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Chinese export apps are redefining the global app landscape
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Chinese app developers are redefining the global app landscape, expanding their reach beyond gaming, across markets and industries. With a global-first strategy, Chinese companies are prioritizing international markets from the outset, leading to the dominance of platforms like TikTok, Shein, and Temu. This expansion extends beyond mature markets to fast-growing regions such as Southeast Asia (SEA) and Latin America (LATAM). Our recent report, Chinese export apps: Exploring global growth, influence, and market opportunities, provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends, complete with everything app marketers and developers should keep an eye on moving forward.
Read on for details on some key insights from the report, or download your copy today for the full picture.
Global adoption: A regional and vertical breakdown
The U.S. tops availability for Chinese-developed apps at 24%, with India close behind at 22%. SEA nations including Indonesia (18%), the Philippines (13%), and Vietnam (12%) also exhibit strong presence. In LATAM, Brazil leads at 17%. When it comes to install share, Indonesia takes the lead at 22%, narrowly surpassing the Philippines at 21%. Malaysia and Thailand both record 19%, highlighting SEA's pivotal role in Chinese app adoption.
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Entertainment apps are particularly successful, with Singapore dominating at 49% of installs attributed to Chinese-developed apps. Pakistan follows at 36%, Malaysia at 33%, and South Korea at 30%. In the finance sector, Nigeria stands out with a remarkable 62% of app installs coming from Chinese developers, followed by Pakistan at 45% and Kenya at 30%.
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The rise of short drama and AI Apps
Chinese short drama apps have quickly become a global entertainment phenomenon, blending the viral appeal of short-form content with serialized narratives. Over 40 Chinese short drama apps have amassed more than 55 million global downloads and generated $170 million in in-app purchases. Notably, the U.S. market contributes 60-70% of this revenue.
Key insight! Interest from the mobile marketing community is also on the rise. According to a recent Adjust survey, 36% of respondents have already seen short drama app ads and 35% working in the industry would consider developing such apps themselves.
In the AI sector, Chinese developers are tapping into lucrative markets like education, entertainment, and productivity. Baidu's ERNIE Bot has garnered more than 200 million users, while ByteDance's TikTok uses AI for personalized content curation. The global AI market is projected to reach $407 billion by 2027, presenting significant opportunities for Chinese developers already adept in the space.
Notable markets for Chinese app success
In EMEA, finance apps saw significant growth year-over-year from Q3 2023 to Q3 2024, with installs up 20% and sessions jumping 30%. Utility apps also performed well, growing 50% year-over-year in installs. In North America, finance apps are flourishing with a 10% year-over-year rise in installs and a 20% boost in sessions in Q3 2024. Social apps saw a remarkable 45% surge in installs, while sessions dropped by 19%.
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SEA markets also show strong growth. Finance apps saw an 88% and 70% surge in installs and sessions, respectively. Shopping apps skyrocketed with a massive 184% increase in installs, though sessions fell by 18%. These figures underscore the importance of balancing user acquisition with engagement strategies across different regions.
The future of Chinese apps on the global market
Chinese apps are reshaping the global app landscape, demonstrating remarkable success across various categories and regions. From the booming short drama sector to the rapid adoption of AI-powered apps, Chinese developers are at the forefront of mobile innovation. However, challenges remain, including navigating data privacy regulations and adapting to diverse market preferences.
To gain deeper insights into the global expansion of Chinese apps and learn how to capitalize on these trends, download the full report - Chinese export apps: Exploring global growth, influence, and market opportunities.
For a personalized look at how Adjust can boost your app's performance on the global market, request a demo with our team of experts today.
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