
"Decadent life” banned in short videos... but netizens don’t know what that means
Global viral sensation TikTok began life as short video app Douyin in China
China loves short video. There are dozens of short video apps. But now authorities have listed 100 things you cannot do in short videos, and while some were obvious and expected -- others have left netizens confused.
The list of banned content can be very specific, like “losing control after excessive drinking” or “the sounds of sexual moaning” (and a ban on fetishes for used stockings). But there’s also one that says users can’t advocate for “bad, decadent life views”.
What does that mean? Judging by posts on Chinese social media, nobody’s sure.
It could be aimed at influencers, like the sort you see on Instagram -- people whose job is seemingly to show off how much they’re enjoying the finer things in life.

Not everyone is unhappy with the new rules. Some welcome the clean-up of China’s many (many) short video apps.
We tried to ask Douyin users whose short videos focus on interpreting historical events about the new rules.
One told us ”It’s everybody’s responsibility to be honest with history,” adding that there would be no impact.
One of the most liked comments on Weibo jokingly predicts that new edicts might do even more to push a positive image of China.
“Must shoot with Huawei phones,” says the comment.
I wasted a week staring at 19 short video apps from China
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For more insights into China tech, sign up for our tech newsletters, subscribe to our Inside China Tech podcast, and download the comprehensive 2019 China Internet Report. Also roam China Tech City, an award-winning interactive digital map at our sister site Abacus.
