An Empirical Study on the Application of Short Video Platforms in Chinese Public Libraries: Based on the Evidence from Douyin (TikTok)

Abstract

This study explored the current characteristics and use of Douyin (TikTok) application by Chinese public libraries by adopting the city-tier classification. 213 accounts were analyzed using statistical and content analysis. The results indicated that the application has been gaining popularity since 2018, majority of accounts that have been created are of public libraries from less developed regions, instead of libraries from metropolises with resources and financial advantages. The contents released by public libraries from different city-tiers have their own characteristics. The most popular content was posted by the libraries from second-tier cities. This paper also provides insight into the positive and negative factors affecting the development of these libraries, especially those libraries that desire to engage with users on short video platforms.