Douyin, the original Chinese version of TikTok developed by Bytedance, remained the leader in China’s short-formed video scene. In July 2026, the app boasted to have million active users across the country. Its closest rival, Kuaishou, experienced a modest rebound in active users, reaching million.
Douyin’s popularity
Since its debut in 2016, Douyin has stood out from the crowd with its comprehensive feature set, such as editing tools, filters, and effects, as well as its interactive social component. The platform's algorithm and AI technology have also been instrumental in personalizing content and surfacing viral content. Apart from Douyin, Bytedance also owned other beloved short video platforms Xigua Video and Huoshan Video.
Kuaishou on the rise
Launched in 2011, Kuaishou offers similar features as Douyin, but with an additional live streaming feature. The second most used short video app has become the favorite among rural users. Its gamification features, such as virtual gifts and rewards, have been particularly effective in driving user engagement and spending. In 2024, the company achieved a total revenue of billion yuan.