If you’re a business looking to expand into the Chinese market, you’ve likely heard of WeChat. But what about Tencent QQ social media platform? QQ is developed by the same team that created WeChat and it is released as China’s first instant text messaging platform. Even though it remains a mystery to most foreign businesses, QQ continues to be an incredibly popular choice among users throughout the country. That is why having a good QQ advertising campaign means opportunities for brands.
What exactly is Tencent QQ app and how does it work?
QQ was first created as a simple desktop messaging app. Today thanks to its mobile version, QQ is one of the most prolific platforms in China’s digital landscape. Moreover, it has expanded beyond its core product and launched various affiliated apps such as QQ Music and QZone which have become wildly popular among the younger audience in China.
Mobile QQ, an app based on the desktop messenger program, offers more than just messaging; it’s a one-stop shop for all your entertainment and networking needs in China. With mobile QQ users can message friends, join any QQ group, and play games and music. Now there is also a mobile QQ advertising option on this popular instant messaging app.
Who are the primary users of the QQ app?
QQ is primarily used by young adults and prospective students between the ages of 18 and 34, making it an ideal platform for targeting a Millennial audience. QQ’s user base skews mainly towards males at 63% while 37% are female.
Undoubtedly, Mobile QQ’s simple yet ever-changing user interface has made it the go-to platform for the Chinese younger audience, even in an industry with immense competition and a surplus of options. It continues to be the top choice due to its innovative design and enjoyable experience.
QQ app vs WeChat: Similarities and differences
- Both social media platforms are created, developed, and owned by China’s tech giant Tencent
- Both apps are initially created for messaging
- Both apps are China-made and extremely popular
However, they also have some differences;
- When it comes to reaching a younger audience, mobile QQ stands out far above WeChat with its much more youthful user base. As a result, QQ is the optimal choice for international businesses targeting Millennial or Gen-Z Chinese consumers particularly.
- WeChat’s audience is from all over mainland China, including users with lower disposable incomes. QQ on the other hand is utilized mostly in first and second-tier cities with much higher disposable income rates.
- While Wechat’s photo and video sharing features are its signature features, QQ is more focused on gaming and music.
How can advertising on QQ be beneficial for foreign brands?
QQ remains an unexplored platform with potential
With WeChat rising in popularity among international businesses, numerous organizations are yet to recognize the immense advantages of leveraging QQ as a marketing channel. Foreign businesses can seize this opportunity and construct their network before any rivals do so, leveraging different ad types and available services.
Costs are relatively lower compared to competing platforms
With an expansive reach among young Chinese consumers and considerably lower cost compared to other platforms, this innovative platform provides unique opportunities for businesses to target potential customers in exciting new ways. Thanks to its sophisticated targeting capabilities, QQ’s impact is far-reaching enough that it can help brands grow their business on a China scale.
Targeting your specific audience is easy
Mobile QQ advertising offers this and so much more. You can easily target your desired audience according to their location, age, gender, and interests – whatever is most relevant for your brand!
You get access to QZone
With Tencent’s comprehensive advertising platform, brands can now attract millions of monthly active users on Mobile QQ and its affiliated social media site, QZone. This allows for unprecedented targeting of users across both platforms with just one well-crafted marketing campaign.
QQ partnered up with JD.com bringing an e-commerce feature
By joining forces with one of the leading online shopping giants in China, Tencent, and JD.com, QQ now boasts an incredibly powerful built-in eCommerce feature. This remarkable innovation enables advertisers to reach their target audience quickly and efficiently by providing them with a direct option for purchasing products right within the app. Mobile QQ advertising has truly revolutionized digital advertising, creating a great opportunity for foreign and domestic brands.
What are the QQ advertising options?
QQ Advertising banner ads
On the QQ homepage, you’ll come across a brand promotion ad that showcases videos and pictures to promote particular brands. Clicking on this advertisement will take you directly to the website in question – depending on the campaign at hand. Such ads are an efficient way for businesses to increase visibility, reach out to more customers and make their mark!
QQ Advertising pop-up ads
As users enjoy their favorite video content on QQ, pop-up ads will appear to promote the latest product or service. Once clicked, customers are taken directly to the landing page where they can easily purchase whatever is being offered – either through QQ with JD.com or an external platform of their choice. They get to shop conveniently while enjoying videos on QQ!
QQ Advertising KOLs ads
For a brand looking to reach a unique audience, working with an influencer or KOL fan group is the ideal method. The KOL invites followers into one big chat and then proceeds to promote products for both parties to benefit financially. Additionally, if a company has garnered enough popularity in China, it can even create its fan group! An exclusive discount for fans would likely contribute significantly towards engagement as well.
Would you like to start advertising on QQ? Contact us!
Are you interested in QQ advertising opportunities but don’t know where to start? We can help you.
Our agency in China has experienced QQ app specialists who can help you create an effective QQ advertising strategy, identify potential KOLs and influencers, set up your QQ ads campaigns, and manage them. Contact us to find out more!
