China has a unique digital landscape due to government regulations and internet censorship, which affects the availability of online video software platforms. However, there are still many popular video software platforms that work in China, which we will explore in this article.
Online video software platforms in China and the US differ in several ways, mainly due to differences in regulations, cultural preferences, and user behavior. Here are some of the key differences:
Government regulations: The Chinese government has strict regulations when it comes to online content, including video content. Online video platforms in China have to comply with government regulations, which often means censoring content that is deemed sensitive or inappropriate. In contrast, online video platforms in the US have more freedom when it comes to the type of content they can host.
Cultural preferences: Chinese and American audiences have different cultural preferences when it comes to video content. For example, Chinese audiences tend to prefer longer-form content, such as TV dramas and movies, whereas American audiences tend to prefer shorter-form content, such as viral videos and short films. As a result, online video platforms in China tend to focus on longer-form content, while platforms in the US tend to offer a mix of short and long-form content.
Everything You Need To Know About Delivering Video in China in 2019
Monetization models: Online video platforms in China and the US have different monetization models. In China, many platforms rely on advertising as their main source of revenue, while in the US, platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video rely on subscription fees. Additionally, many Chinese platforms also offer paid content, such as pay-per-view movies and TV dramas, which is less common in the US.
User behavior: Chinese and American audiences also differ in their behavior on online video platforms. For example, Chinese users are more likely to watch videos on their smartphones and are more likely to engage with other users through comments and social features. American users, on the other hand, are more likely to watch videos on their laptops or TVs and are more likely to share videos on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
As you can see online video software platforms in China and the US differ in several ways, these differences reflect the unique digital landscapes and market conditions in each country, and as a result, online video platforms in each country have developed their own strategies for success.
Now let’s take a look at the top video streaming platforms in China:
1. Tencent Meeting
Tencent Meeting is a popular video conferencing platform in China. It is widely used by businesses and educational institutions for remote work and virtual events. It offers features such as screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and real-time subtitles, making it a preferred choice for many users.
Tencent Meeting top features:
- High-quality video and audio: Tencent Meeting offers high-quality video and audio, allowing participants to have clear and smooth video meetings.
- Screen sharing: Tencent Meeting allows users to share their screens during meetings, which is useful for presentations, collaborations, and demonstrations.
- Real-time subtitles: Tencent Meeting has a built-in feature for real-time subtitles, which can help improve communication for users who are deaf or hard of hearing or for those who speak different languages.
- Virtual backgrounds: Tencent Meeting allows users to add virtual backgrounds to their video feed, which is a fun way to add some personality to meetings and create a more engaging experience.
- Multi-device support: Tencent Meeting is available on multiple devices, including desktop, mobile, and tablet devices, making it easy for users to join meetings from anywhere.
- Security features: Tencent Meeting has a range of security features to ensure the safety and privacy of its users, including encryption of data, password protection, and the ability to lock meetings.
- Easy scheduling and joining: Tencent Meeting makes it easy to schedule and join meetings, with features such as calendar integrations and one-click meeting links.
2. Youku
Youku is a video sharing and hosting platform that is often referred to as the “YouTube of China.” It offers a wide range of content, including movies, TV shows, and music videos. Youku has a large user base in China and is widely used for entertainment and education.
Youku top features:
- Massive Content Library: Youku has a massive content library that includes movies, TV shows, documentaries, short videos, and more. The platform has partnerships with major studios, broadcasters, and production companies, giving users access to a vast selection of high-quality content.
- User-generated content: Youku allows users to upload their own videos, which can include anything from personal vlogs to comedy sketches to music videos. This feature encourages creativity and enables users to share their content with a wider audience.
- Mobile App: Youku has a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to watch videos on the go. The app offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, and users can easily search for and discover new content.
- Social Features: Youku has a range of social features that allow users to engage with each other and with content creators. These features include comments, likes, and sharing, as well as community forums and fan groups.
- High-Quality Video Playback: Youku offers high-quality video playback, with options for HD and even 4K resolution. The platform also has a range of playback features, such as adjustable playback speed and subtitles, to enhance the viewing experience.
- Personalized Recommendations: Youku uses algorithms to offer personalized recommendations to users, based on their viewing history and preferences. This feature helps users discover new content that is relevant and interesting to them.
- Advertising Opportunities: Youku offers advertising opportunities for businesses and brands, allowing them to reach a large and engaged audience. The platform offers various advertising formats, including pre-roll and mid-roll ads, as well as targeted advertising based on user data.
3. Bilibili
Bilibili is a video sharing and hosting platform that is particularly popular among young people in China. It offers a diverse range of content, including animation, gaming, and live streaming. Bilibili has a strong community culture, and users often use the platform as a social hub to connect with like-minded individuals.
Bilibili top features:
- A large and active community: Bilibili has a large and active community of users who share a passion for anime, gaming, and subculture content. The platform offers a range of features that encourage community engagement, such as comments, likes, and sharing, as well as forums and fan groups.
- Original content: Bilibili has a growing library of original content, including anime, documentaries, and variety shows. The platform has invested in content production and partnerships with creators, allowing users to access unique and high-quality content.
- Live streaming: Bilibili offers live streaming services, allowing users to stream their own content and interact with their audience in real-time. The platform also hosts live events and concerts, offering users a unique viewing experience.
- Gaming content: Bilibili is a popular platform for gaming content, with a large library of game-related videos, live streams, and esports events. The platform also has a dedicated gaming section and community, where users can share and discuss gaming-related topics.
- Creative features: Bilibili offers a range of creative features that encourage users to express themselves and share their creativity. These features include music video editing tools, image editing tools, and user-generated content challenges.
