#artificial intelligence
The Chinese search giant has been working on its own AI technology for years and is reportedly preparing to launch its answer to ChatGPT this March Read More
Sina Weibo Launches Instagram Clone for China
The microblogging platform's new photo-heavy app looks oddly familiar
0
0
3 years ago
Sina Weibo, the company behind the microblogging platform so often referred to as “China’s Twitter,” has launched what will inevitably become known as “China’s Instagram” — assuming its new venture takes off. Lvzhou (绿洲 literally “green land” but more commonly translated as “oasis”) has just landed on app stores and looks remarkably similar to the Gram.
Weibo’s new Lvzhou app
The new app — which is still officially in beta mode — has also led to some comparisons with Xiaohongshu (RED), China’s popular social ecommerce app which is currently under fire from regulators. Xiaohongshu, which merges product reviews with livestreaming and social elements, was removed from a number of app stores over a month ago, apparently due to concerns over fake reviews.
Interestingly, Weibo’s move also comes as the previously dominant mega-app WeChat appears to be experiencing something of a Facebook moment, with teens reportedly shunning it due to the overbearing presence of their parents there. Many of those users have been turning to the likes of Douyin (TikTok) to get away from mom and dad’s prying eyes.
Related:
Instagram itself began being blocked intermittently in China in 2014, and is now completely shut out to those without a VPN. That doesn’t stop numerous Chinese influencers and celebrities leaping over the Great Firewall to post that perfect cupcake shot (or Hong Kong protest meme) however, and its prevailing popularity has clearly not gone unnoticed by Weibo.
Cover photo: Yiran Ding on Unsplash
Join the Conversation
0
comments
#Film
#Chinese cinema
Chinese New Year has become a time for huge domestic box office receipts. This year, ‘Full River Red’ and ‘The Wandering Earth 2’ are the hottest releases Read More
#New Music
If you find yourself in the northern hemisphere this time of year, the weather could be fierce. To help lift your spirit and warm your soul, we’ve rounded up a rad selection of new music releases from China! Read More
#Food
#Chinese American
Former designer turned food blogger Frankie Gaw explores his Taiwanese American heritage and identity in his debut cookbook ‘First Generation’ Read More
Frustrated? Maybe stop looking at a screen and go outside