An increasing number of young people in Taiwan are embracing Chinese mainland video platforms, with Hongguo Short Drama, a Chinese short drama platform under ByteDance, and Bilibili both ranking among the top 10 free apps on Taiwan's Apple App Store. Hongguo Short Drama has taken the No. 1 spot, prompting Taiwan media to point to the growing popularity and acceptance of mainland cultural products among local audiences.
According to Taiwan-based Storm Media, Hongguo Short Drama topped the free app rankings on both the Taiwan App Store (iPhone version) and Google Play on Oct. 19. Ten days later, it remained at the top of both platforms.
As of 3 pm on Oct. 29, two mainland video platforms featured in the top 10 free downloads on Taiwan's Apple App Store, with Hongguo Short Drama ranking first and Bilibili eighth. Hongguo Short Drama also topped Google Play's free app chart in Taiwan, while another mainland short drama app, FreeReels, ranked second.
In an editorial published on Oct. 29, Taiwan's United Daily News said the popularity of Hongguo Short Drama and the continued success of Bilibili, a platform established more than a decade ago, demonstrated the substantial consumer market and broad acceptance that mainland cultural products have gained in Taiwan.
From anime, games, short dramas and short-form videos to long-form video content, as well as fashion tips and discussions on social issues, the editorial said Taiwan audiences had become increasingly receptive to mainland online influencers and their perspectives on various issues.
The cultural influence of the mainland in Taiwan is also growing. The editorial noted that visits by mainland tourists and students to Taiwan had previously helped young people on both sides of the Strait better understand one another. The development of mainland television dramas and social media platforms has further helped people in Taiwan gradually break away from stereotypes about the mainland.
Young people in Taiwan no longer need to rely on local news outlets to access first-hand information from the mainland. When seeking further information on particular topics, many turn to Bilibili for answers, the editorial said. It added that the more the Taiwan authorities sought to restrict access to such platforms, the more young people were inclined to watch them.
With a shared language and cultural roots, the popularity of mainland television dramas and apps among Taiwan audiences demonstrates the common cultural heritage and identity shared by people on both sides of the Strait, according to the article.
Taiwan media have also pointed out that, despite the Democratic Progressive Party authorities' efforts to promote "de-Sinicization" through school textbooks, young people in Taiwan are increasingly bringing Chinese culture back to the forefront through their everyday online activities and consumption of mainland film and television productions.
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