Decoding Douyin for Global Brands

In the hyper-competitive arena of digital marketing, Douyin (the Chinese precursor to TikTok) stands as the undisputed heavyweight champion of short-form video. It is not merely a social network; it is a high-octane "traffic engine" that integrates entertainment, search, and e-commerce into a single, addictive ecosystem. For global brands, mastering Douyin is essential for capturing not just China’s Gen Z, but also the massive, untapped potential of its lower-tier markets. This article dissects the anatomy of Douyin—from its dopamine-inducing algorithm and "sinking market" demographics to its closed-loop e-commerce model. We provide actionable strategies on how to navigate this landscape, explaining why metrics like "completion rate" matter more than followers, and how to turn passive viewers into active buyers in the complex world of Chinese social media.