Exploring the tension between cultural export and localization in global media platforms

Research Article
Open access

Exploring the tension between cultural export and localization in global media platforms

Yufei Liu 1*
  • 1 Wuhan University of Communication    
  • *corresponding author 2464912540@qq.com
Published on 10 June 2025 | https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7102/2025.23903
ASBR Vol.16 Issue 4
ISSN (Print): 2753-7110
ISSN (Online): 2753-7102

Abstract

In the era of digital globalization, international media platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, TikTok, and YouTube Originals have expanded beyond traditional national borders, reshaping cultural consumption patterns worldwide. These platforms face a crucial challenge: how to export their home culture's values and narratives while simultaneously addressing the cultural identities and aesthetic preferences of local audiences. The tension between cultural export and localization becomes particularly pronounced in politically sensitive, religiously diverse, or ethnically complex regions. This study explores how global media platforms navigate this dynamic, analyzing case studies to examine how these platforms either harmonize, strengthen, or exacerbate cultural friction. By delving into the intersection of cultural export, economic interests, identity politics, and platform algorithms, the research highlights the complexities of balancing global appeal with local resonance in an increasingly interconnected and fragmented media environment. This study is limited by its focus on a few case studies, which may not fully capture the diversity of global media experiences. Future research could explore a broader range of regions and platforms, considering audience reception and the long-term evolution of cultural dynamics in global media.

Keywords:

global media platform, cultural export, localization, digital globalization, media flow

Liu,Y. (2025). Exploring the tension between cultural export and localization in global media platforms. Advances in Social Behavior Research,16(4),136-139.
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References

[1]. Gershon, R. A. (2019). Transnational media and the economics of global competition. In Y. R. Kamalipour (Ed.), Global communication: A multicultural perspective (pp. 55–70). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

[2]. Kim, Y. (2021). The soft power of the Korean Wave. Parasite, BTS and drama, Routledge.

[3]. Ryu, S., Xiang, Y., & Zhang, W. (2024). Globalization and glocalization of the cultural and creative industry in the digital era. In Guide to Digital Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Industry (pp. 131–148). SAGE Publications, Inc.

[4]. Li, L., & Leng, H. (2021). The analysis of Joseph Nye’s soft power theory. Forest Chemicals Review, 431-438.

[5]. Yu, F. M. (2021). Localization and internationalization of texts of the media discourse. Вестник Волгоградского государственного университета. Серия 2: Языкознание, 20(3), 45-54.

[6]. Wang, Y., & Weng, X. (2022). Analysis on how “globalization” affect Netflix to cultural diffusion. In 2022 8th international conference on humanities and social science research (ICHSSR 2022) (pp. 2082-2086). Atlantis Press.

[7]. Huttayavilaiphan, R. (2024). From local flavor to global fandom: an exploration of the cultural presentation and attitudes towards using English by Thai content creators on the TikTok platform. Frontiers in Communication, 9, 1453316.


Cite this article

Liu,Y. (2025). Exploring the tension between cultural export and localization in global media platforms. Advances in Social Behavior Research,16(4),136-139.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

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About volume

Journal:Advances in Social Behavior Research

Volume number: Vol.16
Issue number: Issue 4
ISSN:2753-7102(Print) / 2753-7110(Online)

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References

[1]. Gershon, R. A. (2019). Transnational media and the economics of global competition. In Y. R. Kamalipour (Ed.), Global communication: A multicultural perspective (pp. 55–70). Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

[2]. Kim, Y. (2021). The soft power of the Korean Wave. Parasite, BTS and drama, Routledge.

[3]. Ryu, S., Xiang, Y., & Zhang, W. (2024). Globalization and glocalization of the cultural and creative industry in the digital era. In Guide to Digital Innovation in the Cultural and Creative Industry (pp. 131–148). SAGE Publications, Inc.

[4]. Li, L., & Leng, H. (2021). The analysis of Joseph Nye’s soft power theory. Forest Chemicals Review, 431-438.

[5]. Yu, F. M. (2021). Localization and internationalization of texts of the media discourse. Вестник Волгоградского государственного университета. Серия 2: Языкознание, 20(3), 45-54.

[6]. Wang, Y., & Weng, X. (2022). Analysis on how “globalization” affect Netflix to cultural diffusion. In 2022 8th international conference on humanities and social science research (ICHSSR 2022) (pp. 2082-2086). Atlantis Press.

[7]. Huttayavilaiphan, R. (2024). From local flavor to global fandom: an exploration of the cultural presentation and attitudes towards using English by Thai content creators on the TikTok platform. Frontiers in Communication, 9, 1453316.