Weibo is testing a Facebook Stories-alike feature called Weibo Stories to gain more shares in China’s short video market.
Weibo Stories is currently under invitation-only testing among celebrities and Wang Hong (online stars) on iOS only. It’s similar to Instagram sharing photos and videos with followers that disappear after 24 hours.
It’s similar to Facebook Stories sharing photos and videos with followers that disappear after 24 hours. Only owners can save the Weibo Stories post which becomes private after 24 hours.
The design of Weibo mobile app is now similar to that of Facebook, with one row of profile icons on the top. Clicking on the first “My Story” will activate the camera function for users to take a photo or shoot a 15-second short video.
Weibo Stories is equipped with stickers, captions, and filters. Users can comment or send private messages. And, one of its settings allows auto-saving of the photos and videos published on Weibo Stories.
In the short videos category, Kuaishou mobile app ranks on top in China in Feb 2017 with over 86 million active users, followed by Meipai, Xiaokaxiu, Miaopai, and Doupai. More on top digital video mobile apps in China in Feb 2017.