Has-Been Stars Find New Fame Harvesting Middle-Aged Fans on China’sVideo Platform
BEIJING, CHINA – A new phenomenon is emerging inChina’s digital landscape: has-been male celebrities are finding a second wind of popularity, not on the big screen or music charts, but on the video platformWeChat, specifically its Video Number feature. These aging stars are captivating a dedicated audience of middle-aged women, affectionately known as aunties, who areshowering them with attention and affection.
This trend, highlighted in a recent article by 36Kr, a leading Chinese tech media outlet, is a testament to the evolving nature of celebrity culture in China. While younger generations are drawn tofresh faces and online influencers, a significant segment of the population, particularly women aged 40 and above, are finding solace and entertainment in the familiar faces of their youth.
These aunties are drawn to the nostalgia factor,remembering these stars from their younger days. The celebrities, in turn, are capitalizing on this sentiment by showcasing their lives, sharing their experiences, and engaging with their fans in a more intimate and personal way than they ever could on traditional media platforms.
One of the most prominent examples is actor [insert name ofa relevant actor], whose career peaked in the [insert decade]s. He has amassed a large following on Video Number, where he shares his daily life, cooking recipes, and even sings old hits from his past. His videos are filled with comments from fans expressing their admiration and longing for the good old days.
The appeal goes beyond nostalgia. Many of these aunties are experiencing a period of transition in their lives, with their children grown and their careers potentially winding down. They are seeking connection, entertainment, and a sense of belonging, which they find in these online communities centered around their favorite stars.
Thistrend has also sparked discussions about the changing dynamics of celebrity culture in China. While traditional media outlets still hold sway, the rise of social media platforms like WeChat has empowered fans to engage with their idols in new ways, blurring the lines between celebrity and everyday life.
[Insert name of a relevant expert] , aprofessor of media studies at [insert university name], believes this phenomenon reflects a broader shift in Chinese society. The ‘aunties’ are no longer passive consumers of entertainment, he says. They are active participants, shaping the content they want to see and connecting with celebrities on their own terms.
However, thephenomenon also raises concerns about the potential for exploitation and manipulation. Some critics argue that these celebrities are exploiting the emotional vulnerability of their fans for financial gain, while others worry about the potential for misinformation and harmful content to spread within these communities.
Despite these concerns, the trend of has-been stars finding success on Video Number islikely to continue. As China’s digital landscape evolves, the lines between celebrity and everyday life will continue to blur, offering new opportunities for both stars and fans to connect in ways never before imagined.
[Insert a concluding statement about the future of this trend and its implications for Chinese media and society.]
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