Top 10 Chinese Video App Platforms To Download On Your Mobile
In China, YouTube and other streaming apps like Netflix have been blocked for over a decade. Chinese users now use different mobile apps to stream their favorite movies and TV shows or to view user-generated content to interact with the community for viewership and marketing. In this guide, we'll talk about the 10 best options available on Tencent My App App Store so you can choose a Chinese video app that best serves your purpose.
Part 1. 10 Best Chinese Video App Platforms on Tencent My App App Store
The battle between video platforms in China is intense! Since most Chinese people use smartphones rather than computers to go online, the competition happens mainly through mobile apps, not websites. Many Chinese video app options exist, ranging from short video platforms to long-form content services. Some focus on user-generated content like YouTube, while others offer professionally produced shows similar to Netflix. Let's check them out below!
1. Tencent Video

Tencent started back in April 2011 and has grown into a powerhouse with over 480 million active users as of 2025. You can consider this popular Chinese video app to be China's version of Netflix. The app offers tons of TV shows, movies, and original content. Many Chinese users love it because it has exclusive rights to popular international shows and films that have been approved for the local market.
Tencent video has a clean, user-friendly design that makes it easy to browse through different categories. You can create playlists, download videos to watch offline, and even set reminders for upcoming episodes of your favorite shows. The recommendations work pretty well, too - the more you watch, the better it gets at suggesting new stuff you might like.
2. Douyin (Chinese TikTok)

With 759 million users, Douyin is the original Chinese version of TikTok. Both are owned by ByteDance, but they operate as separate apps with different content due to China's internet regulations.
Launched in 2016, Douyin became a hit in China before its international version, TikTok, took the rest of the world by storm. You can create short videos (typically 15-60 seconds), set the music, and use plenty of special effects, filters, and editing tools.
Douyin has become a major marketing platform for brands in China, with many companies creating official accounts and partnering with influencers. The app has also expanded beyond just entertainment, with educational content, news updates, and even e-commerce features that let you buy products you see in videos. The "For You" page uses AI to show content tailored to each user's interests, creating a scrolling experience that's hard to put down.
3. iQiyi

iQiyi is another giant when it comes to streaming in China. People often call it "China's Netflix," and it has become one of the biggest video sites globally. The platform boasts nearly 6 billion hours of viewing time each month and over 500 million monthly active users.
iQiyi went public in the US stock market in March 2018 and raised $2.25 billion. The app has put a lot of money into original content while producing many popular Chinese dramas and variety shows that have gained huge followers.
What makes iQiyi stand out is its mix of free and premium content. You can watch many shows with ads for free or pay for a VIP membership to access exclusive content and watch without interruptions. The app also uses AI technology to customize recommendations according to your viewing habits, making it easier to find shows you'll enjoy among its vast library of content.
4. Youku

Youku (owned by Alibaba Group and based in Beijing) has been a major player in China's video hosting and streaming scene for years, with over 450 million users.
Youku started more like YouTube, with user-generated content, but then added originally produced shows and movies from over 1500 partners. After merging with competitor Tudou in 2012, the platform became even bigger and was later acquired by e-commerce giant Alibaba in 2015.
This Chinese video app offers a mix of free content supported by ads and premium content available through subscription. You can find everything from the latest Chinese dramas to classic movies, variety shows, and documentaries. The interface is straightforward, with categories for different types of content and personalized recommendations based on your viewing history.
5. Xigua Video

You might find it interesting that Xigua, a popular Chinese video-sharing app, comes from the same company that created TikTok and Douyin, i.e., ByteDance.
The name "Xigua" means watermelon in Chinese, hinting at something refreshing and enjoyable. The platform uses advanced AI technology to recommend videos based on your interests and viewing patterns. Unlike its sister app, Douyin (Chinese TikTok), which focuses on very short videos, Xigua hosts slightly longer content, typically ranging from a few minutes to half an hour.
Content categories include everything from cooking tutorials and travel vlogs to educational videos and comedy skits.
6. Kuaishou

Kuaishou Chinese mobile app started in 2011 as "GIF Kuaishou," a simple app for creating and sharing GIF pictures. By November 2012, it had changed into a short video community platform where people could share snippets of their everyday lives.
The app grew quickly - by 2013, it had 100 million users, and in 2025, this number is 6 times that, which is 685 million. What makes Kuaishou special is its focus on regular, everyday people, especially those in smaller cities and rural areas of China.
Unlike some platforms that highlight celebrities and influencers, Kuaishou shows authentic glimpses into ordinary Chinese life. You'll find farmers showing off their crops, construction workers sharing job site videos, and grandmas dancing in village squares. The app has created a community that clicks with many Chinese users who don't see themselves represented in mainstream media.
7. Mango TV

Mango TV is different from the other apps on this list. It's run by Mango Excellent Media, which is connected to Hunan Broadcasting System, one of China's most popular TV networks known for hit shows like Supergirl (similar to American Idol).
Founded in 2006 in Changsha, Hunan, Mango TV has a strong focus on professionally produced content, especially variety shows, dramas, and reality TV. The platform has exclusive streaming rights to many popular Hunan TV programs that have huge followings across China.
Mango TV's connection to traditional television sets it apart. The app features a mix of free and premium content, with live streaming of TV channels alongside on-demand programming.
8. Huoshan

