More users star in own video greetings

Short videos are taking on text messages, audio calls and even virtual red envelopes to become the new darling of Chinese wanting to craft their own New Year greetings.

It was no surprise to see people glued to apps like Douyin and Kuaishou on the subway or at dinner during the Spring Festival holiday that ended on Sunday. Even the timid would produce and star in their own shows, using beautifying filters and music embedded in the software to spice up their work.

Beijing Bytedance Technology, the world's highest valued tech startup and the operator of Douyin (known as TikTok outside of China), said some 3.37 million users have signed up for a video shooting contest using the theme of "Another Happy New Year".