Just how formidable is ByteDance?
1. Short-video sector (No. 1 globally and domestically)
1. Douyin (China)
The undisputed leader in China’s broader short-video market, with the highest user time spent across the internet (more than WeChat) and a penetration rate of 46.8%, far ahead of Kuaishou and WeChat Channels. It also spans livestreaming, e-commerce, local services, and short dramas, making it a super-platform used nationwide.
2. TikTok (Douyin overseas)
The global short-video powerhouse, available in more than 150 countries, with over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide. It regularly ranks first in app downloads across the U.S., Europe, and many Southeast Asian countries, with no rival in overseas short video.
3. Jianying (CapCut, a video editing tool)
The world’s No. 1 mobile video-editing app, with 280 million monthly active users in China and over 580 million downloads overseas. It’s free, offers a rich selection of templates, and is a must-have for creators, with no comparable tool able to compete.
II. AI Foundation Model Tools (China’s No. 1 comprehensive AI app)
Doubao
China’s No. 1 general-purpose AI chat app by monthly active users, with 382 million in 2026—far ahead of Alibaba’s Qwen and DeepSeek. It offers Q&A, copywriting, image generation, and AI office tools, serving as an everyday AI assistant for everyone.
III. Free Online Literature Reading Sector (No. 1 in the industry)
Tomato Novel
A leader in free, licensed online literature, with a commanding lead in user base. Its free model has captured a significant market share, and it has long led paid-reading platforms like Qidian and Qimao in daily active users and time spent.
IV. Short-Drama Sector (No. 1 in viewing time across the web)
Hongguo Free Short Dramas
The No. 1 free short-drama platform, with over 300 million monthly active users. Users spend more time on it than on Bilibili or Xiaohongshu. It has the highest traffic of any short-drama platform, with no competitor in the sector able to catch up.
V. News and Content Sector (a leader in personalized news)
Toutiao
A pioneer in personalized algorithm-driven news. Consistently ranked among the top two general news apps, it covers news, Q&A, micro-posts, and search, with industry-leading content distribution capabilities.
VI. Music Streaming Sector (No. 2 and catching up fast)
Soda Music
With 140 million monthly active users in 2026, it has surpassed NetEase Cloud Music and is second only to QQ Music. Powered by Douyin’s music catalog and traffic, it is growing rapidly and is the industry’s second-largest music app.
VII. Photo Retouching Sector (a leader in portrait retouching)
Xingtu
One of the leading mobile portrait-retouching apps. Its market share in beauty filters and portrait templates consistently ranks near the top, second only to Meitu Xiuxiu. It is the retouching app of choice for young users.
VIII. Automotive Vertical Sector (No. 2 in the industry)
Dongchedi
The industry’s second-largest automotive news and car-buying platform, behind only Autohome. Its short-video car enthusiast community and 3D vehicle tools offer clear differentiation, while its new-car reviews attract exceptionally high traffic.
This braking incident could help it take the top spot.
IX. Enterprise Collaboration and Office Software (No. 1 among high-end enterprises)
Feishu
China’s No. 1 office software for internet, new energy, and high-tech companies. The overall market is split among DingTalk, WeCom, and Feishu, with Feishu far ahead in its coverage of high-end enterprise clients and offering some of the industry’s most advanced AI office features.
X. Mid- and Long-Form Video Sector (No. 2 in the industry)
Xigua Video
A leading platform for mid-length videos (knowledge, documentaries, and film and TV commentary). Its volume of medium- and long-form PUGC videos is second only to Bilibili, with particular strength in general knowledge content.
Now you know why Dongchedi dares to take on Huawei head-on?
