Li Ziqi Officially Returns, Releasing Video After A 3-Year Hiatus
On November 12th, Li Ziqi posted on Weibo: This lacquer video is four years late, “lacquer” sounds like “qi” in Chinese. I named this lacquerware artwork with hidden flower carvings “Purple Qi Coming from the East”, the qilin looks back, worries about nothing, and I also send this blessing to each one of you who watched the video. Miss you all very much.
On November 13th, Li Ziqi’s Weibo was updated again and received 48,000 likes in just half an hour.
On the afternoon of November 13th, Li Ziqi once again updated her social media platform and released the latest video “For Everyone Who Knows My Name”. She said: “I want to send a wish to everyone, so I sang this song; because I wanted to sing this song, that’s why I made a velvet flower blooming on Shu brocade; I bless every friend who sees this video, adding beauty like flowers on brocade, blooming brilliantly, achieving their wishes and enjoying prosperity in life!” This “velvet flower” video creatively showcases the exquisite integration of traditional velvet flower making techniques and Shu brocade. In the “velvet flower” video, the “Velvet Flower Purple Lotus” slowly blooms beautifully.
It must be mentioned that, even though there has been no updates for several years, in such a rapidly changing era of traffic, Li Ziqi’s account still maintains long-lasting vitality. Taking Li Ziqi’s YouTube account as an example, the number of fans has not decreased but increased. In three years, it has grown by 5 million, showing a significant long-tail effect. As of November 13th, the number of subscribers is 20 million.
According to media statistics, as of now, Li Ziqi’s total number of fans across all platforms exceeds one billion. What is even more remarkable is that after Li Ziqi releases a video, she gained 3.835 million new followers overnight on just three major platforms: Douyin (TikTok), Weibo (Weibo), and Kuaishou (Kwai).
On the afternoon of November 12th, Li Ziqi had 47.133 million followers on Douyin, 25.739 million on Weibo, and 9.17 million on Kuaishou. By the morning of November 13th, the number of followers on these three platforms had increased to respectively reach 49.8 million; 26.641 million; and 9.439 million.
In the days of silence from Li Ziqi, there were multiple rumors circulating about her comeback, but they all ended without any follow-up. The reason behind this was a dispute between Li Ziqi and Hangzhou Willing regarding the profit sharing of the ‘Li Ziqi’ brand.
It wasn’t until December 27, 2022, that Hangzhou Willing announced on their official public account that they had reached a settlement with Li Ziqi through mediation at the Mianyang Intermediate People’s Court. After the settlement, Li Ziqi regained control of her company. Sichuan Ziqi Cultural Communication Co., Ltd also underwent changes in its business registration, with Liu Tongming, founder of Willing, exiting Li Ziqi’s company.
In their statement announcing the settlement, both parties expressed their intention to continue cooperating in the future. However, it is puzzling that Li Ziqi’s accounts on various platforms have remained inactive for nearly two years following the settlement.
An insider close to Li Ziqi told reporters that during the time when Li Ziqi stopped updating her videos, she went out hundreds of times to visit many inheritors of intangible cultural heritage. She learned skills, had discussions, delved deep into researching folk culture, understood the stories and context behind these crafts, and explored the historical origins of materials used in production.
Industry insiders analyze that for Li Ziqi, the timing of her return or deeper contemplation is crucial: on one hand, how to create sustainable and up-to-date high-quality content; on the other hand, to find the best fit between content and new business opportunities. After all, Li Ziqi’s name no longer represents just an individual. As a “super internet celebrity IP,” she is a business card and also the online “backyard” pursued by fans. She also represents the penetrating power and communicative power of excellent traditional Chinese culture.
According to the above-mentioned person, Li Ziqi will continue to update in the future.
SEE ALSO: Chinese Influencer Li Ziqi Returns After Two Years
