JD.com, one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms, is set to revolutionize the online shopping experience by hosting a livestream event featuring an AI clone of its chairman and CEO Liu Qiangdong. The company announced on its official WeChat account that the AI-powered livestream will take place on Tuesday night, showcasing the capabilities of their in-house language model, ChatRhino (Yanxi in Chinese).
In a promotional video accompanying the announcement, the AI version of Liu Qiangdong expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating that he would share insights on “food, reading, and lifestyle.” The AI clone impressively mimicked detailed human gestures, such as pinching his thumb and index finger together, adding to the realism of the virtual host.
Content as the New Frontier in E-Commerce
The introduction of an AI host reflects the growing trend among Chinese tech giants to leverage content creation as a means to attract and retain users. ByteDance’s Douyin (known globally as TikTok) has been at the forefront of this movement, leading the race in content-driven user engagement. However, other major players are now entering the fray.
Tencent, based in southern China, is focusing on WeChat Channels, the video feed within its ubiquitous messaging and social media app, recognizing it as a significant growth opportunity. Meanwhile, Meituan, often referred to as China’s Groupon, has recently launched a recruitment initiative targeting high-quality content creators. The company is offering individual accounts the potential to earn up to 30,000 RMB (approximately $4,143) per month, with additional bonuses ranging from 8,000 to 18,000 RMB.
China’s Booming Short Video and Livestream Market
According to the annual report on China’s internet audiovisual services, the country boasts over 1 billion online audiovisual users. Short video applications have the highest user retention rates, with over 70 percent of users engaging with short videos and livestream shopping. This surge underscores the importance of innovative content strategies for companies aiming to capture a share of China’s massive digital market.
JD.com’s foray into AI-driven livestreaming not only highlights the company’s commitment to technological innovation but also signifies the broader industry shift towards immersive and interactive shopping experiences. By integrating AI technology with content creation, JD.com is positioning itself to meet the evolving demands of consumers in the digital age.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
