For French influencers trying to broaden their audience in China, understanding the complexity of the local social media world is essential. “Upon which platform should I launch?” is one of the very first questions they need to figure out, a query of top importance. Looking into this friendly guide uncovers China’s most celebrated online platforms, and boosts your digital growth.
In this article, we will share with you the social media platforms in China where French influencers are famous:
- Xiaohongshu (also called Little Red Book)
- Douyin (TikTok)
- Bilibili
Top French Content on Chinese Social Media Networks
1. Xiaohongshu: The No.1 Platform for Fashion and Lifestyle
Xiaohongshu, also known as “Little Red Book,” emerges as a vital nexus for French influencers seeking to make a lasting impact in the fashion and lifestyle fields. Boasting over 200 million monthly active users in 2023, Xiaohongshu has solidified its status as a beloved platform for fashion lovers and influencers.
This social media hybrid expertly weaves together e-commerce and social networking, enabling users to vend their products —an ideal revenue stream for influencers. French influencers can join Xiaohongshu to showcase their lifestyle and mingle with a community passionate about fashion and luxury. Beyond that, the Chinese audience is also willing to see how those French people see the cultural difference and learn more about French culture. Collaborating with local brands and delving into trending topics can further propel your presence on this dynamic platform.
2. Douyin: Join the Original Version of Tiktok
Douyin, TikTok’s Chinese sibling, unfurls a vast canvas for French influencers to shine. With an impressive 600 million monthly active users, this platform offers an ideal stage to display your creative flair, drawing in a dedicated following. Embracing short-video formats, Douyin enables captivating, entertaining content sharing, appealing to Chinese audiences.
Take good advantage of the difference between France and China in culture, environment, history, architecture, and more, I believe it won’t be hard for you to find your way to attract your audience. By joining Douyin, you’ll stay ahead, catching trends before they reach TikTok’s global stage.
3. WeChat: More than a Massive Communication Tool
WeChat transcends the realm of just messaging — it’s a comprehensive hub for social interaction, content spreading, and e-commerce. Boasting over 1.2 billion users, WeChat presents French influencers with a singular chance to connect with their Chinese audience in a more intimate fashion.
Via WeChat’s official accounts, influencers can impart articles, visuals, and videos, while also engaging with their followers through chat. Establishing a WeChat account empowers you to nurture a steadfast fan community, furnish exclusive content and news on your latest ventures, and even peddle products through WeChat’s mini-program.
4. Weibo: Official Launch with a Red Check
Weibo, a Chinese replacement for Twitter, unfurls a dynamic arena for French influencers to etch their unmistakable presence. With the red checkmark verified accounts, influencers have the power to share content, connect with fans, and immerse in trending chatter. With almost 600 million monthly active users by the end of 2022, Weibo has emerged as an indispensable platform to captivate a diverse audience.
A spirited Weibo presence can boost your recognition, and catalyze collaborations with local brands. In the meantime, the red checkmark can yield backlinks on global social platforms like Twitter or Instagram, one stone two birds. By molding content to harmonize with Chinese preferences and nurturing a lively Weibo presence, you can widen your influence and unlock untapped potential in the Chinese digital world.
Bilibili: Target the Youth in the First and Second Tier Cities
China hosts several video platforms, but Bilibili stands out as the ideal choice for many YouTubers. As a PUGC (Professional User Generated Content) platform, Bilibili boasts 7.7 million video uploads and 6.6 billion interactions per month. In the first quarter of 2022, the platform reached 294 million monthly active users, with 80% of them being Gen Z residents of first and second-tier cities.
What sets Bilibili apart from other video platforms is its social media-like features, encouraging interaction and community-building among users. This aspect enables creators to engage more directly with their audience, fostering a sense of connection and loyalty.
As Bilibili users eagerly await fresh and engaging content, an increasing number of YouTubers are establishing their presence on the platform. Taking a cue from creators like 法国厨师卢克 (Chef Cuisinier Français) and 法国艺术家小布 (French Artist Brunograffer), as part of the pioneer French influencers, they have found their way to create unique content on Bilibili. Remember to engage with your Chinese audience and foster strong relationships to ensure a loyal and growing fan base.
