If you're looking for new content creators to follow on YouTube, you might want to consider checking out China's growing community of YouTubers. Over the past few years, there has been a surge of Chinese content creators making waves on the platform, producing a wide range of content from vlogs to cooking tutorials and everything in between.

One reason for the rise of China YouTubers is the country's growing middle class and their increasing access to the internet. With over 900 million internet users in China, the potential audience for these creators is vast. Additionally, many of these YouTubers are bilingual or multilingual, allowing them to appeal to a wider audience both in China and abroad.

Despite the challenges of navigating censorship and access in China, many of these creators are finding ways to share their stories and perspectives on socio-political issues in their content. As more and more people around the world seek to understand China and its culture, these YouTubers are playing an important role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Key Takeaways

• China's growing middle class and increasing internet access have contributed to the rise of YouTubers in the country.
• Many of these creators are bilingual or multilingual, allowing them to appeal to a wider audience both in China and abroad.
• Despite challenges related to censorship and access in China, these YouTubers are playing an important role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding.

Rise of China YouTubers

China's video content industry has undergone a significant transformation in the past decade. With the rise of social media and user-generated content, video platforms such as Youku, Bilibili, Tudou, and Tencent Video have become increasingly popular. However, YouTube, the world's largest video-sharing platform, is still inaccessible in China due to government censorship. Despite this, there has been a surge in China YouTubers who are creating content for global audiences.

Evolution of Video Platforms in China

The first video-sharing website in China was Youku, founded in 2006 by Victor Koo. Youku quickly became a popular platform for TV shows, movies, and user-generated content. Tudou, another video-sharing website, was founded in the same year by Gary Wang. It also became a popular platform for user-generated content, with a focus on short videos.

Bilibili was founded in 2009 and is known for its anime, comics, and games (ACG) content. It has a strong community of users who create and share content related to ACG. Tencent Video, owned by the internet giant Tencent, was launched in 2011 and has become one of the largest video platforms in China. It features a wide range of content, including TV shows, movies, and user-generated content.

Notable China YouTubers

Despite the fact that YouTube is blocked in China, there has been a rise in China YouTubers who are creating content for global audiences. Some of the most popular China YouTubers include Naomi Wu, a DIY enthusiast who creates videos about technology and engineering, and Li Ziqi, who creates videos about traditional Chinese culture and food.

Another notable China YouTuber is SerpentZA, who creates videos about his experiences living in China as a foreigner. He has gained a large following for his honest and insightful commentary on Chinese culture and society. Other popular China YouTubers include Laowhy86, who creates videos about Chinese culture and language, and Xiaomanyc, who creates videos about Chinese street food.

In conclusion, despite the government censorship of YouTube in China, there has been a surge in China YouTubers who are creating content for global audiences. With the evolution of video platforms in China and the rise of user-generated content, the future of China's video content industry looks promising.

Navigating Censorship and Access

If you are a Chinese YouTuber, navigating censorship and access to information can be a challenging task. The Chinese government has strict regulations on internet usage, and platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook are blocked in China. This means that Chinese YouTubers have to rely on Chinese platforms such as Weibo to reach their audience.

VPN Use and Accessibility

One way to bypass China's internet censorship is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs allow users to access blocked websites by routing their internet connection through a server in a different location. However, the Chinese government has been cracking down on VPN usage in recent years, and many VPN providers have been blocked. This makes it difficult for Chinese YouTubers to access foreign websites and platforms.

Western Media vs. Chinese Platforms

Chinese YouTubers also have to navigate the differences between Western media and Chinese platforms. Western media often portrays China in a negative light, and Chinese YouTubers may face criticism and backlash from Western audiences. On the other hand, Chinese platforms such as Weibo have strict censorship rules, and content that is critical of the Chinese government or promotes Western values may be censored.

Despite these challenges, Chinese YouTubers continue to create content and reach their audience. Some Chinese YouTubers have found success by focusing on topics that are not politically sensitive, such as food and travel. Others have found ways to use humor and satire to comment on current events without running afoul of censorship rules.

Overall, navigating censorship and access is a difficult task for Chinese YouTubers. However, with creativity and perseverance, Chinese YouTubers continue to find ways to reach their audience and share their stories with the world.

Socio-Political Issues in Content

As China continues to expand its presence on the global stage, its use of YouTube influencers to spread propaganda has come under scrutiny. In this section, we will explore some of the socio-political issues that have arisen in relation to the content produced by Chinese YouTubers.

