Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the instant noodle industry Core Insights - The report analyzes the social media heat trends and key events driving the instant noodle category from November 1 to December 31, 2025, across major platforms like Weibo, Douyin, Zhihu, and grass planting platforms. It evaluates changes in volume, interaction, and sentiment, aiming to provide actionable market insights and strategic recommendations for brands to enhance their influence and competitiveness on social media [4]. Summary by Sections Industry Definition and Market Overview - Instant noodles are defined as convenient, quick-to-prepare food products, typically consisting of noodle cakes, seasoning packets, and oil packets. They have maintained a significant role in consumers' daily lives, especially in scenarios like travel, overtime work, and home dining. Despite facing challenges from emerging food formats like takeout and pre-prepared meals, instant noodles hold a dominant position in the fast food sector, capturing a 40.78% market share in the instant food market with a year-on-year growth of 6.21% in Q1 2025 [5][6]. Social Media Trend Analysis - From November to December 2025, the overall volume and interaction of the instant noodle industry on social media showed volatility, driven by key marketing events and social occurrences. For instance, the launch of the "Pure Fresh Chicken Soup" series by Kang Shifu on December 11, promoted by brand ambassador Zhou Shen, significantly boosted related topic volume [8][10]. Additionally, promotional activities on e-commerce platforms also influenced social media heat, such as the "Find Ma Chao" New Year event in mid-December [10]. Key Marketing Events - Major marketing events included the launch of Kang Shifu's "Pure Fresh Chicken Soup" on December 11, which generated substantial social media engagement, and the "Heavenly Choice Good Noodles" campaign linked to space technology, which attracted considerable attention in early November [37][38]. The collaboration with celebrities like Zhang Linghe also contributed to heightened social media activity [10]. Consumer Sentiment Analysis - The sentiment trend for the instant noodle category showed fluctuations, with a notable decline in net sentiment ratio (NSR) in early December, likely due to food safety concerns or negative public sentiment. However, NSR rebounded later in December, possibly due to proactive brand responses to negative publicity [49][52]. The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring sentiment trends to identify potential risks and adjust marketing strategies accordingly [50]. Platform-Specific Insights - Weibo and Douyin emerged as the primary platforms for instant noodle discussions, accounting for 52.8% and 39.5% of total volume, respectively. Weibo is characterized by fast information dissemination and strong topic engagement, while Douyin excels in creative content and user interaction [43][44]. Zhihu and grass planting platforms, although lower in volume, offer unique user engagement opportunities focused on product recommendations and lifestyle sharing [46]. Consumer Core Perspectives - Key consumer insights highlight preferences for product taste and quality, convenience, health concerns, and the impact of celebrity endorsements. Positive sentiments were noted for specific flavors and the convenience of instant noodles, while negative feedback often centered on health implications and rising prices [54]. The report suggests that brands should adapt their strategies based on these consumer insights to enhance competitiveness and satisfaction [54].