CHINA BRIEF | Douyin adds video call function supporting beauty filters

ByteDance’s short-video app Douyin has launched a video chat feature in an effort to engage its users to spend more time with each other and on Douyin, local media TechPlanet reported on Thursday.

Users can launch the new function by tapping a video chat icon on the right top corner of the app’s messaging section. Douyin provides beauty filters and visual effects to reduce users’ hesitation of meeting face-to-face.

Notably, the new feature also supports cross-platform functions, meaning that calls from Duoshan, ByteDance’s instant messaging app, can be also answered on Douyin.

According to third-party research firm QuestMobile, in March, Douyin’s monthly active users (MAUs) reached 518 million, up 14% from last year’s 452 million. The average time each user spent on the app in March was 28.5 hours, indicating an annual increase of 72.7%.

This article is part of KrASIA’s “China Brief” section, where KrASIA’s reporters will provide quick daily updates about the tech ecosystem in China.