(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
China’s mobile users scroll 175+ hours monthly on apps, making format choice the difference between 2% and 25% engagement rates. Overseas brands excelling here leverage vertical, interactive formats on Douyin and Xiaohongshu to turn passive views into impulse buys, fueling 18% CAGR in digital ad revenue.
1. Vertical Short-Form Video Ads on Douyin
1.1 9–15 Second Hook Structures These full-screen videos open with rapid montages and end in shoppable CTAs, achieving 45% completion rates when personalized via AI. Overseas beauty brands see 35% conversion uplift by integrating AR try-ons mid-video.
1.2 Interactive Overlay Cards Polls and swipe-ups at 40% watch time boost shares by 180%, with 62% higher clicks than static formats.
2. WeChat Moments Native Feeds
2.1 Video + Mini-Program Hybrids Ads blending user-like stories with direct Mini-Program links yield 5–7× conversions, especially for luxury goods. AOV rises 2.8× as users stay in-ecosystem.
2.2 Lookalike Retargeting Layers Combining 5% seed audiences with dynamic product feeds drops CPI to ¥10, maintaining 5.5× ROAS at scale.
3. Xiaohongshu Lifestyle Discovery Ads
3.1 Notes-to-Video Seamless Blends Long-form notes evolving into shoppable videos drive 38% save rates, ideal for fashion storytelling. Brands using user testimonials hit 42% engagement.
3.2 Search + Feed Combo Placements Tagging ads for “hai tao” (overseas shopping) queries amplifies organic reach 4×, with 28% direct-to-cart rates.
4. Emerging In-App Reward and Splash Formats
4.1 Reward Videos on Gaming Apps Non-intrusive rewards like virtual coins for watches deliver 50% lower CPI in gaming tie-ins. Overseas apps see 4.5× ROAS on day-7.
4.2 Launch-Screen Personalization Contextual splash ads with pre-filled carts achieve 35% install rates, scaling to 12× ROI in e-commerce.
Case Study: Japanese Electronics Brand (Q3 2025) A Japanese gadget maker deployed Douyin vertical videos and WeChat Moments hybrids across 50 campaigns, focusing on AR demos for tier-2 tech enthusiasts. Results: 2.8 million installs, ¥112 million revenue, and 9.1× ROAS—establishing it as top imported smart home device on JD.com.
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!
