Unknown to most people outside China, the country has a very vibrant social media landscape. A surprisingly large percentage of people across both urban and small-town China are hooked to micro-blogs and social networking service (SNS) products. Over the years, Chinese social media companies have come up with some very innovative products and services, such as Tencent’s WeChat, a unique mobile instant messaging service which has multimedia capabilities.
With innovations such as this, it’s no wonder then that some Chinese social media products have grown incredibly big in a relatively short space of time. For example, Tencent’s Qzone with 576 million users in China easily rivals Twitter’s global user base (see graphic).
According to a recent McKinsey and Co report, China has “by far the world’s most active social-media population“. While most people use SNS products for simple networking and fun, micro-blogs are also used for news dissemination and sharing, and other services. At the moment, location-based services, however, are relatively small.
Increasingly, Chinese consumers are basing their buying decisions based on what they read on social media, forcing companies to crank up their digital marketing efforts.
Click on the graphic to learn more about the most important social media products in China and their size relative to that of Facebook and Twitter, global social media platforms not available in China.
Enjoying what you’re reading?
CKGSB Report
Related Articles
Our Programs
Global Unicorn Program: Scaling for Success in the Age of AI
In partnership with Stanford Engineering Center for Global & Online Education
Global Unicorn Program Series
This CKGSB program equips entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and key stakeholders with the tools, insights, and skills necessary to lead a new generation of unicorn companies.
LocationStanford University Campus,
California, United States
Date29 Sep - 03 Oct, 2025
LanguageEnglish with Chinese Translation
Emerging Tech Management Week: Silicon Valley
In partnership with UC Berkeley College of Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program equips participants with proven strategies, cutting-edge research, and the best-in-class advice to fuel innovation, seize emerging tech developments, and catalyse transformation within your organization.
LocationUC Berkeley
Date02 - 07 Nov, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Asia Start: AI + Digital China Expedition
Asia Start provides entrepreneurs and executives with unparalleled access to Asia’s dynamic digital economy and its business ecosystems, offering the latest trends and insights, strategies, and connections to overcome challenges and unlock future growth for your business in Asia and beyond.
LocationShanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen
Date17 - 21 Nov, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Smart Cities, Fintech, and Alternative Energy for the Global Future
In partnership with Columbia Engineering
Global Unicorn Program Series
This program is a transformative initiative designed to empower civil leaders and businesses in smart city development, fintech, alternative energy, and new energy sectors.
LocationDubai, UAE
Date15 - 19 Dec, 2025
LanguageEnglish
Opportunities in the Disruption of Traditional Industries
In partnership with The University of Sydney
Global Unicorn Program Series
The Global Unicorn Program in Disruption of Traditional Industries – presented jointly by CKGSB and University of Sydney – will emphasize Australia’s distinctive contributions.
LocationSydney, Australia
Date24 - 27 Feb, 2026
LanguageEnglish
AI-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program
In partnership with Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
Global Unicorn Program Series
The 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Healthcare Innovation Program stands at the forefront of addressing the critical need for innovative healthcare solutions powered by artificial intelligence.
LocationJohns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C.
DateSummer 2026
