Decoding Popular Chinese Memes on Douyin and Kuaishou

If you've scrolled through Douyin (TikTok's Chinese cousin) or Kuaishou, you’ve probably seen bizarre, hilarious, or oddly inspiring videos that somehow go mega-viral overnight. But what’s really behind these viral sensations? Let’s dive into the wild world of Chinese meme culture — where rural aesthetics meet urban irony, and a simple phrase can become a national catchphrase.

The DNA of a Viral Meme in China

Unlike Western memes that often rely on sarcasm or niche pop culture, Chinese memes thrive on relatability, exaggeration, and rhythm. Think catchy audio clips, repetitive dance moves, and over-the-top facial expressions. The key? They’re designed for maximum shareability.

Take the infamous “I’m not like other girls” trend — but make it Chinese. In 2023, a farmer named Liuliu from Hunan went viral on Kuaishou for lip-syncing to a slowed-down C-pop ballad while chopping wood. Her deadpan stare + dramatic music = instant meme gold. Within weeks, #WoodChoppingQueen racked up over 800 million views.

Douyin vs. Kuaishou: Two Platforms, Two Cultures

While both apps use short videos, their user bases and meme styles differ sharply:

As you can see, Douyin is like the glossy magazine of memes — polished, fast-paced, and trend-driven. Kuaishou? More like your uncle’s YouTube channel: raw, real, and weirdly addictive.

The Power of Voice Clips and Hashtags

In China, a meme isn’t born from an image — it starts with a soundbite. One iconic example: the phrase “Jiǎozi hēi hēi, wǒ ài nǐ” (“Dumplings are dark, I love you”) — a garbled misheard lyric that became a romantic anthem among Gen Z. It spawned thousands of remixes and even a limited-edition dumpling packaging by a major food brand.

• Over 450 million videos used this audio in Q2 2023
• Brands like Pepsi and Li-Ning jumped on it for ad campaigns
• It ranked #3 in Baidu’s annual meme index

Why Do These Memes Stick?

Simple: they tap into shared emotions — frustration, joy, absurdity — in a highly censored digital space. When direct political speech is risky, memes become coded language. For example, the "lying flat" (tǎng píng) movement started as a meme about doing nothing, then evolved into a quiet protest against workaholic culture.

And let’s not forget the economic angle: many top meme creators come from lower-tier cities. Their content feels authentic, unpolished, and refreshingly human in a world of filters and facades.

How to Ride the Wave (For Marketers & Creators)

Want to go viral in China? Don’t force it. Study the rhythm. Jump on trends early, but add your twist. Use local slang. And always, always pair visuals with a killer audio clip.

Pro tip: monitor trending hashtags on Weibo and Douyin’s discovery page. Tools like Feigua (飞瓜数据) track real-time video performance — which sounds, captions, and emojis are surging.

Final Thoughts

Chinese memes aren’t just jokes — they’re cultural snapshots. Whether it’s a farmer dancing in rubber boots or an office worker miming burnout, these moments reflect the heartbeat of modern China. So next time you see a strange video of someone yelling into a wok — pause, laugh, and appreciate the genius behind the absurdity.