- TikTok and Douyin are owned by ByteDance but operate independently with separate regulations.
- Douyin emphasizes educational content and restricts superficial entertainment.
- E-commerce and store integration are much more advanced on Douyin.
- Government regulations in China impose censorship and usage controls on Douyin.
TikTok y douyin They are two tremendously popular applications developed by the same company, ByteDanceHowever, despite their similar appearance, they have differentiating aspects that affect both their functionality and their impact on users. What are the differences between TikTok and Douyin? In this article we tell you everything you need to know.
We'll review the list of differences in terms of content, features, algorithms, censorship, and government regulation. And, of course, we'll emphasize an idea that many people still ignore: application TikTok does not exist as such in China. Instead, users have access to Douyin, an alternative version adapted to the strict legislation of this country's government.
What is Douyin and how is it different from TikTok?
Indeed, it's appropriate to say that Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok. It was launched in 2016, a year before its international counterpart was launched. Although both apps are owned by ByteDance, they are completely separate: TikTok users cannot access Douyin content and vice versaThis is because China has a highly controlled digital ecosystem, with government restrictions affecting all social platforms. If you want to learn more about the app that predates TikTok, you can read about what TikTok used to be called.
Among the most notable differences between TikTok and Douyin, the following should be mentioned:
- Data storage: Douyin's data is stored in China, while TikTok has established servers in different parts of the world, such as the United States and Singapore.
- Availability and access: TikTok is available in most countries outside of China, while Douyin can only be used within China.
- Government regulationsDouyin is strictly regulated by the Chinese government and follows the directives of the Communist Party, while TikTok operates under separate regulations in each country.
The algorithm and content personalization
Not everything is different between TikTok and Douyin, there are also common points. For example, both apps use advanced algorithms of recommendation. However, there are key differences in how they work:
- Douyin prioritizes educational content and national values: Promote videos related to culture, science, and technology, and limit viral challenges or content considered "superficial."
- TikTok fosters global entertainment: Its algorithm is designed to increase the virality of videos without such strict content restrictions.
Furthermore, Douyin allows advanced searches through facial recognition, something TikTok doesn't incorporate due to privacy restrictions in other countries. To get a better idea of the video formats supported by this platform, visit our article on What video formats are supported by Douyin?.
Additional features of Douyin
Douyin has evolved beyond a simple short video platform. Compared to TikTok, it includes several features designed to promote monetization and interaction with companies:
- Integrated e-commerceUsers can purchase products directly in the app, thanks to integrations with Taobao and Jingdong.
- multifunctional application: Allows you to make restaurant reservations, order food delivery, and even buy movie tickets.
Content restrictions and censorship on Douyin
The Chinese government imposes strict regulations on what can and cannot be shared on Douyin. Some of the most significant controls include:
- Censorship of political content: Videos criticizing the government or addressing sensitive topics are removed.
- Control of usage timeChildren under 14 have a 40-minute daily limit and cannot access the app between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Promotion of national values: Videos that reinforce Chinese culture and patriotism are prioritized.
Impact on users and society
The differences between TikTok and Douyin affect not only the platform's features, but also the way they influence their users:
- Douyin encourages a more disciplined mindset, with a focus on education and skills development.
- TikTok promotes instant gratification, with content more oriented towards entertainment and viralization.
This has led some analysts to suggest that China is using these differences between TikTok and Douyin to shape a more resilient society, one that's prepared for the technological challenges of the future.
As you can see, although at first glance both apps seem like identical versions of the same platform, Their operation and objectives are profoundly differentDouyin is a tool that complies with strict Chinese regulations, promoting educational content and limiting tech addiction. TikTok, on the other hand, is a global platform focused on entertainment and viralizing trends.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.