Douyin’s 2026 Growth Kings: Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei Dominate the Platform
In 2026, the social media landscape in China—especially Douyin—is undergoing a major shift driven by explosive engagement around rising drama stars. As of April 2026, two names stand out above the rest: Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. Both have secured the top spots for the highest growth in tag views this year, signaling a new wave of digital dominance in the entertainment industry.
This surge didn’t happen overnight. The massive success of the drama Pursuit of Jade played a crucial role in boosting their visibility. The series not only performed well in ratings but also went viral across social platforms, generating fan edits, trending clips, and widespread discussions. As a result, content related to Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei flooded Douyin, significantly increasing their tag view counts.
Zhang Linghe’s Explosive Rise
Zhang Linghe is undoubtedly the biggest highlight of this growth report. Between January and April 2026, he recorded an astonishing increase of 36 billion tag views—the highest among all celebrities this year.
His total accumulated tag views have now reached 97 billion, propelling him from 45th place in 2025 to 20th place on the all-time highest tag view celebrity chart. Jumping 25 positions in just a few months reflects not only his rising popularity but also the powerful impact of viral content on Douyin.
Several factors contributed to his success: strong on-screen performance, compelling visuals, and the ability to emotionally connect with audiences. Combined with Douyin’s highly responsive algorithm, his content spread rapidly, reaching millions of users beyond his core fanbase.
Tian Xiwei: A Rising Star Shining Bright
Coming in second, Tian Xiwei achieved an impressive growth of 20 billion tag views, bringing her total to 54 billion and placing her at 59th in the all-time rankings.
While her cumulative numbers are still lower than Zhang Linghe’s, her growth rate is equally remarkable. Tian Xiwei has built a strong and loyal fanbase, particularly among younger audiences who are highly active on social media. Her role in Pursuit of Jade resonated deeply with viewers, making her character relatable and emotionally impactful.
Her on-screen chemistry with Zhang Linghe also became a major talking point, turning them into one of the most discussed pairings on Douyin in early 2026.
Strong Competition in the Top 6
Beyond the top two, several established stars also made it into the list of highest growth:
- Bai Lu gained 17 billion, reaching a total of 177.9 billion (6th all-time)
- Dilraba Dilmurat added 15 billion, totaling 165.4 billion (7th place)
- Zhao Lusi increased by 13 billion, with a total of 188 billion (4th place)
- Zhao Liying rose by 12 billion, reaching 232.9 billion (2nd place)
Although these celebrities already have massive and stable fanbases, their growth rates were outpaced by Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. This highlights a shifting trend where viral momentum can temporarily surpass long-established popularity.
The Power of Douyin’s Algorithm
A key driver behind this phenomenon is Douyin’s algorithm, which is designed to rapidly amplify high-engagement content. Videos with strong interaction—likes, shares, and comments—are quickly pushed to wider audiences.
Pursuit of Jade provided highly shareable content: emotional scenes, romantic moments, and visually striking clips that are perfect for short-form videos. These elements fueled continuous circulation of related content on Douyin.
Additionally, fan edits, trending sounds, and viral challenges further boosted visibility. The synergy between organic fan activity and platform mechanics created exponential growth for both stars.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
This surge goes beyond personal popularity—it reflects a broader transformation in the entertainment industry. Brands are now increasingly targeting Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei for endorsements and campaigns, recognizing their rapidly rising influence.
Their commercial value has skyrocketed, opening doors to high-profile projects and partnerships. More importantly, this trend shows how digital performance—especially on platforms like Douyin—has become a key indicator of success, sometimes even more influential than traditional TV ratings.
A New Era of Digital Stardom
The success of Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei marks the arrival of a new era where digital growth defines stardom. They are not just actors; they are symbols of how quickly fame can scale in the age of algorithm-driven platforms.
As trends continue to evolve, more rising stars are likely to emerge through similar viral pathways. However, maintaining this level of popularity will be an ongoing challenge, given the fast-paced nature of digital media.
Conclusion
The year 2026 has crowned two standout figures as Douyin’s true “Growth Kings.” With a staggering 36 billion increase for Zhang Linghe and 20 billion for Tian Xiwei, both have demonstrated the immense power of timing, talent, and digital virality.
Congratulations to all the stars on the list—and especially to the two who have redefined growth on Douyin this year. 🎉
Read more:
“From Viral to Valuable: How Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei Turn Douyin Fame into Real-World Power”