Huoshan Chinese video app (also owned by ByteDance) has gone through some changes over the years, which have made it more similar to Douyin as the company moves toward combining the two platforms. However, the app still maintains its own community feel while benefiting from Douyin's more advanced features.
Originally launched as a separate short video app, Huoshan (which means "volcano" in Chinese) focused on content from everyday users rather than influencer videos. The app was particularly popular in smaller cities and rural areas, where users shared glimpses of their daily lives, funny moments, and local customs.
9. Weishi

Similar to Twitter's old Vine app, Weishi lets you create and share quick videos lasting just eight seconds. These mini-clips can be jazzed up with filters, text overlays, and fun themes.
Despite being backed by tech giant Tencent, Weishi has struggled to match the popularity of ByteDance's Douyin. However, it is a fun platform for quick, creative expression for a user base who enjoy its slightly different take on short-form video. They enjoy the brevity of the format, which challenges creators to come up with clever, impactful content that can make an impression in just a few seconds.
The app's UI is simple, which makes it easy to browse videos and create your own content. The connection with other Tencent services, like WeChat, gives it some advantages.
10. Bilibili

Chinese users affectionately refer to Bilibili as "B Site." It's a platform where you can upload anime, comics, and gaming content (similar to a Chinese version of Crunchyroll mixed with Twitch).
What makes Bilibili truly unique is its "bullet comments" system (called "danmu" in Chinese), where viewer comments fly across the video screen in real-time, creating a shared viewing experience. This feature has built a strong community among users.
The platform attracts a younger audience. Bilibili has stricter content guidelines than some other platforms and requires users to pass a 40-question test about anime, gaming, and platform rules before posting comments, ensuring a more knowledgeable and respectful community. The app has become a cultural hub for China's youth and is especially popular with college students and professionals.
Part 2. Enhance Your Video Before Uploading To Chinese Mobile App
Create Now!Now that you know about the top Chinese video platforms, you might want to create and share your own content. But what if your videos don't look professional enough? That's where HitPaw Online Video Enhancer comes in handy. This tool can help enhance your videos with AI before you upload them to apps like Douyin, Kuaishou, or Bilibili, giving your content a better chance of standing out.
Here are the step-by-step instructions to use HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer:
Step 1.Visit the HitPaw Online AI Video Enhancer website and click "Choose Video" to select the video you want to enhance.
Step 2.Select the AI model in the left menu that best fits your video type and click "Preview" to see the results.
Step 3.Download your AI-edited video by clicking the "Download" button and upload it to the Chinese video app of your choice!
Part 3. FAQs of Chinese Video App
Q1. What video app is used in China?
A1. Chinese people mostly use Tencent Video, iQiyi, and Mango TV to stream their favorite movies and TV shows. Douyin, Weishi, and Kuaishou Chinese are popular choices for uploading videos for branding and marketing purposes in the same format as TikTok and YouTube. Each app has millions of daily active users in China.
Q2. What do Chinese people use instead of YouTube?
A2. Youku serves as China's YouTube alternative. It started as a user-generated content platform but now includes professional shows and movies, too. After merging with Tudou and being acquired by Alibaba, Youku offers both free content with ads and premium subscriptions for uninterrupted viewing experiences.
Q3. What do Chinese people use instead of TikTok?
A3. Douyin is what Chinese people use instead of TikTok. Both are made by ByteDance, but Douyin is specially designed for the Chinese market. It works just like TikTok - short videos with music, filters, and effects. Douyin launched in 2016 in China before TikTok went global.
Q4. Where can I find Chinese videos?
A4. You can find Chinese videos on over 100 app stores in China. The Tencent My App App Store is your best option for downloading a Chinese video app. Other popular stores include Huawei App Market, OPPO App Market, Xiaomi GetApps, and Baidu Mobile Assistant. Every store offers different video apps with varying content libraries and features.
Q5. What do Chinese people use instead of Instagram?
A5. For Instagram Reels alternatives, Chinese people turn to Douyin, Weishi, or Kuaishou. Douyin (Chinese TikTok) lets you make 15-60 second videos packed with filters and effects. Weishi keeps things super short with just 8-second clips - perfect for quick, creative bursts. Kuaishou offers slightly longer videos and focuses on everyday people, especially those outside big cities. All three apps let you add music and filters and share videos with friends!
Conclusion on Chinese Video App
Chinese video apps rival anything in the Western world. From Tencent Video and iQiyi for longer content to Douyin and Kuaishou for short clips, Chinese users have plenty of choices for their entertainment and sharing needs. As these apps continue to evolve and compete, they're constantly adding new features and content offerings that make them worth checking out, even for non-Chinese speakers curious about digital trends in China.
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Daniel Walker
Editor-in-Chief
My passion lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and everyday creativity. With years of hands-on experience, I create content that not only informs but inspires our audience to embrace digital tools confidently.
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