Last updated on January 19th, 2026 at 03:14 am
Businesses worldwide are leveraging popular western social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter to expand their customer base and reach out to a global audience. However, they often faced obstacles when it comes to reaching out to the Chinese consumers in China, because the Chinese government had restricted internet freedom and prohibited the use of social media platforms in China. Nonetheless, the projected increase in the number of internet users from 971 million in 2020 to 1.28 billion by 2026 makes China a lucrative market for a wide range of products and/or services.
More and more brands worldwide have already been using social media platforms in China as a major marketing tool for brand promotion and other marketing and promotion activities. Therefore, businesses looking to establish a presence in China should consider leveraging social media channels unique to the country in order to reach out to Chinese consumers, whether they are living in China or elsewhere. This is because many Chinese consumers still prefer to use their native social media platforms due to familiarity and habit, even when they have access to western social media.
Social Media Platforms in China: WeChat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu, Douyin and More
Often dubbed the world’s largest social media market, China’s popular social media platforms include channels such as WeChat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book, RED or RedNote) and Douyin, although video social sites such as iQiyi, Youku and Bili Bili are also widely used in the country. While these native Chinese platforms may differ from Facebook or Instagram, they offer similar features such as the ability to share news and updates, post images and videos, live stream, and advertise products and services. On average, Chinese internet users spend 5 hours and 50 minutes on the internet in China, and within this time, they spend an average of 2 hours and 12 minutes on social media platforms.
Top 20 Social Media Platforms In China: An Infographic
After extensive research, I’ve created a comprehensive infographic to provide more information about the Chinese social media ecosystem, with a detailed comparison of the top social media platforms in China. The infographic includes essential data, statistics and insights into each platform, along with the latest trends and user behaviours, and covers the most popular social media channels in China such as WeChat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book or RED) and Douyin, along with other widely used platforms like iQiyi, Youku and Bili Bili.
This infographic will be a valuable resource for businesses looking to establish a presence in China and connect with a massive audience, as they can gain a deeper understanding of the social media landscape in China, understand the features, benefits and limitations of each social media platform in China, which will enable them to make informed decisions and choose the most appropriate platform that aligns with their marketing strategy.
The ‘Top 20 Social Media Platforms in China’ infographic is available for download here.
Get Started Here!
Are you exploring opportunities to reach consumers in China? As the market continues to evolve, many businesses see potential but are unsure how to navigate China’s unique social media landscape.
I help brands understand how to approach platforms such as WeChat, Weibo, Xiaohongshu (RED), Douyin, and others—based on their business goals, audience, and resources. With experience in China’s marketing ecosystem, I offer practical guidance to help you make informed decisions on where to start and how to move forward effectively.
I’m currently offering a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your objectives and explore suitable social media strategies for the Chinese market.
To arrange a conversation, contact me at +65-9622-8824 or bei@beithoven.com.
Bei is a bilingual (English/Chinese) content and social media strategist based in Singapore, with over 20 years of marketing experience. Her work focuses on visual storytelling, AI art, content creation and optimisation, social media strategy, and China marketing.