Short video app Douyin permanently shuts down 33,000 user accounts

Popular short-video app Douyin (also known as Tik Tok) created by ByteDance is going thorough clean up removing a total of 27,578 short videos, 9,415 audio files, 235 Douyin challenges, and permanently blocking 33,146 user accounts during just one month. The June clean-up progress was announced on its WeChat official account July 13.

Duoyin has been through some rough waters this year. In April, the app temporarily removed its live-stream and comment feature and underwent a “system upgrade” to improve its content screening and auditing process. Earlier this month, Douyin had to suspend its commercial operations as a penalty for insulting a war hero.

The platform landed itself in hot water abroad too. Last week, Douyin’s international version Tik Tok was banned by the Indonesian government following public outrage. Much like in China, Tik Tok was accused of being a bad influence on the youth. The ban was overturned two days later after Douyin agreed to censor “negative content.”

What you get

Full access to all premium content and our full archives

Members'-only newsletters

Preferential access and discounts to all TechNode events

Direct access to the TechNode newsroom