Douyin Opens Registration to International Users on January 19, 2025, Lifting Restrictions on Foreign Phone Numbers Since Mid-2022
Jan 19, 2025, 09:02 AM
Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, has lifted restrictions that previously barred non-Chinese phone numbers from registering for accounts, liking, or commenting on the app. This change, effective as of January 19, 2025, allows international users to create accounts using foreign phone numbers. Reports indicate that users from various countries, including the United States and Indonesia, have successfully registered on Douyin. The removal of these restrictions marks a significant shift in accessibility for the platform, which had enforced these limitations since mid-2022. Observers note that this development may indicate a broader trend of China opening up its digital platforms to global audiences.
View original story
Social interactions • 25%
E-commerce integration • 25%
Live streaming • 25%
Short videos • 25%
Content variety • 25%
Cultural interest • 25%
Ease of access • 25%
Influencer presence • 25%
Other • 25%
Augmented reality features • 25%
Live streaming enhancements • 25%
E-commerce integration • 25%
Minor changes • 25%
Feature removed • 25%
Major restrictions added • 25%
No changes • 25%
Yes • 50%
No • 50%
Monetization • 25%
Content partnerships • 25%
Regulatory compliance • 25%
User growth • 25%
Legal settlement • 25%
Policy changes • 25%
No specific reason • 25%
Approval of joint venture • 25%
No significant change • 25%
Focus on non-U.S. markets • 25%
Sell TikTok • 25%
Develop alternative apps • 25%
Instagram Reels • 25%
YouTube Shorts • 25%
Other • 25%
Xiaohongshu (RedNote) • 25%
Other • 25%
Content Variety • 25%
Influencer Presence • 25%
Platform Features • 25%