Douyin: Showing Is the New Selling
“Douyin: showing is the new selling” captures perfectly how this platform works in 2025.
I am Olivier VEROT, i create this article to explain how douyin is changing Ecom Game in China… yes on Douyin, (Chiense tiktok) people don’t want a traditional sales pitch.
=They want to see experiences, feel them, and imagine themselves there.
For businesses, this is the most powerful shift. as I mention on Linkedin
Let me explain it into a clear article, super practical for you guys…
Douyin: Showing Is the New Selling
Have you noticed how a short video can do more to sell a hotel, a café, or a tour than any brochure? That’s Douyin at work. In China today, Douyin is not just entertainment. It’s where people discover destinations, check credibility, and often book directly.
The rule is simple: if you want to sell on Douyin, don’t tell — show.
Why Showing Works Better Than Selling
Oh yes.
Look at my post on LInkedin
Focus on the joy your toy brings to both the child and parents.
Chinese People are flooded with ads. They don’t trust banners or slogans. But when they see someone enjoying a rooftop view, tasting a dish, or laughing during a tour, they can imagine themselves there.
That moment of imagination is what drives action. One authentic video beats ten “special offer” posters.
What Kind of “Showing” Works on Douyin?
- Daily Life Snippets
Show the real experience: a guest checking into your hotel, a plate arriving at a table, or a guide cracking a joke during a tour. Keep it raw and relatable. - Transformation Moments
Before/after shots are powerful: the street outside vs. the hidden rooftop inside, raw ingredients vs. the finished dish, morning calm vs. night lights. - First-Person View (POV)
Hold the camera as if you’re the tourist: walking through a lobby, opening a balcony door, or stepping onto a boat. Viewers feel they’re experiencing it themselves. - Short Stories
Instead of listing features, tell a mini-story: “We spent one day in [destination]. Here’s what surprised us most.” Structure = Hook → Experience → Happy Ending.
Technical Tips for SMEs on Douyin
- Keep it short. 10–20 seconds is ideal.
- Hook in the first 3 seconds. Start with the view, the food, or the most photogenic moment.
- Add subtitles. Many viewers watch on mute. Clear Chinese subtitles are essential.
- Use trending music. Douyin’s algorithm favors posts that ride popular sounds.
- Post often. At least 3–4 videos per week to build momentum.
- Engage. Reply to comments quickly — the algorithm boosts content with interaction.
- Example in video here “The vid platform’s unique blend of entertainment, community, and video commerce makes it the ultimate tool for selling tech products in the world’s largest consumer market.”
Selling Without “Selling”
Remember, the goal is not to push discounts. The goal is to show experiences so appealing that the viewer wants them. But you still need a clear path to conversion:
- Always include your WeChat QR code or link to your Douyin shop/mini-program.
- Use CTAs that feel natural: “Want to try this rooftop view? Scan here to book.”
- Highlight peer proof: repost user videos, show guest reactions, or use micro-influencers.
KOL are just better at create Content
Why SMEs Should Care
COST IS LIMITED guys…
For small and medium businesses, Douyin levels the playing field.
You don’t need giant budgets. 😉
A well-shot video on a phone can reach tens of thousands if it hits the right vibe. That kind of reach was impossible with traditional advertising.
“Showing is the new selling” means your daily reality is your best marketing tool. Every meal served, every check-in, every laugh on a tour is potential content.
Look at this video and tell me … if you wont buy this for a kid 🙂
Final Word
Douyin is not optional anymore. For Chinese tourists, it’s the first stop for travel inspiration. And on Douyin, showing beats selling. If you can capture authentic, visual moments and post them consistently, you’ll attract travelers who already feel connected to your experience before they even arrive.
At ChineseTouristAgency.com, we help SMEs create the right kind of Douyin content — short, authentic, and conversion-friendly. Our team in China manages campaigns, works with influencers, and connects your videos to real bookings. If you want to turn “views” into visitors, Douyin is where to start.
