Meet Victoria Mei: The girl breaking stereotypes and promoting modern Chinese culture on social media

“Growing up in China and then studying in the U.S., I realized a huge gap in understanding between our cultures. I felt compelled to bridge that gap, to show the world the vibrant, modern face of Chinese culture that I grew up with and loved,” says Victoria Mei. She is a US-based Chinese social media figure and entrepreneur who uses her platform to bridge cultural divides and offer a fresh perspective on Chinese culture within the global community.

Her unique outlook, blending humor with insightful cultural commentary, has earned her a significant following, especially among viewers interested in Asian-American experiences and cross-cultural humor.

From Academic Curiosity to Digital Influence

Mei’s journey began during her undergraduate years at the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied Global Studies and Economics, focusing on Asia, particularly China.

“Taking classes about China from a Western perspective was eye-opening,” Mei recalls. “I found myself constantly relating my experiences growing up in China with the Western perspectives I was encountering. It made me realize how much misunderstanding there was about my culture, and I felt compelled to do something about it.”

To connect to as many people as possible, Victoria Mei resorts to the universal platform: social media. In 2023, Mei took her first steps into content creation, focusing on topics related to Chinese culture and the differences between China and the U.S.

Within a year, her videos amassed over 100 million views across platforms, and her follower count surged to 500,000 on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Prominent magazines like Yahoo News, Daily Mail, and many others featured her videos.

Her most popular videos tackle subjects that relate to Asian and Western audiences. “Why You Should Date a Chinese Girl,” which garnered 4.1 million views on Instagram, challenges stereotypes with humor and insight. “Shrimp-Like Boyfriend in China,” viewed 5.8 million times, delves into cultural dating norms with a light-hearted touch.

Meanwhile, “Why Chinese People Look Younger” offers a blend of cultural practices and genetic factors, attracting 1.1 million curious viewers.

Humor as a Cultural Bridge

Victoria Mei recognizes the weighty nature of conversations surrounding culture, race, and misconceptions. People often approach these topics, primarily concerning cultural differences and immigrant or minority experiences, with caution or avoid them altogether due to their serious and complex nature.

However, Mei addresses them head-on uniquely and engagingly rather than shying away from these subjects.

The content creator takes a refreshing perspective exploring cultural differences, family dynamics, and the immigrant experience by infusing her content with humor and relatability. Drawn from her own life as a Chinese individual navigating American culture, Mei uses comedic sketches and witty storytelling to highlight the quirks, misunderstandings, and amusing situations that arise when two cultures collide.

From tips on dating Chinese girls and a rundown of common misconceptions about Chinese girls to more fun skits such as accidentally ordering coffee in Chinese while in America, Victoria Mei’s platform now comprises 500+ videos, each featuring different topics related to Chinese culture.

“I believe laughter is the fastest way to open someone’s mind and keep them engaged,” Victoria Mei says. “When we can laugh together about our differences, we’re already halfway to understanding each other.”

Asian Talent on the Spotlight

Recognizing the need for more diverse voices in media and entertainment, Victoria Mei founded the Asian Creatives Club in 2024. This initiative aims to empower aspiring Asian creatives in America and across the world by connecting them with industry professionals, brands, and investors.

“I want to create opportunities for Asian voices to be heard and celebrated,” Mei explains. “There’s so much talent in our community, and I wanted to create a platform to nurture and showcase it.”

Through networking events, mentorship programs, and collaborative projects, the Asian Creatives Club builds a new generation of content creators, artists, and entrepreneurs who are proud to share their cultural heritage with global audiences.

Victoria Mei believes that this organization benefits the Asian community and strengthens America’s reputation as a hub for talents and content ideas that people worldwide seek.

Victoria Mei on Overcoming Challenges and Criticisms

As Mei’s platform grows and her content reaches a broader audience, she inevitably encounters criticism, particularly regarding potential biases. Some users argue that her personal experiences and perspective as a Chinese-American woman may not be representative of the diverse range of experiences within the Asian-American community.

Others suggest that her focus on specific aspects of Chinese culture, such as dating norms or family dynamics, could inadvertently perpetuate stereotypes or generalize the experiences of Chinese individuals.

However, Victoria Mei approaches these criticisms not as reasons to step back from her work but as opportunities to educate and engage in meaningful conversations. She acknowledges that her background shapes her experiences and perspectives and that there is always room for growth and learning.

Looking to the Future

As Victoria Mei continues to grow her platform and influence, she remains focused on her core mission: bridging cultures through understanding and laughter. “Every day, I read comments from people telling me how they relate to my content, some even sharing their own experiences related to the topic. That drives me to keep creating and pushing for greater understanding.”

From 2018, when Victoria Mei first came to the U.S. without knowing anyone, to now, when she has already built online and offline relationships, she recognizes that a lot has changed within her. Yet, her eagerness to express, promote, and represent her heritage never changed.

Victoria Mei recalls, “I remember when I first started, without any single connections in America, I persisted in my work, sending thousands of cold emails and cold-calling well-known people. I also made hundreds of videos on a fresh Instagram page within a couple of months, all on my own. It was indeed an experience that shaped who I am as a creator.”

With plans to expand the Asian Creatives Club and delve into longer-form content that allows for more in-depth cultural exploration, Mei’s journey is far from over. “I see my work as just the beginning,” she reflects. “There’s so much more to explore and stories to tell. I’m excited to see where this path leads, not just for me but all those who relate to my content.”