Social media may be a global phenomenon, but not every platform is popular everywhere. It’s no secret that different parts of the world prefer different things. The same can be said for apps and social media. Depending on what part of the world you’re in, your most-used apps and networks may vastly differ. Asia is a particularly interesting continent, where there’s a wide variety of popular social media, depending on the country.
If you want to blend in with the locals and keep up with your socials, you’ll need to know the most popular networks. Whether you’re new on the continent looking to connect or want to see what’s popular in Asia, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a list of Asia’s most popular social media networks and apps to catch you up to speed!
TikTok
Kicking off the list of social media powerhouses in Asia is TikTok. Created in China in 2016, TikTok has amassed huge success with over 1 billion active users worldwide. The platform shows great marketing potential and has taken the world by storm. TikTok’s popularity is predicted to continue to skyrocket, and it’s easy to see why!
However, with great popularity comes great responsibility. Many governments have restricted the use of this video-sharing app. These restrictions and bans have made it difficult to access Tik Tok in India and other countries. But, this powerhouse of an app is still in use across Asia for enrichment, entertainment, and business opportunities.
No list talking about popular social media apps in Asia can be complete without WeChat. WeChat is a multifunctional platform with a diverse range of features and functions. The app offers messaging, social media, and payment services and can even help you call a cab or book a doctor’s appointment.
In certain countries like China, apps like Facebook, Messenger, and WhatsApp are obsolete. In these countries, apps like WeChat do a good job of replacing them. With all the different uses and applications, it’s easy to see why this platform has assessed over 1.2 billion active users.
Line
Just like WhatsApp and Viber are big in the West, WeChat and Line are big in the East and the Asian market. LINE is another popular communication platform created in Japan in 2011 and has plenty to offer to its users. The app started humbly, as a response to the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. It was designed to provide people with a reliable communication line and to keep the public connected.
Today, aside from calls and messaging services, LINE has plenty to offer. It has developed simple taxi and cab requests and automatic payment. Most recently, the app has introduced LINE Wow, which allows you to order premium food and presents a solid competitor for UberEats.
Youku
Since messaging alternatives are common, it makes sense to have YouTube alternatives in Asia as well. One of the more popular ones is Youku, which is often considered “the YouTube of the East”. The app was launched in 2006 in China as an online video network. Today it represents a combination of YouTube, Netflix, and other video/streaming networks.
The platform has over 580 million active users since its launch and has the best user retention rates of its competitors. A little-known fact is that Youku is owned by its parent company Alibaba, and is often used for e-commerce and marketing.
Qzone
Similar to WeChat and Line, Qzone is another popular social media platform that offers its users various services. From sending and receiving images to listening to music. This networking site is popular in Asia and for good reason.
Qzone has its own messaging platform called QQ which is also a popular choice among locals. QQ is a great app for sharing information and connecting with other like-minded individuals through media. Most people use Qzone to browse data and media files and send them through the QQ messaging service. With over 800 million active users, the app shows great potential for targeted marketing!
Keeping up with local trends is hard, especially with social media and in different parts of the world. With this list under your belt, you’re ready to keep up with Asia and its most popular apps! TikTok, although controversial, is an essential and entertaining app that you can use throughout most of the continent.
WeChat, Line, and Qzone are essential apps for anyone looking to communicate and stay informed. Use these multifunctional apps to talk to people, call a cab, or order food without lifting a finger. Use Youku to watch and share videos and stream your favorite media. Switch to these apps if you want to keep up with the locals and their most popular social media apps!