Tech giant Xiaomi shuts down short video platform Zili
- ByStartupStory | February 24, 2023
Chinese consumer electronics company Xiaomi is shutting down its short video platform Zili.
The firm announced the development through an Instagram post, on February 11, at a time when Chinese apps are being scrutinised by the Indian government.
Zili app is now not available on Google Play Store. Xiaomi launched the app on the Play Store in November 2018. “While you will not be able to upload any new content, view other creators’ videos or access any creators’ personal page from today, you will be able to download all your content and encash and redeem your Z-Points, if eligible, till the Shutdown Date,” the firm said in a release.
The app, which has already been taken down from the Play Store had over 10 Cr downloads, shot to fame following the Indian government’s decision to ban Tiktok in 2020.
Known for its affordable smartphone, Xiaomi entered India in 2014. The Chinese firm started selling its smartphones with the digital marketplace, Flipkart.
The ban on Tiktok saw a number of startups pivoting to the short-video model and seeing rapid growth initially. However, most of them, including ShareChat, Roposo and Chinagari, seem to be struggling with declining downloads and engagement.
Xiaomi’s move to shut Zili comes at a time when Chinese firms operating in India have come under the scrutiny of the Indian government for tax evasion and other reasons amid tensions between two countries over border disputes. Chinese smartphone manufacturers Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo are under investigation in India for tax evasion and have also seen raids by the I-T Department in the past.
In October 2022, Xiaomi also shut down its financial services in India. Mi Pay, which was used to make digital payments, and the Mi Credit app were discontinued in under three years. The Chinese tech giant also plans to divest its stake in Indian startups.
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