In today’s digital era, Chinese-origin apps are no longer confined to domestic use; they shape how billions communicate, shop, create, and consume content across the globe. From social networking giants to powerful e-commerce platforms and productivity tools, Chinese apps have carved out a major footprint in international markets. In this guide, we’ll count down the top 10 Chinese apps used worldwide, explore their core features, global impact, and why they continue to grow in popularity.
1. TikTok
TikTok is arguably the most influential Chinese app worldwide, redefining social media with its addictive short-form video feed that spans music, comedy, education, and trends that go viral daily. Developed by ByteDance, TikTok has transformed digital culture, becoming a cultural touchstone for Gen Z and Gen Alpha users across continents. Leveraging powerful AI-based recommendation algorithms, TikTok tailors content to individual tastes, driving exceptionally high engagement and retention rates. Its global downloads and active user figures consistently place it among the most-used social apps anywhere, making it a centerpiece of digital marketing strategies for brands worldwide.
2. WeChat
WeChat is more than just a messaging app; it’s a super-app ecosystem combining instant messaging, social networking, mobile payments, mini-programs, food delivery, ride-hailing, and even bill payment services into one platform. With over a billion users domestically and strong adoption among international users in Asia, Africa, and beyond, WeChat’s influence on digital communication and lifestyle services is immense. Its WeChat Pay feature rivals global mobile wallets, while mini-programs allow businesses to launch lightweight apps directly within the platform, enhancing convenience for users and merchants alike.
3. Alibaba / Taobao
Alibaba’s apps, led internationally by Taobao, have become massive global forces in e-commerce. Taobao’s mobile app is a hub for everything from everyday essentials to niche goods, with intuitive search, livestream shopping, and smart recommendations that drive engagement. Remarkably, the platform has seen surging downloads in international markets like France, Canada, and South Korea, reflecting its growing cross-border appeal among digital shoppers seeking variety and competitive pricing. Alibaba’s ecosystem also integrates payment solutions, logistics tools, and seller tools that support merchants worldwide.
4. CapCut
CapCut is a globally popular video editing app developed by ByteDance that empowers users to create stunning content for social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. With an intuitive interface, powerful editing tools, templates, filters, transitions, and now AI-powered features, CapCut democratizes creative content production for beginners and pros alike. The app has been downloaded over 1 billion times, and its accessibility on mobile, web, and desktop platforms makes it a go-to solution for content creators around the world.
5. AliExpress
AliExpress is Alibaba’s international B2C marketplace that connects buyers with Chinese sellers and manufacturers. It’s a favorite among global consumers for affordable products, extensive catalog variety, and buyer protection policies that build trust across borders. Unlike Taobao (which mainly targets China), AliExpress is tailored for international audiences, offering localized language support, global shipping options, and region-specific promotions that make it a competitive e-commerce choice from Europe to Latin America and beyond.
6. Douyin
Douyin is TikTok’s domestic counterpart, a short-video powerhouse in China, but its influence ripples globally as a flagship product of ByteDance’s video ecosystem. Douyin drives trends that often spill over into global TikTok culture and tests new features (like livestream commerce and creator monetization tools) that later appear in international versions. Additionally, Douyin is expanding into AI tools and integrations, reinforcing ByteDance’s strategy of blending creative content with AI experiences, a blueprint that shapes social media usage globally. (While Douyin itself is China-focused, its concepts and tech progress inform TikTok’s global roadmap.)
7. Weibo
Weibo, often described as “China’s Twitter,” is a social media and microblogging platform where users follow celebrities, news, institutions, and trending topics. It thrives on real-time discussions, hot takes, and viral content. While its primary user base is in China, Weibo’s influence extends to global audiences interested in Chinese entertainment, pop culture, and current events. The platform supports multimedia content, live streaming, and integrated commerce, helping it maintain relevance beyond traditional microblogging formats and inspiring global platforms in social interaction design.
8. DingTalk
DingTalk is Alibaba’s business communication and collaboration platform, combining chat, video conferencing, project management, attendance tracking, and integrations with enterprise systems. In China, businesses of all sizes rely on DingTalk for remote work, HR functions, and cross-team coordination, but its reach is also expanding internationally, especially in markets where remote work solutions are in demand. By offering multi-language support and cross-platform functionality (including desktop and mobile versions), DingTalk competes with global enterprise tools, giving companies flexible alternatives to other collaboration solutions.
9. Temu
Temu, a relatively newer Chinese e-commerce platform owned by PDD Holdings, has exploded in global visibility thanks to its ultra-low prices, aggressive advertising, and broad range of products. Particularly in the U.S. and European markets, Temu has ranked among the top downloaded shopping apps, overtaking established rivals in some regions. While its business model and pricing strategies have sparked competitive debates, there’s no doubt that Temu’s aggressive entry into global e-commerce shows how Chinese apps can scale quickly by tapping into price-sensitive consumers and localized marketing efforts.
10. Xiaohongshu (RedNote)
Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote internationally, blends social media with e-commerce, enabling users to share lifestyle photos, videos, product reviews, and recommendations. It has become especially popular among millennial and Gen Z users around the world who seek authentic content and community-driven product discovery. With hundreds of millions of users, RedNote’s global growth has been noted particularly among users displaced from other social networks, and its influence in beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle content continues rising.
Conclusion
Chinese apps are no longer just regional players; they’re global innovators shaping digital culture around the world. Whether it’s entertainment, productivity, communication, or commerce, this list highlights apps that millions rely on daily. As technology evolves and user preferences shift, expect these apps (and new Chinese competitors) to continue influencing how we live, work, and interact online.