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. Weibo Adjusts Algorithms to Improve ‘Public Values’ Amid Government Crackdown
Chinese microblogging platform Weibo has adjusted its algorithms to better reflect “public values”, as tech firms in the country race to meet a deadline to fix so-called algorithm issues amid an ongoing regulatory crackdown.
Weibo, dubbed China’s answer to X, has said that it has optimised and upgraded the algorithms for Hot Search, its trending topics section, to “further strengthen the public attributes and correct value orientation of the list”, according to a statement published on the platform by its administrative account. The platform said the adjustment came after it received user feedback that some topics have “insufficient value for public discourse”. The adjustments include the addition of a “public index” that will conduct an in-depth assessment of public attributes of so-called hot content.
2. Tencent Ramps Up Global AI Efforts With Advanced Hunyuan 3D-Generation System
Tencent Holdings has released an updated 3D-generation system based on its artificial intelligence (AI) foundation model, Hunyuan, on open-source platforms, a move that is expected to help video game developers produce three-dimensional content more efficiently, from days to a few minutes.
The open-source Hunyuan3D 2.0, built on Tencent’s own large language model (LLM), is used to generate high-resolution, textured 3D assets, according to a statement by the Shenzhen-based company. The advanced system includes two foundation components: a shape-generation model called Hunyuan3D-DiT and a texture-synthesis model, Hunyuan3D-Paint.
3. Taobao Releases Shadow Play Video for Panda Protection
In commemoration of the National Panda Protection Day, Taobao, along with Alibaba’s charitable branch, released a video animated in traditional shadow play style to tell the story of one particular Panda, Taotao, named after the platform.
The video is accompanied by a voiceover narration in a traditional singsong tone, reenacting key moments of Taotao’s life, including his lessons with his mother, being released into the wild and finding food in the snow etc. At the same time, a gamified experience is available for Taobao users to play along with Taotao’s stories.
4. Taobao is Now Available in English for Hongkongers
Taobao has launched an English-language interface in HongKong targeting English-speaking users. This includes features such as English product descriptions, local currency conversions and simplified navigation tailored to user preferences.
New users can benefit from promotional offers, including discounts and free shipping on qualifying purchases. Those looking to dive headlong into all that Taobao offers can navigate to the settings page after downloading the latest version of the app, then select Hong Kong from the country/region list, and English as the preferred language.
The resulting English interface is certainly rough around the edges, with the app relying heavily on translating Chinese text in real time, but it’s a start for many users who had to rely on friends, or even third-party services, to order from Taobao.
5. DeepSeek Tops the Free App Charts in the US Apple Store
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek became the most downloaded app on Apple App Store’s free list. In doing so, the app surpassed ChatGPT, social media platform Threads under Meta company, as well as generative AI products from American tech companies like Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.
This is also the only time a Chinese app has been able to simultaneously occupy the top spot in both Chinese and US Apple App Stores. Previously, Xiaohongshu and Temu have also become champions of downloads in the US App Store but failed to achieve simultaneous top rankings in China.
6. Douyin Launches In-App Ride-Hailing Service
Douyin has officially launched its “Ride-Hailing” service, which can be accessed through a somewhat hidden entrance on the personal page under “My Wallet,” alongside options like mobile top-up, utility bill payments, and car owner services.
Upon clicking “Ride-Hailing,” users are directed to AMap Ride-Hailing, the platform through which the main services are provided. Once a starting point is selected, users can opt for “Depart Now” or “Discounted Shared Ride,” along with access to features like booking, on-demand services, airport transfers, and more. The main page of the Ride-Hailing section also hints at more brands to be added soon, indicating Douyin’s plans to integrate additional travel platforms.
7. TikTok-Loaded Smartphones in US Lists for Thousands of Dollars on eBay, Facebook
https://www.techedt.com/tiktok-loaded-smartphones-sell-for-thousands-of-dollars-on-ebay-and-facebook
People are reportedly listing smartphones preloaded with TikTok for tens of thousands of dollars on eBay, Facebook marketplace and other online storefronts – though it is not clear if there are many buyers at those prices.
With TikTok still missing from US app stores, some people in the US are selling phones and tablets loaded with the short video app, along with other ByteDance apps such as Lemon8 and video editor CapCut, for a fortune. One listing on eBay sold a phone for up to $50,000. Another user was reportedly selling his iPhone 14 Plus for $10,000, but said that the highest bid he received was $4,550, still well above the phone's starting price of $799 on Apple's website.
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 our latest report, click here.
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