The broadcasters gather in public spots in Guilin most nights, hoping to catch the attention of online "passers-by" scrolling through livestreams on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, where viewers can donate to their favourite streamers
Outdoor livestreamers singing and chatting with the audiences through their mobile phones on an overpass bridge at night in Guilin
Image: Jade Gao / AFP©
In the dead of night on a bridge in southern China, around two dozen livestreamers sat crooning and chatting into microphones, their identical ring lights spaced a few metres apart in glowing rows.
The broadcasters gather in spots like this in the city of Guilin most nights with the hopes of catching the attention of online "passers-by" scrolling through livestreams on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, where viewers can donate to their favourite streamers.
"There are too many indoor livestreamers," said 27-year-old Qiao Ya, who works from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am every night.
"For indoor livestreaming you need to look pretty to be able to attract viewers, but I'm too average for that."
Outdoor broadcasting took off about a year ago, and conditions can be harsh.