If you’re a UK-based advertiser or influencer looking to crack the China market, knowing who’s hot on Youku in 2025 is pure gold. Youku, China’s answer to YouTube, is the playground for millions of fans and creators. With over a billion active users, it’s no surprise global brands are eyeing this platform to boost their China presence. But how do you navigate this beast from the UK side, with our pound sterling, GDPR rules, and local marketing habits? Let’s dive into the 2025 Youku influencer ranking and what it means for you.
📢 Marketing Trends in 2025 May for UK-China Cross Border Collabs
As of May 2025, the UK-China influencer game is heating up. UK brands like Burberry and Gymshark have started dabbling with Youku creators to reach China’s Gen Z and millennials who are glued to short videos and live streams. Unlike TikTok or Instagram in the UK, Youku’s ecosystem demands a more localised approach — think Mandarin content, China’s payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay, and regulations around data privacy and advertising disclosures that differ from GDPR but are equally strict.
UK advertisers tend to partner with local agencies such as Dragon Social or ParkLU to navigate these nuances. These firms help set up influencer campaigns that comply with Chinese law and fit Youku’s unique culture. After all, a UK influencer pitching in pounds and using PayPal won’t cut it — digital wallets popular in China must be integrated for smooth transactions and fan gifting.
📊 The 2025 China Youku Influencer Ranking by Fans
Let’s get to the juicy bit: who’s topping the Youku charts in 2025 by fans? The ranking is a mix of mega-celebrities, niche creators, and emerging livestreamers. Here’s a snapshot:
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Li Ziqi – The queen of countryside aesthetic videos. She’s got over 150 million fans on Youku, blending tradition with modern visuals. UK lifestyle brands targeting eco-conscious consumers should watch her closely.
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Papi Jiang – Comedy and commentary with over 100 million fans. Her sharp wit and relatability make her a perfect fit for UK brands wanting a cheeky, authentic voice in China.
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Austin Li (Lipstick King) – Beauty influencer with 90+ million fans. If you’re a UK cosmetic or skincare brand, collaborating with him can open doors fast.
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Viya – Livestream selling powerhouse with 80+ million fans. She’s the go-to for brands looking to drive direct sales in China via Youku’s livestream feature.
These creators have millions of fans who engage daily, so UK advertisers must consider fan loyalty and content relevance when choosing partners.
💡 Practical Tips for UK Advertisers Working with Youku Influencers
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Localise Your Content: Don’t just slap English subtitles on your UK ads. Hire Mandarin-speaking creatives who understand Chinese humour and culture. This is a must to win hearts on Youku.
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Leverage Livestream Commerce: UK brands should tap into Youku’s booming livestream sales scene. Partner with influencers like Viya who excel at real-time selling, boosted by fans’ impulse buys using Alipay.
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Understand Payment Preferences: UK’s GBP won’t cut it for direct transactions. Use local payment gateways or work with Chinese e-wallets to streamline purchases and gifting.
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Respect China’s Advertising Laws: Unlike the UK’s ASA rules, China’s advertising laws are strict on claims and disclosures. Collaborate with local legal experts or platforms like BaoLiba to stay compliant.
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Track Engagement, Not Just Fans: Fan counts are vanity metrics. Look at engagement rates on Youku—comments, shares, and livestream interactions matter more to ROI.
📊 How UK Influencers Can Learn from China’s Youku Stars
UK influencers wanting to break into the China scene need to up their game:
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Master Mandarin or Work with a Translator: Authenticity is key. Fans smell inauthentic content a mile off.
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Adapt to China’s Social Features: Youku’s platform mixes video content with e-commerce and messaging. Learn to navigate these tools to interact with fans effectively.
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Collaborate with Chinese Creators: Joint videos or cross-promotion with Youku influencers can boost your presence and credibility.
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Understand the Payment and Reward Culture: Fans often tip or gift influencers during livestreams via local payment methods. UK creators should understand this to monetise properly.
❗ People Also Ask
What is Youku and why is it important for UK brands?
Youku is China’s leading video-sharing platform, similar to YouTube but with built-in e-commerce and livestreaming features. For UK brands, it offers direct access to China’s massive, engaged audience—critical for brand expansion.
How do UK advertisers pay influencers on Youku?
Payments are usually handled via Chinese digital wallets like Alipay or WeChat Pay. UK advertisers often use local agencies to manage contracts and payments, converting GBP to RMB according to market rates.
Who are the top Youku influencers by fans in 2025?
Li Ziqi, Papi Jiang, Austin Li, and Viya lead the pack with tens of millions of fans each. They cover lifestyle, comedy, beauty, and e-commerce, making them ideal for various UK brand collaborations.
Final Thoughts
Cracking the China market via Youku requires more than just throwing money at big names. UK advertisers must get savvy about local culture, legal frameworks, and payment methods. The 2025 China Youku influencer ranking gives a clear roadmap of who’s worth partnering with. Whether you’re a brand like Burberry or a UK influencer aiming for China, understanding these dynamics is your ticket to success.
BaoLiba will continue to update the latest United Kingdom influencer marketing trends. Stay tuned and follow us for more insider tips on global influencer strategies.
