Hi folks, we are back with our weekly edition of China’s Digital Digest, wherein we would bring you weekly updates on China’s digital space. The report takes a quick glance at China’s complex and rapidly evolving social media landscape by providing updates on the latest happenings across the social media industry. Here are the major highlights of the report.
1. Alibaba Logistics Unit Unveils Express Service to Improve E-Commerce Efficiency
Alibaba Group Holding’s logistics arm Cainiao unveiled an express delivery service on 28th June to facilitate sales from its e-commerce platforms, in Joe Tsai’s first major business move since he was named incoming group chairman last month.
The new service, under the brand name Cainiao Express, is based on the original courier operation of Tmall Supermarket, and promises half-day, same-day, and next-day door-to-door delivery across 300 Chinese cities, the Hangzhou-based company said. Cainiao Logistics, one of the six spin-off units from Alibaba, is seeking an initial public offering in the next 12 to 18 months. Tsai, the chairman of Cainiao, will also take over the Alibaba chairmanship from Daniel Zhang Yong in September.
2. Kuaishou Heats Up Summer Fashion With “Spicy Girl” Competition
For its annual summer fashion campaign, the short video platform Kuaishou is paying homage to “spicy” fashionistas this year with a livestreaming and short video competition.
From June 28 to July 9, fashion vendors and influencers on Kuaishou can gain more exposure simply by tagging their content with #浅辣一夏, meaning “light spice for the summer”. The campaign name is borrowed from the slang term 辣妹 (literally “spicy little sister”), which is used to describe an attractive woman with a fiery personality, typically from Hunan, Sichuan, or Chongqing.
3. ByteDance Introduces Large Language Model Platform
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has launched the Ark Large Languge Model Platform through its cloud computing service, Volcano Engine.
The new platform will feature AI models from seven startup companies and research institutions, including Zhispect AI and MiniMax, and will offer services for sale to the public. ByteDance plans for deeper cooperation with these entities, which have already set up exhibition booths at Volcano Engine events, and their founders or co-founders have publicly stated their intent for future collaboration with the Volcano Engine.
4. Under pressure TikTok Plans to Expand E-Commerce Business
In an effort to diversify, TikTok is expanding its e-commerce business. Interestingly, its endeavor comes at a time when the company is under scrutiny over data privacy concerns in the US and Europe.
Banking on the success achieved in Southeast Asia, backed by its large and engaged user base, TikTok is aiming to quadruple its e-commerce business to $20bn in merchandise sales in 2023. The company is testing its new shopping feature, Trendy Beat, in the UK, which allows users to buy products that have gained popularity in trending videos. These products will be sold by a subsidiary of ByteDance. However, TikTok is already facing setbacks in the US and Europe, with lawmakers banning the app on government devices due to security concerns.
5. TikTok's Updated Data Usage Regulations Align with Evolving Regional Laws Enhancing User Privacy
In response to evolving regional laws and privacy concerns, the popular social media platform TikTok has recently introduced updated regulations regarding its data usage practices. The move comes as part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy and maintain compliance with various global data protection standards.
With millions of active users worldwide, TikTok has become a leading platform for short-form video content. However, concerns regarding data privacy have been raised, prompting the company to reassess and revise its policies to align with changing regulatory frameworks. The updated data usage regulations emphasize TikTok's commitment to safeguarding user information. By implementing these changes, the platform aims to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with regional laws across different countries.
6. TikTok’s New Monetization Feature Invites Creators to Make Video Ads For A Chance to Earn Money
TikTok is introducing a new way for creators to earn money on its platform. The company announced that it’s launching the “TikTok Creative Challenge,” a new monetization feature that allows creators to submit video ads to brand challenges and receive money based on video performance. TikTok Creative Challenge is currently in testing with select brands.
To be eligible for the new feature, creators must be at least 18 years old and have a US-based account with a minimum of 50,000 followers. Once enrolled in the TikTok Creative Challenge, creators will be able to browse through a list of challenges and view the reward pool, additional details, and requirements.
Wrapping Up
The vast and diverse nature of the Chinese Social Media space makes it incredibly challenging to keep a tab on the rapid developments taking place. However, China’s Digital Digest brings you all the latest updates from there to keep you abreast of all the evolving trends.
To delve deeper into the findings of the June report, click here.