Useful Tips and Strategies for Your Launch in China
Select the Right Platform to Join before Launching
The initial step in building your personal reputation in China involves identifying the platforms that best align with your goals and target audience. While there are numerous social media and other platforms available, it isn’t necessary to be active on all of them. Instead, focus on selecting 1 to 3 platforms that are most relevant to your niche and Chinese audience. This targeted approach will be more than sufficient for launching your official presence in China, allowing you to concentrate on creating quality content and fostering meaningful connections with your followers.
Being Able to Speak Chinese is a Huge Plus for your Audience
Mastering the Chinese language can significantly boost your influence and credibility as a French influencer in China. Speaking Chinese not only helps you communicate more effectively with your audience but also demonstrates your commitment to understanding their culture and customs.
Even if you are not fluent, making an effort to learn basic phrases and incorporating them into your content can go a long way. By speaking their language, you can foster deeper connections with your followers, leading to increased engagement, loyalty, and appreciation from your Chinese audience. Furthermore, fluency in Chinese can open doors to collaborations with local brands and influencers, further expanding your reach in the Chinese market.
If you don’t speak Chinese, you can work with a local agency specializing in influence marketing
Team-up With Your Chinese Partner
Collaborating with Chinese friends, roommates, or significant others to operate a single social media account is an effective strategy for French influencers seeking to establish a strong presence in China. By working together, you can leverage each other’s strengths and cultural understanding to create engaging and relatable content that is much more interesting than just introducing by yourself.
Your Chinese partner can provide valuable insights into the local trends, language, and cultural nuances, helping you tailor your content to better resonate with your target audience. In return, your unique French perspective can add an exotic flair and enrich the content with an authentic touch, making it stand out among competitors.
Additionally, having a Chinese partner involved in content creation and account management can help bridge the language gap and foster more effective communication with your followers. This collaboration not only boosts your credibility but also strengthens the connection with your Chinese audience, ultimately leading to greater success and growth in the Chinese social media landscape.
Interaction is The Key to Success on Social Media
Interaction is the key to success on social media for French influencers looking to grow their presence in China. Fostering meaningful interactions with your audience helps create a sense of connection and community, keeping them invested in your content. Encourage your followers to comment, like, and share your content, and make sure to respond promptly and genuinely to their feedback and questions.
Boost engagement by creating content that invites audience participation, such as live streams, Q&A sessions, or interactive challenges. Collaborating with other influencers, particularly those with a Chinese background, can also enhance the user experience. Prioritizing interaction and engagement will pave the way for long-term success and growth on social media platforms in China.
Videos are Always Better Than Just Pictures
Videos hold a distinct advantage over pictures in capturing audience attention on social media. They offer a more immersive and dynamic experience, allowing French influencers to effectively convey messages and stories to their Chinese audience. Videos showcase personality, voice, and emotions, fostering a deeper connection with followers. They also present complex or nuanced content, such as tutorials or cultural exchanges, which are difficult to convey through pictures alone.
By prioritizing video content, influencers can create a more engaging and memorable experience for their audience, ultimately contributing to their long-term success in China.
Never Be the Last To Join the Blue Ocean
For French influencers looking to establish their presence in China, identifying and embracing these blue ocean opportunities early on can lead to significant success. By entering such markets before they become saturated, you position yourself as a pioneer, allowing you to build a strong following and reputation. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of trends and seize unique opportunities to connect with your Chinese audience, ensuring long-term growth and influence in the ever-evolving social media landscape.
ECHO is a French-Chinse influence marketing agency that specializes in the Chinese market. With 5+ years of experience collaborating with luxury and fashion brands, we offer comprehensive support for both brands and individuals. Located in Paris and Shenzhen, our team is dedicated to enhancing your reputation and accelerating your business growth in China.
Contact us now, and be one of the pioneer foreign influencers in China!