Lucy Shelley
Oct 19, 2023

China’s six largest social media platforms – and how to engage its users

From Little Red Book to Weibo, how can brands unlock the largest – and most varied – social media market in the world?

China’s six largest social media platforms – and how to engage its users
China is the largest social media market in the world with highly engaged users and a uniquely diverse landscape that varies considerably to the rest of the world. 
 
In this dynamic ecosystem, it is often challenging for brands to understand and adapt their campaign content, strategies, and messaging to engage effectively with users across the customer journey.
 
The latest Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast guest Jimmy Robinson, CEO of Chinese marketing agency PingPong Digital, demystified the landscape in the latest episode, available at the end of this article.
 
Not only is the digital landscape separate from the rest of the world, the culture towards online and mobile commerce is starkly different – 100% of shopping in China is done via online, compared to 80% of the US. 
 
KAWO, a social media management platform in China, has launched a practical handbook to help marketers understand where each of the six platforms sit in the marketing funnel and how metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) can be translated into actual business success.
 
WeChat, Douyin, Kuaishou, Little Red Book (xiaohongshu), Weibo and Bilibili are examined and explained in the table below, outlining the platforms’ characteristics, marketing dynamics, and user base. 
 
WeChat retention rates rise
 
Over recent years, brands have become more efficient in retaining followers on Chinese apps. In an analysis of WeChat Service and Subscription accounts, KAWO data showed that the win-loss ratio (a comparison of the number of followers lost per every 100 gained) has decreased since 2020.
 
In 2020, Service accounts – used mainly for managing and maintaining customer relationships – were mostly losing more followers than they gained, while this improved to as low as 47 lost followers per 100 gained in 2023. 
 
For Subscription accounts – focused mainly on raising awareness and promoting the brand – the ratio dropped from a high of 0.94 in 2020 to a low of 0.37 in 2022 before creeping up in 2023. 
 
KAWO’s CEO Alex Li said: “China’s social media platforms are diverse, unique and present a challenge for brands who are investing millions in reaching their audience but may not have the right tools to measure results and impact.”
 
Listen to the episode with Jimmy Robinson here:
 

 

Source:
Performance Marketing World

Related Articles

Just Published

1 day ago

Battle for TikTok: Implications for content ...

Far too many global businesses rely on American audiences for sales and engagement. Alternatives like Meta's Reels exist, but pivoting and recalibrating will be a daunting quest.

1 day ago

40 Under 40 2023: Tra My Nguyen, Ogilvy

With a keen eye for revenue growth and all things marketing, Nguyen stands out as a leader who not only adapts but propels her team and company to new heights.

1 day ago

Hindustan Unilever announces leadership changes, ...

The changes come as HUL reported a 6% decline in standalone net profit for the fiscal fourth quarter.

1 day ago

Netflix reports strong Q1 growth but is it painting ...

Although Netflix has added almost 10 million new paid subscribers in early 2024, some experts believe advertising is quickly becoming the streaming giant’s long-term profitability plan, presenting a compelling opportunity for brands.