Tencent-backed short-video app Kwai tops download charts outside China

A Chinese video sharing and live streaming platform popular for its country bumpkin videos at home is attracting a different type of user internationally as it soars in popularity in more than a dozen markets overseas.

Beijing-based Kwai, backed by Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings, ranked as the most downloaded video social sharing app in South Korea, Vietnam, Philippines, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia and Turkey, according to a press release distributed through PRNewswire on Monday, which did not give any specific download figures.

Kwai, known as Kuaishou in China, enables people to capture and share short videos instantly. The app, which had 120 million daily active users in April, quickly gained popularity within the country for its clips of stunts and pranks posted by young people living in small Chinese towns.

The platform has accelerated its move overseas since Chinese authorities last month tightened scrutiny on content posted on social media and online video platforms.

More than 15 million videos are uploaded to Kwai every day, with the platform boasting celebrity users like G-Dragon, IU, Bae Suzy, Lim Yoona and Twice from South Korea, and popular Vietnamese singer Dong Nhi as well as other stars from the country such as Huy Cung, Toki Uni5, Ribi Sachi and Gino Tong.

The profile of Kwai users overseas is very different from its domestic Chinese market where more than 88 million Kuaishou active users are described as “typical small town youth” – 18 to 28 year olds who live in China’s tier three and tier four cites.