Tieba

Baidu Tieba, commonly referred to as Tieba, is a Chinese online forum service operated by Baidu. Launched in 2003 as Baidu Post Bar, it is built around topic-based communities called bars. Users join bars to post content and participate in discussions related to the bar’s subject. Tieba is integrated with Baidu’s search and other services, and it is among the largest Chinese-language online communities.

Each bar has its own page with a description, rules, and a roster of posts. Users create threads and reply; posts can include text, images, and multimedia. There are features such as polls, attachments, and user tagging. The platform uses a hierarchical moderation system, with bar administrators and Baidu staff who enforce rules. A user level and reputation system incentivizes participation.

Tieba covers a wide range of topics including entertainment, technology, sports, local topics, and fan communities. It is known for vibrant fan discussions, memes, and information exchange, but content is subject to Chinese laws and platform policies, with some bars restricted or removed if they violate rules. User privacy and moderation practices have been topics of discussion.

Tieba is part of Baidu’s ecosystem and is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps for iOS and Android. It has played a significant role in Chinese online culture, serving as a venue for community building, Q&A, and user-generated content.