If you’re a U.S.-based brand or content creator eyeing the Chinese market, you’ve probably heard of Douyin — China’s TikTok sibling that’s blowing up locally. As of May 2025, Douyin remains the kingpin of short-form video in China, with over 700 million active users. Collaborating with top Douyin influencers can be a game-changer for your brand, but knowing who to target is half the battle. Today, I’ll give you the scoop on the Top 10 Douyin influencers you should consider teaming up with for maximum impact.
📢 Why Douyin Influencer Collaboration Matters for U.S. Brands
Douyin isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a powerful marketing tool. For U.S. brands, tapping into Douyin means reaching a massive, engaged audience that’s eager to discover new products, trends, and brands. The platform’s unique algorithm favors authentic, creative content—making influencer collaborations especially effective.
Compared to Western platforms like Instagram or TikTok, Douyin’s ecosystem is more integrated with e-commerce, live shopping, and payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay, with the local currency being RMB. This means that influencer campaigns can be directly linked to sales, offering a seamless path from content to purchase.
However, working with Chinese influencers isn’t as simple as sending a product and hoping for the best. It requires understanding local cultural nuances, legal frameworks, and payment methods. U.S. brands typically work through agencies or platforms like BaoLiba that specialize in cross-border influencer marketing, ensuring compliance and smooth collaboration.
💡 Top 10 Douyin Influencers You Must Know
Here’s the list of influencers who are making waves in China and should be on your radar:
1. Li Jiaqi (Austin Li) – The Queen of Live Shopping
Known as the “Lipstick King,” Li Jiaqi has over 60 million followers. His live shopping streams generate billions in sales, making him a must-collab for beauty and fashion brands.
2. Wei Ya – The Queen of E-Commerce Livestreams
Wei Ya is a powerhouse with a knack for converting viewers into buyers instantly. She’s perfect for brands looking to push high-volume product launches.
3. Shangguan Zijian – The Trend Forecaster
With a focus on fashion and lifestyle, Shangguan’s style appeals to younger audiences, ideal for brands targeting Gen Z consumers.
4. Zhang Dayi – The Fashion Influencer
Zhang Dayi’s fashion content has a massive following, and she often partners with brands like Nike China and local skincare brands.
5. Viya – The E-Commerce Star
Another top livestreamer, Viya’s influence extends across multiple product categories, from tech to beauty.
6. Li Ziqi – The Lifestyle & Gourmet Chef
Li Ziqi’s beautifully crafted food and lifestyle videos draw millions of viewers, ideal for premium food brands or lifestyle products.
7. Papi Jiang – The Comedy & Lifestyle Creator
Known for humorous skits, Papi Jiang engages audiences with relatable content, great for brand humor campaigns.
8. Zhang Ziyi – The Celebrity & Brand Ambassador
This Hollywood actress’s Chinese influence translates well into endorsement deals, especially luxury and travel brands.
9. Xiao Zhan – The Idol & Trendsetter
A top-tier idol with a loyal fanbase, Xiao Zhan’s endorsement can spark viral trends among young consumers.
10. Da Zhang Wei – The Music & Lifestyle Influencer
Combining music, fashion, and daily life, Da Zhang Wei appeals to urban youth demographics.
📖 How to Collaborate with Douyin Influencers in China
For U.S. brands, collaboration often involves working through local agencies or platforms like BaoLiba, which facilitate influencer partnerships, content creation, and payments. Here are some tips:
- Understand Local Payment Methods: Most influencers prefer payments via WeChat Pay or Alipay in RMB. USD transactions are rare unless through an authorized agency.
- Cultural Relevance: Content should resonate with Chinese cultural norms and trending topics.
- Legal & Compliance: Make sure contracts adhere to Chinese advertising laws—disclose sponsorships clearly.
- Content Localization: Work with influencers who can adapt your messaging into Chinese language and culture authentically.
❗ Risks and Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Partnering with Douyin influencers isn’t without risks. Fake followers, low engagement, or content that doesn’t align with your brand can hurt your reputation. Always vet influencers thoroughly—check their engagement rates, audience demographics, and past collaborations.
Additionally, be aware of platform-specific rules—like restrictions on certain product categories or promotional content. Working with experienced local agencies, such as BaoLiba, can help you navigate these waters smoothly.
📊 People Also Ask
How do U.S. brands collaborate with Douyin influencers?
Most U.S. brands collaborate via local agencies or influencer marketing platforms that understand the Chinese landscape. These partners handle influencer vetting, content guidance, legal compliance, and payments—mostly through WeChat Pay or Alipay.
What are the main payment methods for influencer marketing in China?
The main payment methods are WeChat Pay, Alipay, and bank transfers in RMB. USD payments are less common and usually require an intermediary or agency to convert and process.
How do I find the right Douyin influencers for my brand?
Start by defining your target audience and campaign goals. Use local influencer platforms or agencies like BaoLiba to access influencer databases and vet potential partners based on engagement, content style, and relevance.
🏆 Final Take
Partnering with the right Douyin influencers can skyrocket your brand in the Chinese market. From beauty queens like Li Jiaqi to lifestyle stars like Li Ziqi, the platform offers a diverse pool of talent ready to bring your products to life. But remember, success depends on understanding the local scene, respecting cultural nuances, and working with trusted partners.
As of May 2025, the Chinese influencer landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Staying ahead means keeping your finger on the pulse and building authentic, compliant collaborations.
BaoLiba will continue updating United States influencer marketing trends, welcome to follow us.
