News Snapshot:
TikTok’s Chinese owner ByteDance is looking for its next big hit by wading deeper into the lifestyle sector of social media with Kesong, a shopping and lifestyle recommendations app similar to market leader Xiaohongshu. Kesong, launched last week, allows users to share photos, videos and write-ups of fashion tips and shopping experiences. It emulates Xiaohongshu, often likened to Meta Platforms’ Instagram and which is widely considered the embodiment of “planting grass” – the notion that reviews can entice readers or followers to buy a product or service. Fashion and luxury brands often turn to Xiaohongshu’s influencers who can reach millions...
