Round Table China China's short video apps get a makeover
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Oct 14, 2025 Short video apps are evolving beyond just entertainment, becoming social hubs where users can connect in real-time. Platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou are adding features akin to WeChat Moments to encourage sharing and interaction. Simultaneously, a new trend emerges as office workers turn their desks into mini gyms, integrating fitness into their busy routines. This blend of social features and workplace wellness raises questions about user habits and the effectiveness of desk workouts.
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Short Video Apps Move Toward Friend Circles
- Douyin and Kuaishou are shifting from broadcast-style feeds to friend-centered sharing similar to WeChat Moments.
- Platforms aim to blend passive viewing with intimate social sharing to increase user stickiness.
Ephemeral Rings And Time Limits Drive Views
- Douyin adds ephemeral posting with visible rings and time limits to remind friends to view new content.
- These UI cues nudge immediate engagement and replicate story mechanics from Instagram and Facebook.
Design Streaks To Sustain Conversations
- Use streak-style features like sparks to prompt daily conversations and increase active pairs of users.
- Design visible decay (like a lost spark) to motivate re-engagement before relationships 'cool down'.