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Introduction
In 2026, China’s video advertising ecosystem is marked by advanced formats, AI personalization, and increasingly integrated commerce. For overseas brands aiming for both brand awareness and measurable ROI, selecting the right video ad channels is foundational. This article outlines the key video platforms and evolving formats shaping success today.
1. Short‑Form Video at the Core: Douyin & Kuaishou
1.1 User Attention & Algorithmic Discovery
Douyin and Kuaishou dominate short‑form video consumption, capturing billions of daily views with algorithmic feeds that boost content based on engagement. These platforms deliver unmatched reach for video ads and immersive storytelling.
1.2 Creative Ad Formats on Short Feeds
In‑feed video ads, branded effects, and interactive CTAs encourage user participation and direct click‑through. Brands that adopt mobile‑native creative styles see stronger engagement and shareability.
1.3 Live Commerce Integration
Short‑form platforms further amplify impact through livestream shopping, turning casual views into impulse purchases. This convergence of entertainment and commerce accelerates both discovery and sales.
2. Community‑Centric Video on Xiaohongshu
2.1 Visual Storytelling & Credibility
Xiaohongshu prioritizes user‑generated video content and lifestyle narratives, making it ideal for product‑centric storytelling. Overseas brands that tap into KOL and KOC collaborations find higher engagement and trust.
2.2 Integrated Search & Feed Discovery
Video content on Xiaohongshu appears in both feed and search, enabling dual pathways for users to discover brand content while researching products.
2.3 Community‑Driven Ad Format
Native video ads blend seamlessly with organic content, reducing friction and increasing relevancy, especially for niche audiences like beauty and lifestyle segments.
3. Long‑Form Video & Premium Content Networks
3.1 Tencent Video’s Premium Inventory
Tencent Video offers access to professionally produced content, ideal for high‑impact brand narratives and audience segmentation by content genre.
3.2 Xigua for Diversified Consumption
Xigua serves users interested in longer clips and variety content, helping brands diversify their video strategy beyond short feeds.
3.3 Cross‑Screen Reach
Long‑form platforms extend reach into living room and mobile viewing contexts, supporting brands aiming for both broad awareness and deep storytelling.
4. Emergent Formats: AI & Immersive Video Advertising
4.1 AI‑Generated Video Creative
Platforms increasingly leverage AI to auto‑generate localized video ads tailored to specific regions and demographics, reducing production cycles while refining personalization.
4.2 Interactive AR Video Ads
Augmented reality features — such as try‑on or placement previews, especially on social video platforms — deepen engagement and encourage direct interaction.
4.3 Data‑Driven Dynamic Creative Optimization
Real‑time performance feedback shapes dynamic video ad variations, ensuring only top‑performing creative formats get broader distribution.
Case Study: US Tech Product Launch via Premium and Short Video
A US tech brand launched its latest smart device in China using synchronized video campaigns on Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and Tencent Video. By blending bite‑sized educational clips with immersive product showcases, the brand saw a 48% increase in pre‑order registrations and 30% higher ROAS compared with its previous campaign efforts.
Conclusion
In 2026, China’s video advertising landscape is a dynamic mix of short‑form dominance, community‑driven formats, long‑form premium content, and AI‑enhanced creative. Overseas brands that understand these platform ecosystems — and tailor video strategies to each — can unlock significant growth and engagement.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well‑known Chinese internet e‑commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e‑commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation!
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