Kris Jenner’s Image Trends on Chinese Social Media

Popularity Linked to Wishes for Luck and Prosperity

Chinese social media users have reportedly embraced images of US reality TV personality Kris Jenner as part of a viral trend tied to aspirations for good fortune. Over the last three days, hundreds of thousands of posts have circulated on platforms like Weibo and RedNote, with many individuals humorously altering their profile pictures to resemble Jenner. This practice reflects a broader cultural desire to manifest success and positivity.

Jenner, often dubbed the “momager” of the family’s media empire, is credited with amassing a net worth in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Her role as the matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty, which includes Kim, Khloé, Kourtney, Rob, and Kendall and Kylie, has solidified her presence in global pop culture. The trend, however, has taken on a new dimension in China, where users creatively reimagine her likeness in various professional contexts.

“Cosplaying Kris Jenner is like a Gen Z funny way to manifest success,” noted TikTok creator Marcelo Wang, who educates viewers on Mandarin phrases and slang. He explained the trend’s rise, attributing it to Jenner’s reputation as a hardworking businesswoman in the US and the respect Chinese audiences hold for diligence.

On Sunday, Jenner herself responded to a video posted by Wang, writing, “you’re ALL doing amazing, sweetie!!!!” — a nod to her iconic line from an episode of *Keeping Up With the Kardashians*. Regional reports highlight screenshots from RedNote, a platform known as Xiaohongshu, showcasing edited images of Jenner in roles such as “lawyer Kris” and “teacher Kris.”

Business Insider estimates that 99,000 posts featuring Jenner’s image have been shared on RedNote, garnering over 52.9 million views. Last year, the platform boasted a user base of approximately 300 million, with a significant shift of users from TikTok, which faced potential US restrictions. The trend has also extended to Douyin, China’s TikTok counterpart, where videos using Jenner’s likeness or explaining its symbolism have attracted substantial engagement.

While the trend has not yet gained traction on Western platforms in large numbers, it has appeared on X. Some users have claimed personal achievements, such as passing exams, by incorporating Jenner’s image into their profiles. For more insights on tech trends, sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter. Outside the UK? Subscribe here.