Tencent, Qihoo, Sohu & Youku Tudou: Anti-Baidu Alliance?

Pony Ma (Tencent), Hongyi Zhou (Qihoo 360), Charles Zhang (Sohu), Wing Cheung Koo (Youku Tudou), and Jun Lei (Xiaomi) gathering at the launch of Chang’e-3 Lunar Probe. Robin Li (Baidu) was not there. Had Robin Li been invited? Not sure. Just so you know that CCTV-2 critized Baidu several days ago.

According to our source, these four gentlemen talked half-jokingly about joining up on the battle against Baidu. If that is the case, we would suggest they apply the following tactics:

Tactic #1: Given the fact that video search takes up to more than 10% of the total traffice on Baidu, Charles Zhang and Wing Cheung Koo should keep Baidu from grabbing Sohu and Youku’s video content. They should also make waves against Baidu’s video search traffic in the name of anti-piracy.

Tactic #2: As part of the strategy, 360 should open up their video search to Sohu, Youku and the anti-piracy allien. Furthermore, 360 should provide support to the anti-piracy allien on the mobile channels.

Tactic #3: In addition to the mobile channels, 360 should take initiative in the battle in the PC search field. Firstly, 360 should aim at Baidu’s much-criticized medical advertisement. Secondly, 360 should compete Baidu on its Zhidao (知道) Tieba (贴吧) and Baike (百科). Currently, these three products takes up 25%, 13% and 14% of Baidu’s total traffic respectively.

Tactic #4: When it comes to Tencent, there is barely any but benefit from this battle. While Baidu’s market share going down, it’s time for Sogou to shine.