AI Tools Gain Traction: Over 30 Million Monthly Users on China's Top Social Platforms
AI Integration Reaches New Heights on Chinese Social Media
Recent findings from QuestMobile paint a clear picture: artificial intelligence isn't just coming to China's social platforms – it's already taken root. Their "2025 New Media Ecosystem Overview" shows AI-related content penetration jumped nearly 10 percentage points year-over-year, with particularly strong adoption among younger demographics.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The standout statistic? Combined monthly active users for AI plugins across Douyin (China's TikTok), Weibo (similar to Twitter), and Kuaishou surpassed 30 million last October. But raw user counts only reveal part of the trend. On Weibo specifically, devotees interact with AI tools an average of 8.1 times daily – suggesting these features are transitioning from novelty to necessity.
"What we're seeing goes beyond experimentation," explains tech analyst Li Wei (not affiliated with the report). "When users return to an AI tool multiple times daily, it stops being a gimmick and starts becoming part of their social media DNA."
Why Younger Users Are Leading the Charge
The report highlights another crucial insight: the most engaged AI users skew noticeably younger. While platforms haven't released exact age breakdowns, industry observers note several factors driving this trend:
- Native comfort with technology: Younger digital natives approach AI tools with less hesitation
- Creative applications: From avatar generation to automated video editing, AI appeals to content creation habits
- Social currency: Early adoption of cutting-edge features carries prestige in peer groups
"For Gen Z especially," adds Li Wei, "using these tools isn't just practical – it's performative. Sharing your AI-enhanced content demonstrates you're on the technological vanguard."
What This Means for Platforms Going Forward
The surge in engagement presents both opportunities and challenges:
| Platform | Key Advantage | Emerging Challenge |
|---|
As one Beijing-based product manager (who requested anonymity) puts it: "We're past proof-of-concept. Now we need to refine these tools so they enhance rather than overwhelm the user experience."
Key Points:
- Massive adoption: Over 30 million MAUs across top platforms signal mainstream acceptance
- Daily dependence: Weibo's 8+ average daily uses per person shows deepening reliance
- Youth movement: Younger demographics drive fastest adoption rates
- Platform priorities: Each major player faces unique optimization challenges moving forward