Does Douyin Work in China?

Works

Douyin is the Chinese version of TikTok, made by the same company (ByteDance). It works fully in China with different content than international TikTok.

Last updated: January 15, 2026
Applies to: Tourists & residents

What happens if you try to use Douyin in China

Douyin works perfectly in China. It has a separate content library from international TikTok.

What works

  • Watching videos
  • Creating content
  • Live streams
  • E-commerce features
  • Local content discovery

What doesn't work

  • Accessing international TikTok content
  • Interface is in Chinese

Do you need a VPN?

No VPN needed

Douyin is a Chinese app and works without any VPN.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Expecting to see your TikTok feed. Douyin has completely separate content.
  • Trying to log in with your TikTok account. They are separate platforms.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Douyin and TikTok?
Douyin and TikTok are both made by ByteDance but are separate apps with different content libraries. Douyin is for China, TikTok is for the rest of the world. You cannot see Douyin content on TikTok.
Can foreigners use Douyin?
Yes. You can download and use Douyin with a foreign phone number. The interface is in Chinese.

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