Get Your Music on Tencent 

Tencent, a tech and entertainment giant headquartered in Shenzhen, China, isn't just a player in the digital landscape; it's a dominant force.1 With a staggering market valuation of approximately US$670 billion, this publicly listed powerhouse (on the Hang Seng) shapes how millions consume digital entertainment, technology, media, and internet services. And when it comes to music, Tencent's influence is unparalleled, particularly within the vast and burgeoning Chinese market.

Tencent's music ecosystem isn't a single entity; it's a multifaceted network comprising some of China's most popular streaming platforms.2 These "Tencent Services" collectively hold a commanding share of the domestic music streaming market, estimated at around 78% in 2016. Let's break down the key players:

• QQ Music (y.qq.com): Launched in 2004, QQ Music is a cornerstone of Tencent's music offerings, providing streaming and download services to a massive user base.3

• KuGou (kugou.com): One of the largest streaming services in China, KuGou, also launched in 2004, was acquired by China Music Corporation (CMC) in 2014. Tencent later gained an interest through a merger with CMC in 2016.

• Kuwo (kuwo.cn): The fourth-largest music streaming service in China, Kuwo joined Tencent's portfolio through the CMC merger in 2016.

• WeSing (wesingapp.com): This platform dominates China's online karaoke market, boasting an estimated 77% market share. It allows users to sing along, record their own vocals, and share their performances.

A Symphony of Services: Tiers and Features

Tencent's music platforms offer a range of subscription tiers, catering to diverse user preferences:4

• Basic Subscription Service:

  • On-demand streaming across devices.

  • Tethered downloads for up to 300 songs (offline mode).

  • Standard audio quality (320 kbps).

• Premium Subscription Service:

  • Enhanced download capacity (up to 500 songs on QQ Music and KuGou).

  • Otherwise, similar to the Basic Subscription Service.

• VIP Subscription Service (Green Diamond on QQ Music):

  • All Basic Subscription features.

  • Added perks like third-party coupons, gaming access, live concert ticket purchases, ringtones, and customizable player skins.

• Ad-Supported Service:

  • Free, on-demand streaming with advertising.

  • No offline mode or downloads.

  • Lower audio quality (128 kbps).

WeSing's Unique Karaoke Experience:

WeSing offers a distinct karaoke-centric experience:5

• VIP Subscription Service:

  • On-demand karaoke with user-generated content (UGC) covers.

  • Social features, chat, and virtual gifting.

  • Offline mode and 320 kbps audio.

  • Extra offerings like coupons, gaming packages, and customizable features.

• Ad-Supported Service:

  • Same on-demand karaoke functionality, but without offline mode, lower audio quality (128 kbps), and no extra offerings.

Reaching the Chinese Audience: Distribution and Timeframe

For artists looking to tap into the Chinese music market, Tencent's platforms are essential. Content distribution typically takes 4-6 weeks to go live.

Tencent's Mission: Elevating Music's Role

At its core, Tencent aims to leverage technology to enhance the role of music in people's lives. By providing a comprehensive platform that encompasses online music, karaoke, and live streaming, Tencent enables music fans to discover, enjoy, and interact with music in myriad ways.6

In essence, Tencent's music ecosystem represents a powerful gateway to the vast and dynamic Chinese music market. For artists and music professionals, understanding its structure and offerings is crucial for success in this rapidly evolving landscape.