ByteDance’s Hongguo app surpasses China’s top four video platforms

Hongguo, a short-form video application owned by ByteDance, has reached 168 million daily active users (DAU) as of July 2026. This figure surpasses the combined daily user bases of China’s four largest long-form video platforms—Tencent Video, iQiyi, Youku, and Mango TV—which total approximately 155 million users.

Launched in August 2023, the app has seen rapid growth by offering vertical, short-duration episodes designed for quick consumption during breaks or commutes. According to data from QuestMobile, Hongguo’s DAU increased by 107% year-on-year. The platform is also attracting an older demographic, with over 40.7 million users aged 50 and above reported in early 2026.

Beyond entertainment, Hongguo is integrating commerce into its ecosystem. By leveraging ByteDance’s recommendation algorithms, the app connects short films with advertising, livestreaming, and e-commerce, allowing users to find and purchase products featured within the content.