While TikTok is popular worldwide, Douyin is specifically designed for the Chinese market and has some unique features.
If you’re interested in Chinese culture, food, language, or trends, Douyin is the place to be. Let’s dive in and get you set up with your very own Douyin account! First, we’ll go through how to download Douyin.
What are the steps to setup a Douyin account?
Download Douyin
First things first, you need to download Douyin. You can find it on the Google Play Store for Android users or Apple App Store for iOS users. You can find it on different search engines as well. If you can’t locate it, try using Chinese app stores like Huawei App Store, Xiaomi App Store, or OnePlus App Store.
Agree to Privacy Policy
Open the Douyin app and the first thing you’ll see is a prompt to agree to their privacy policy. It’s written in Chinese characters, so just click on “同意” (which means “Agree”). This is a standard step in most Chinese apps. Once you’ve agreed to the terms and user agreement, you’ll be able to access the Douyin app and start the registration process.
Permission Requests
The app might ask for various permissions to access your phone’s information, such as contacts or location. You have the option to allow or deny these permissions based on your comfort level. Allowing permissions can enhance your user experience by providing more personalized content, but it’s totally up to you.
Manual Registration
Click on “注册” (Register). You’ll need to select your proper region code and enter your mobile phone number. Make sure to check the terms and conditions box before proceeding. This ensures that your account is set up correctly and that you agree to Douyin’s user policies.
Note that a Chinese phone number linked is necessary for verification. It’s a straightforward process, and you’ll be up and running in no time.
Enter Verification Code
After entering your Chinese phone number, Douyin will send you a verification code via SMS. Enter this code in the app to verify your number. This step is crucial to ensure that your account is secure and linked to your phone. You may also use a QR code for verification. Once verified, you’re almost ready to start using your Douyin account. To verify Douyin accounts, you can also visit Douyin’s official website for additional verification methods.
Alternative Login Methods
If you have existing accounts on other Chinese platforms like QQ, WeChat, or Weibo, you can use these to log in to Douyin directly. It’s a convenient option if you’re already using these platforms.
Profile Setup
Now it’s time to set up your profile. Enter your user account name and upload a profile picture. If you’re not ready to do this right away, you can skip this step and come back to it later. Having a complete profile helps others find and follow you, but it’s okay to take your time and set it up when you’re ready.
Difference between Douyin (Chinese Version) and Tiktok?
Geographic Availability of Native Douyin Stores
Douyin is exclusively available in mainland China. It caters specifically to the Chinese market and complies with local regulations. Having a verified account on Douyin allows users to launch their own Douyin store, market products while live streaming, and access additional analytics tools.
TikTok, on the other hand, is available internationally and caters to a global audience with different content guidelines.
User Interface and Experience
While both apps have similar user interfaces, Douyin includes additional features and functionalities that are specifically designed for Chinese users. This includes more comprehensive in-app shopping experiences, connections to local services, and the native Douyin stores for brands to take advantage of the platform’s marketing functionalities.
TikTok offers a streamlined experience that caters to a diverse international audience, with slight variations in UI to meet the needs of users in different regions.
Censorship and Content Moderation for Verified Douyin Accounts
Douyin operates under Chinese internet regulations and censorship laws, which means some content that is permissible on TikTok might be restricted or moderated differently on Douyin. Additionally, verifying Douyin accounts outside of China can be challenging due to strict verification criteria and the need to meet specific eligibility requirements.
TikTok adheres to the regulations of the countries in which it operates, with a wide Western media reach, which can result in a different approach to content moderation and censorship compared to Douyin.