Forget millennials: China’s newest internet stars are senior citizens

In the race for eyeballs on China’s hottest video apps, a new breed of internet stars have emerged.

One woman grins widely at the camera and breaks into an impromptu dance, swaying her hips from side to side. A farmer, with a wheat field as his backdrop, flings his arms wildly as he belts out a rock and roll ballad. Another man, looking dapper in a three-piece suit and immaculately styled hair, grills a steak in his kitchen.

Dubbed by Chinese media as the next wave of internet stars, Taoqi Chennainai, Benliang Dashu and Beihai Yeye count millions of fans on platforms like Kuaishou and Douyin, the Chinese version of the global viral video app TikTok.

The New "Wang Hong"

One of Beihai’s favorite hashtags is “rituals of a happy life.” In his videos, the simplest daily routine turns into a practice of mindfulness. Instant ramen is carefully cooked to al dente with the help of ice water. A morning skincare routine consists of ten steps involving just as many products.