TikTok vs Kuaishou Key Differences in User Behavior
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- Source:The Silk Road Echo
If you're trying to grow your brand online in 2024, you’ve probably asked: TikTok vs Kwaishou—which platform actually works better for reaching real users? As someone who’s run campaigns on both, I’ll break down the key differences in user behavior using real data, not guesses.
Let’s start with the big picture. TikTok dominates globally with over 1.3 billion monthly active users (MAUs), while Kuaishou holds strong in China with around 650 million MAUs. But raw numbers don’t tell the full story. The way people use these apps is totally different—and that affects how brands should engage them.
User Engagement: Who Spends More Time?
Kuaishou users watch 80+ minutes per day on average. TikTok users aren’t far behind at 70 minutes. But here's the twist: Kuaishou’s audience tends to be from smaller cities in China and values authenticity. They follow creators like neighbors, not celebrities. TikTok, on the other hand, thrives on trends, music, and viral challenges—perfect for flashy, fast content.
Content Discovery & Algorithm
TikTok’s For You Page (FYP) pushes content based on engagement speed. If your video gets likes fast, it spreads quickly. Kuaishou’s discovery feed focuses more on long-term user relationships. Followers matter more than virality.
Check this comparison:
| Feature | TikTok | Kuaishou |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Active Users | 1.3B+ | 650M |
| Avg. Daily Usage | 70 min | 80+ min |
| Main Audience | Global, urban youth | China, tier 2-4 cities |
| Content Focus | Trends, music, dance | Real life, local culture |
| Monetization Readiness | High (ads, e-commerce) | Very High (live commerce) |
Buying Behavior: Where Do Users Spend?
Kuaishou wins in live commerce. In 2023, its GMV hit $120 billion, largely driven by live-stream shopping. Users trust hosts and buy during broadcasts. TikTok Shop is growing fast but still lags behind with about $40 billion GMV.
So if you’re selling physical products, especially to Chinese consumers, Kuaishou offers deeper engagement and higher conversion. But if you’re building a global brand or leveraging music/trends, TikTok gives broader reach.
Final Verdict
Neither app is “better”—they serve different goals. Use TikTok to go viral and build awareness. Choose Kuaishou to build trust and drive sales, especially in China. Understand the user behavior behind each platform, and you’ll win where it counts.