Tech

Clubbers in China are going to 'cloud raves' on TikTok because coronavirus quarantines mean they can't party for real — here's what they're like

By Sophia Ankel
coronavirus cloud clubbing china
Several DJs livestreaming their sets on Douyin, China's version of TikTok. TikTok/Douyin
Read in app

As millions of Chinese people are stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak, nightclubs across the country are keeping them entertained by holding "cloud raves" online.

Clubbers have been tuning into video platforms like Douyin, China's version of TikTok, and participating in them virtually.

Here's what they look like.

As China quarantines millions of people — meaning ravers can no longer go out to party — nightclubs are livestreaming DJ sets on Douyin, China's version of TikTok.

posters cloud rave coronavirus china
Douyin

The poster on the left, posted by Shanghai club TAXX on Douyin on February 22, shows its DJ lineup for that night.

The poster on the right shows an earlier post by TAXX expressing support for the country's fight against the coronavirus outbreak. It says at the bottom: "Come on China! Come on Wuhan! Come on Shanghai!"

Some DJs and clubs have been livestreaming on Kuaishou, another popular Chinese video platform, Vice reported.

Here's how it works: DJs video their performance either from a music venue, or their studios and homes, then livestream it on Douyin.

While some DJs have been performing live, others are prerecording their gigs and broadcasting them on Douyin's livestream later on, according to Vice.

People then comment on them in real time, giving the illusion that everyone is partying together.

People who are quarantined or staying indoors can tune into any music event they want. Some ravers have even posted videos of themselves dancing at home to the music.

These cloud raves have been extremely successful, with millions of viewers tuning into some of these livestreams.

According to Vice, almost 2.3 million people tuned into Beijing club SIR TEEN's cloud rave on February 10, with more than 100,000 viewers joining within the first 30 minutes.

They can also be incredibly lucrative for the clubs. In a livestream that gained 71,000 views, Shanghai club TAXX earned $104,000 in tips from online viewers paying through the app.

coronavirus clubbing
Douyin/TikTok

Source: Sixth Tone

Other Chinese companies like Alibaba are now joining the trend by organizing "no-meeting concerts," where singers and bands can livestream their practice sessions.

douyin livestream
Screenshot of a musician in China livestreaming her performance on social media during the country's coronavirus outbreak. Douyin via The Paper

Source: The Paper, Vice

Read next

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

极速168赛车官方网站图片

Business Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know

Sophia Ankel
Sophia Ankel
Sophia Ankel was a Senior News Reporter based in Insider's London office. She covered he war in Ukraine for more than a year and frequently covers politics, international conflict, and digital culture stories. Sophia also worked on multiple investigations, most recently looking into the meat empire of Nusret Gökce, also known as Salt Bae.Other features include a look inside the international legion in Ukraine, alleged sexual harassment by food delivery drivers, and the London police's (mis)handling of online sexual abuse reports.In 2018, Sophia won The Guardian's Hugo Young Award for her political opinion piece about image-based abuse.She also has bylines in the Guardian, The Independent, and VICE and has spoken about her work on BBC Three Radio and ESPN's "The Right Time."
HOME Subscribe