China Daily TikTok: ByteDance Renames "Douyin" App
On September 29, 2021, ByteDance, the parent company of the popular short-video app Douyin, announced that it has officially changed the brand name of its Chinese version to "China Daily TikTok" (中国日报:字节跳动「抖音」App正式更名).
The name change reflects the company's plan to integrate Douyin's content with that of China Daily, a state-owned newspaper, and to create a new online service that will offer news, short videos, and other forms of content to its users.
The Reason Behind the Name Change
According to an announcement by ByteDance, the name change is part of the company's effort to build a "global internet technology and culture" enterprise. It aims to achieve this by bringing together the "cutting-edge technology, modern culture, and traditional Chinese culture."
By merging the content of Douyin and China Daily, ByteDance hopes to foster greater understanding and promote cross-cultural exchange between China and the world.
What Does the Name "China Daily TikTok" Imply?
The new name highlights the strong affiliation between China Daily and the app, as well as the company's commitment to promoting Chinese culture through video content.
The name "TikTok" has been added to the Chinese name (which translates to "China Daily Short Video"), reflecting the company's recognition of the global popularity of the app, as well as its aspirations to expand the brand overseas.
The Implications of the Change for Users
The name change is expected to have several implications for users. Firstly, it is likely to result in an increased supply of news and other informative content on the app. This move aligns with ByteDance's goal of providing users with a more comprehensive and diverse range of content.
Secondly, the integration of China Daily's content with the app is expected to enhance the app's credibility and reliability. This could attract more users who prefer to consume news and information from reputable sources.
Thirdly, by renaming the app, the company appears to be moving away from the association with the word "douyin", which has been criticized for promoting unhealthy content and fostering addiction among young people.
Conclusion
The rebranding of Douyin to "China Daily TikTok" marks a significant change in the company's strategy towards building a comprehensive online media service. The new name reflects the company's aspirations to promote Chinese culture, foster cross-cultural exchange, and establish a global brand. While there may be some initial confusion among users, the new name is likely to enhance the app's credibility, offer a diverse supply of content, and ultimately, attract more users worldwide.