Xinjiang and Human Rights

One of the most contentious issues in Chinese propaganda is the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region. The Chinese government has been accused of detaining over a million Uyghurs in re-education camps, where they are subjected to forced labor and other forms of human rights abuses. Many Western countries have labeled these actions as genocide.

Despite this, Chinese YouTubers have been promoting a different narrative, one that portrays Xinjiang as a prosperous and harmonious region. For instance, the popular YouTube channel "Annie Guli" showcases the region's natural beauty and portrays the Uyghur people as content and happy. However, many people have criticized these videos as propaganda that whitewashes the human rights abuses taking place in the region.

Western Criticism and Response

Western criticism of China's propaganda efforts has been fierce. Many people see the use of YouTube influencers as an attempt to manipulate public opinion and spread disinformation. In response, the Chinese government has accused Western countries of hypocrisy and double standards, pointing to their own history of colonialism and human rights abuses.

Some Chinese YouTubers have also responded to Western criticism by doubling down on their pro-China stance. For instance, YouTuber Li Ziqi has defended China's actions in Xinjiang, stating that "the Western media is full of lies and propaganda." Others have taken a more conciliatory approach, acknowledging the human rights abuses in Xinjiang but arguing that the situation is more complicated than Western media portrays.

Overall, the socio-political issues surrounding Chinese YouTubers and propaganda are complex and multifaceted. While some people see these influencers as a threat to democracy and free speech, others view them as a legitimate way for China to promote its interests on the global stage. Regardless of one's opinion, it is clear that the content produced by Chinese YouTubers will continue to be a topic of debate and controversy in the years to come.

Cultural Influence and Exchange

China's online content creators and influencers have been instrumental in promoting cultural exchange and shaping the country's image overseas. YouTubers such as Li Ziqi have gained a massive following by showcasing traditional Chinese culture in her vlogs, which often feature rural Chinese life and traditional crafts. Her videos have been viewed millions of times and have helped to create a desirable image of China's rural culture for netizens at home and abroad.

Anime and Entertainment

China's cultural influence extends beyond traditional crafts and rural life. The country has also made a significant impact in the world of anime and entertainment. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, Chinese TV shows and movies have become increasingly popular in the United States and other Western countries. Shows like The Untamed and Nirvana in Fire have gained a massive following overseas, and their success has helped to promote Chinese culture and values.

Cultural Differences and Adaptation

Of course, cultural exchange is a two-way street, and China has also been influenced by Western culture. Chinese content creators have adapted to cultural differences and have even found ways to incorporate Western elements into their work. For example, many Chinese YouTubers have started to create content in English to reach a broader audience. They have also incorporated Western music, fashion, and other elements into their videos to appeal to a global audience.

Overall, China's online content creators and influencers have played a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and shaping the country's image overseas. Through their work, they have helped to create a better understanding of Chinese culture and values, while also adapting to cultural differences and incorporating Western elements into their content.

Living in China as a Foreign Content Creator

If you are a foreign content creator living in China, you have the opportunity to share your unique experiences with the world. Living in China as an expat can be an exciting and challenging experience, and many YouTubers have found success by sharing their stories with their audiences.

Experiences of Foreign YouTubers in China

Foreign YouTubers living in China share their experiences of living in the country and navigating its culture. Raz Gal-Or, a Canadian living in China, calls his channel "Living in China" and shares his experiences of living in Beijing. He talks about his favorite places to visit and his experiences of traveling around the country. Similarly, Australian YouTuber, Nathan Rich, shares his experiences of living in China and talks about his favorite places to visit in Shanghai.

Many foreign YouTubers in China also share their experiences of learning the language and adapting to the culture. They share tips on how to navigate the country and how to communicate with locals. They also share their experiences of working with Chinese companies and the challenges of doing business in China.

Impact on International Perceptions

Foreign YouTubers living in China have the opportunity to shape international perceptions of the country. They can share their experiences of living in China and challenge stereotypes about the country. They can also highlight the positive aspects of Chinese culture and society.

However, there is also a risk that foreign YouTubers in China may be used as a tool for propaganda by the Chinese government. The New York Times reported that the Chinese government has supported foreign YouTubers who put a positive spin on its policies, in its latest effort to shape how the world sees it. It is important for foreign YouTubers in China to maintain their independence and avoid being used as a tool for propaganda.

Overall, living in China as a foreign content creator can be a rewarding experience. You have the opportunity to share your unique perspective with the world and challenge stereotypes about the country. However, it is important to maintain your independence and avoid being used as a tool for propaganda.