Hi folks, we are back with our weekly edition of China’s Digital Digest, wherein we 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, Tencent Smash More Digital Barriers In Deepening Alliance
China’s two biggest internet companies have tightened their collaboration, allowing users who click on advertisements on Tencent Holdings’ WeChat to be directed to Alibaba Group Holding’s Taobao and Tmall e-commerce platforms.
The two tech giants have announced that “high-quality” advertisements placed on WeChat Channels, a short-video sharing platform, through Alimama Uni Desk, an Alibaba-affiliated digital marketing platform, can be connected to shops and live-streaming rooms on Taobao and Tmall. WeChat Moments, a blogging feature, and mini-programs on the social media app already support advertisements linking to Alibaba online shopping sites. Tencent Video, a streaming platform, has allowed direct links to Taobao since 2021.
2. TikTok Shopping Ambitions Face Blow As Indonesia Plans Curbs
Indonesia is prohibiting social media companies from facilitating direct e-commerce payments on their platforms, Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan has said. The move, directed at ByteDance’s TikTok, means companies can only advertise products but not conduct direct transactions.
The rule is part of newly tightened trade regulations that could be introduced as soon as Tuesday by the Ministry of Trade. The policy seeks to keep Indonesia’s 64.2 million micro, small and medium enterprises that contribute 61 percent of its gross domestic product from being squeezed out by social commerce companies. Currently, TikTok is the only social media company that allows direct e-commerce transactions on its platform.
3. Moutai-Dove Collaboration Sparks Chinese Social Media Buzz
In a crossover that has become the talk of the town, Chinese liquor brand Kweichow Moutai teamed up with chocolate brand Dove to roll out wine-filled chocolates. The new product became such a sensation overnight that its stock vanished from official online platforms.
Due to the overwhelming demand, some buyers resorted to unofficial platforms like JD.com, Pinduoduo, and Xianyu, where the chocolates were being sold at exorbitant prices, marked up by 60% to 150%. In response to this situation, Moutai made an urgent call for “rational consumption”. They asked consumers to be cautious and purchase only through official channels. The company also assured that production for the wine-filled chocolates has been expedited and they will be restocked across various channels soon.
4. Alibaba Cloud Unveils New Services to Solve Generative AI Development Issues
Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has announced a range of innovative AI products and services at the 2023 Alibaba Cloud Global Summit. These new offerings are designed to meet the burgeoning demand for Generative AI development from customers worldwide. Alibaba Cloud offers a wide range of AI solutions, including AI computing platforms, AI acceleration services, and AI-centric applications. These solutions are designed to help customers create their own Generative AI applications more efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively.
5. Douyin Launches ‘Lightning Search’ as Its Fourth Search Brand
Douyin has launched a search application called ‘Lightning Search,’ with the slogan ‘Lightning Search, as fast as lightning’.
According to the introduction, this is the fourth search brand launched by Douyin, following Toutiao Search, Wukong Search, and Douyin Search. It is also the fourth independent app in the search category. The homepage of this application is very simple, mainly divided into two separate tabs. The top part is a search box, and the bottom part contains recommended content, including images, text, and short videos. The browsing experience is similar to Douyin.
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 September report, click here.