The CIC China Social Media Landscape 2008-2013: stakes and opportunities.

These stunning infographics are been crafted by ciccorporate.com and we can discover that 2008-2013 have been an explosive 5 years . In addition these infographic show us also  the potential growth of this country in terms of social media, e-commerce and other online business.


The 2013 diagram for example has portrayed China’s social media platforms in 4 categories, based
on stage of maturity and functional dependency.
1. Functional Networks
Functional networks provide basic support for other platforms, or have been integrated into other platforms. So, they include Q&A, Wiki, Blog, Doc-Sharing and LBS.
2. Core Networks
Core networks can be considered the campaign battlefield; including Micro-Blog, SNS, IM, Mobile Social, Video & Music, BBS, Rating & Review, and e-Commerce. It’s worth mentioning that “Mobile Social” is a new core network in landscape, as Wechat, with its 300 million users, has become a social phenomenon in China. More and more brands are becoming aware of the real value of marketing and engagement through mobile social platforms.
3. Value-Added Networks
Value-added networks are based on core networks and other platforms but aim to provide additional service. These include things like Social Commerce, Social Aggregators, Social Gaming and Social Search.
4. Emerging/Niche Networks:
Emerging/Niche Networks are those platforms that perform a relatively independent function, or specifically target niche groups. This includes Online Travel, Light Blogs, Dating Networks, Business Social, Enterprise Social, Photo Sharing and Social TV. These are the emerging platforms to which brands need pay special attention.
As the social media landscape in China evolves ever fast and with unparalleled dynamism, CIC strive to remain at the cutting edge. Any suggestions or questions about this infographic, or the wider landscape it represents, are warmly welcomed.


2008-2009, the 1st version: IM, BBS, video sharing and e-Commerce were the major components of the landscape.

2010, the 2nd version: micro-blog, LBS and group-purchase became popular.

2011, the 3rd version: light blog and business social enter the landscape.

2012, the 4th version: we began to sort China’s social media platforms into 4 categories and integrate Mobile Social, Personal Networks, Enterprise Social, Online Travel and Dating Networks.

2013, the 5th version: Social Search, Social TV and Photo Sharing have been added, and mobile social platforms become a core network.



<A brief history of the China Social Media Landscape
CIC made the very first Chinese Social Media Landscape infographic in 2008, inspired by the conversation prism made by a famous social media marketing expert, Brian Solis.>