Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2026-02-19 01:35Core Insights - The three major players in China's AI large model sector reported unprecedented user engagement during the Spring Festival, indicating a significant shift in user demographics and engagement strategies [1][4][10] Group 1: User Engagement and Growth - Tencent's Yuanbao achieved over 50 million daily active users (DAU) and 114 million monthly active users (MAU), with over 1 billion AI creations during the Spring Festival [1] - ByteDance's Doubao reported 1 billion AI interactions on New Year's Eve, with DAU exceeding 100 million, solidifying its position as the industry leader [1] - Alibaba's Qianwen recorded over 120 million AI orders and a DAU surge to 73.52 million, showcasing the massive user engagement across platforms [1] Group 2: User Demographics and Market Penetration - The surge in user numbers primarily attracted individuals who had previously not engaged with AI products, indicating a breakthrough in reaching a broader audience [1][6] - The traditional user base for AI applications has been limited to specific demographics such as programmers, office workers, and students, highlighting a gap in market penetration [2][3] Group 3: Marketing Strategies - The marketing strategies employed by the three companies focused on practical and relatable incentives rather than traditional advertising, effectively drawing in users who were not actively seeking AI solutions [4][5][6] - ByteDance leveraged its exclusive sponsorship of the Spring Festival Gala to promote Doubao, leading to increased installations among older generations [5] - Alibaba's Qianwen utilized practical offers like discounts and vouchers to appeal to everyday users, particularly in lower-tier markets [5][6] Group 4: User Retention Challenges - The industry faces potential challenges in retaining new users post-Festival, as historical trends suggest a drop-off in engagement after promotional events [7][10] - The success of retaining users will depend on the ability of AI applications to deliver a seamless and valuable experience during initial interactions [9][10] - The upcoming period will be critical in determining whether these new users will continue to engage with AI applications without the incentive of promotions [10]