Weibo.com, the most influential social media in China, celebrated its two years’ anniversary today. “Weibo is a lifestyle. Weibo changed our life. We also changed the world through Weibo.” This is the catchline of Weibo.com’s newest advertisement.
“Weibo” (微博) is the Chinese word for “microblogging”. Weibo.com was launched by SINA Corporation on August 28, 2009, and now has more than 200 million registered users. It has a similar market penetration that Twitter has established in the USA. People call Weibo as Twitter’s Chinese version.
As the most popular social media in China, Weibo is playing a very important role in China’s society. It becomes a platform for Chinese citizens debating on topics related to social issues, politics, and governance. Two months ago, millions of Weibo bloggers criticized railway officials after a train crash that killed 40 people. About 10 days ago, residents in Dalian, a city in northeast China, “reported” their protest against a local chemistry factory through Weibo.
As its catchline says, Weibo is changing China with its unique way.
Happy birthday, Weibo.com!
