slogan, “See the real world,” reflects its grassroots roots, where farmers, factory workers, and small-town creators share unfiltered slices of life.

Let’s break down the numbers:

Monthly Active Users (MAUs) Comparison – 2024

Notice something? Kuaishou users may be fewer, but they spend more time on the app—proof that authentic content breeds deeper engagement.

But it’s not just about views. These platforms have become cultural engines. A catchy tune on Douyin can skyrocket to national fame overnight. Remember “Lover” by Gen Zhang? It gained over 5 million user-generated videos in a month, fueling a retro wave in Chinese pop music.

Meanwhile, Kuaishou has empowered marginalized voices. One farmer in Henan went viral selling honey directly through live streams, earning over $15,000 in a week—all without leaving his village. This “inclusive internet” model has turned Kuaishou into an economic lifeline for millions in China’s less-developed regions.

The battle isn’t just cultural—it’s commercial. Both platforms have heavily invested in e-commerce integration. In 2023, Douyin’s GMV (Gross Merchandise Value) reached $280 billion, while Kuaishou hit $150 billion. Yet, Kuaishou boasts higher conversion rates due to stronger creator-trust relationships.

E-Commerce Performance – 2023

So, what does this mean for global pop culture? As these platforms expand overseas—TikTok dominating globally while Kuaishou tests markets in Southeast Asia—their contrasting philosophies could redefine digital entertainment worldwide.

In short: Douyin dazzles, Kuaishou connects. One shapes trends, the other empowers lives. Together, they’re not just apps—they’re the new architects of Chinese culture.