(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
While everyone fights over the same big five apps, smart overseas brands are already securing first-mover advantage on the next wave of platforms exploding in late 2025. These emerging apps focus on community, authenticity, and new consumption habits that will define 2026-2027 growth.
1. Rednote (Xiaohongshu Evolution) – Deeper Community Focus
1.1 From Notes to Neighborhoods Local Interest Groups: New “City Circles” and hobby-based communities allow brands to target hyper-local audiences with authentic content.
Longer Video Integration: 10-30 minute lifestyle vlogs are becoming the new high-trust format for premium overseas products.
2. Video Accounts on WeChat & Tencent Video
2.1 Short Drama + Shoppable Content 8-15 Minute Dramas with Embedded Products: Brands sponsor mini-series where characters use their products naturally—conversion rates rival traditional livestreaming at lower cost.
3. Keep – Fitness & Lifestyle Community
3.1 China’s Strava + Peloton Real Run/Cycle Data Sharing: Overseas sports brands partner with Keep for authentic user-generated workout content featuring their gear.
Live Classes + Challenges: Monthly brand-sponsored challenges drive equipment sales with high engagement.
4. Dianping – Local Life & O2O King
4.1 Beyond Reviews to Booking Mandatory for F&B and Beauty: Overseas chains use Dianping for reservations, queue management, and group-buy deals in every city.
Reputation Management: High ratings here directly influence walk-in traffic more than Google reviews do in the West.
5. Case Study: Perfect Diary’s Sister Brand “Pink Bear” – Early Bet on Emerging Apps
Launched in 2024, Pink Bear focused heavily on Keep fitness challenges, Rednote local beauty circles, and WeChat Video Account dramas instead of competing head-on in Douyin beauty wars. Result: achieved top 5 color cosmetics ranking on Tmall with half the marketing spend of established competitors by riding these emerging platforms before saturation.
Conclusion
The biggest growth in 2026 won’t come from fighting for scraps on saturated apps—it will come from overseas brands that secure prime positioning on Rednote communities, shoppable short dramas, Keep fitness ecosystem, and enhanced local life platforms today.
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!