- Personalized recommendations: Bilibili uses algorithms to offer personalized recommendations to users, based on their viewing history and preferences. This feature helps users discover new content that is relevant and interesting to them.
- Advertising opportunities: Bilibili offers advertising opportunities for businesses and brands, allowing them to reach a large and engaged audience. The platform offers various advertising formats, including pre-roll and mid-roll ads, as well as targeted advertising based on user data.
4. iQiyi
iQiyi is a streaming platform that focuses on high-quality video content, including movies and TV shows. It is the largest video streaming platform in China, with over 100 million subscribers. iQiyi has also started to produce original content, and some of its shows have gained popularity both in China and internationally.
iQiyi top features:
- Massive Content Library: iQiyi has a massive content library that includes movies, TV shows, documentaries, anime, and more. The platform has partnerships with major studios, broadcasters, and production companies, giving users access to a vast selection of high-quality content.
- Original content: iQiyi has invested heavily in producing original content, including TV dramas, variety shows, and movies. The platform’s original content has won numerous awards and has been well received by audiences in China.
- High-Quality Video Playback: iQiyi offers high-quality video playback, with options for HD and even 4K resolution. The platform also has a range of playback features, such as adjustable playback speed and subtitles, to enhance the viewing experience.
- Personalized Recommendations: iQiyi uses algorithms to offer personalized recommendations to users, based on their viewing history and preferences. This feature helps users discover new content that is relevant and interesting to them.
- Mobile App: iQiyi has a mobile app that is available for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to watch videos on the go. The app offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, and users can easily search for and discover new content.
- Social Features: iQiyi has a range of social features that allow users to engage with each other and with content creators. These features include comments, likes, and sharing, as well as community forums and fan groups.
- Offline Viewing: iQiyi allows users to download videos for offline viewing, which is especially useful for users who may not have reliable or fast internet connections.
- Advertising Opportunities: iQiyi offers advertising opportunities for businesses and brands, allowing them to reach a large and engaged audience. The platform offers various advertising formats, including pre-roll and mid-roll ads, as well as targeted advertising based on user data.
5. Weibo
Weibo is a microblogging platform that also allows users to share and upload videos. It has a large user base in China and is often used for news and entertainment purposes. Weibo has become an important platform for businesses to engage with customers and promote their products and services and is known as the Chinese version of Twitter.
Top Weibo features:
- Microblogging: Weibo allows users to post short messages, called microblogs, of up to 2,000 characters. These microblogs can include text, images, videos, and links.
- Hashtags: Weibo uses hashtags, similar to Twitter, to categorize and organize content. Users can search for content using hashtags and can also create their own hashtags to promote specific topics or events.
- Live streaming: Weibo allows users to stream live video, which can be shared with followers or the public. Live streaming is often used for events, interviews, and performances.
- Media integration: Weibo allows users to integrate various types of media into their posts, including images, videos, and music. Users can also link to articles and other external content.
- Direct messaging: Weibo has a direct messaging feature that allows users to send private messages to each other. This feature is useful for communication between users who may not want to share their conversations publicly.
- User profiles: Weibo has user profiles that allow users to share information about themselves, including their interests, location, and job title. Users can follow each other and view each other’s profiles.
- Advertising opportunities: Weibo offers advertising opportunities for businesses and brands, allowing them to reach a large and engaged audience. The platform offers various advertising formats, including sponsored posts, promoted accounts, and targeted advertising based on user data.
- Trending topics: Weibo has a “hot topics” section that displays the most popular and trending topics on the platform. This section is updated in real-time and can be used to stay up-to-date on current events and popular trends.
6. Douyin
Douyin, also known as TikTok in the rest of the world, is a short-form video platform that has become hugely popular in China. It allows users to create and share 15-second videos with a range of special effects and filters. Douyin has become an essential platform for businesses to reach younger audiences and promote their products and services in a creative way.
Top Douyin features:
- Video creation tools: Douyin offers a range of video creation tools, including filters, effects, music, and editing options. These tools allow users to create engaging and creative videos that stand out on the platform.
- For You page: The For You page on Douyin is similar to the Explore page on Instagram, and displays a curated selection of videos that are tailored to each user’s interests and viewing history. This feature helps users discover new content and creators on the platform.
- Hashtags and challenges: Douyin uses hashtags and challenges to encourage user participation and engagement. Users can create their own challenges or participate in existing ones, which often go viral and generate a lot of attention on the platform.
- Live streaming: Douyin allows users to live stream their videos, which can be shared with followers or the public. Live streaming is often used for events, Q&A sessions, and performances.
- Duets and reactions: Douyin allows users to create duets and reactions to other users’ videos. This feature allows for collaboration and engagement between users on the platform.
- Personalized recommendations: Douyin uses algorithms to offer personalized recommendations to users, based on their viewing history and preferences. This feature helps users discover new content that is relevant and interesting to them.
- User profiles: Douyin has user profiles that allow users to share information about themselves, including their interests and location. Users can follow each other and view each other’s profiles.
- Advertising opportunities: Douyin offers advertising opportunities for businesses and brands, allowing them to reach a large and engaged audience. The platform offers various advertising formats, including in-feed ads, brand takeovers, and targeted advertising based on user data.
Conclusion
There are many online video software platforms that work in China, despite government regulations and internet censorship. These platforms cater to a wide range of content, from short-form videos to full-length movies and TV shows, and are used by millions of people across the country. Whether you are a business looking to promote your products or an individual looking to share your creativity, there is likely a platform in China that can help you achieve your goals.
How To Effectively Deliver Online Video Into China
