Author | Wen Yehao

Editor | Wu Xianzhi

Twenty years, a blink of an eye in human history, is like the bone thrown into the sky by an ape in 2001: A Space Odyssey, instantly spanning millennia and transforming into an interstellar spaceship.

However, for the Internet world, these twenty years have been like a sea of change, witnessing its emergence, growth, and prosperity.

During the past two decades, the Internet landscape has undergone several transformations, with many names shining brightly before fading into obscurity. Yet, UC Browser, born in 2004, has shone like a star through the changing times and product iterations.

As a pioneer in mobile internet information services, UC Browser initially addressed users' pain points by compressing images, accelerating browsing, and saving data. It then delved into content ecology, evolving into a product that is easy to search, visually appealing, and user-friendly. By closely following user needs and adapting to industry changes, UC Browser has survived the cycles.

Twenty years of consistent dedication

Back in 2004, when Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle captivated audiences, Zhang Yimou's Kekexili , with its meager box office, sparked an aesthetic revolution in Chinese cinema. The nascent Internet at that time was like the barren yet vibrant grassland depicted in Kekexili . UC Browser emerged amidst this environment.

In the early days, browsers were purely tools for efficient and economical information retrieval. Speed and data savings were crucial.

By 2010, users were just starting to surf the web on their phones, but expensive data plans and slow speeds posed barriers. Pages took forever to load, and displaying images-heavy webpages consumed vast amounts of data.

In this data-precious era, images were costly. Forums even developed warning mechanisms, with authors labeling image-heavy posts to alert users to prepare for high data usage.

UC Browser addressed these issues by compressing images, transcoding webpages, and using custom cloud acceleration servers to optimize browsing experiences, alleviating users' data and speed concerns.

Attention to detail made UC Browser stand out. It quickly gained a foothold in the competitive market.

Another scenario was the limited network conditions for live sports streaming. Sports fans had to refresh pages constantly for live scores. UC Browser's auto-refresh feature allowed them to stay updated with minimal effort, becoming their go-to tool.

However, standalone products struggle in a competitive market, as Netscape's rise and fall demonstrated. Browsers need to integrate with other services to thrive.

With the advent of the 'iPhone moment,' the internet ecosystem and user habits evolved. Browsers transformed from mere information tools to bridges connecting users with content and services.

Recognizing this shift, UC Browser bolstered its content ecosystem, integrating news, novels, videos, and continuously optimizing user experiences.

From optimizing data usage and speeds to refining content ecology, UC Browser has always catered to users' evolving needs, evolving into a 'user-friendly browser.'

UC Browser's mantra: 'Easy to Search, Visually Appealing, User-Friendly'

Great companies distill their methods over time, forming the bedrock of their longevity. UC Browser's mantra, 'Easy to Search, Visually Appealing, User-Friendly,' encapsulates its essence.

Search is a crucial internet entry point, with browsers as gatekeepers. In the information-overloaded era, users seek quick and efficient access to content.

Unlike traditional search engines, UC Browser simplifies the search process, connecting users directly to relevant content. Whether novels, videos, short dramas, or information, users find what they need instantly.

For instance, when searching for novels, UC Browser displays chapter directories, eliminating the need for scrolling. When searching for apps, it directs users to download pages, saving time.

'Visually Appealing' refers to the seamless connection between search and content presentation.

UC Browser offers a dedicated 'Novel' entry with vast free reading options. Its clean, personalized reading mode lets users customize fonts, sizes, and backgrounds for an immersive experience.

As content formats evolve, UC Browser extends this to videos and short dramas. From urban to ancient settings, its extensive short drama content saw exponential search and viewership growth last year. Its built-in UC Super Player enhances video quality and supports VR viewing and screen mirroring.

Short dramas face content homogeneity. While novel themes initially attract viewers, repetition leads to fatigue. UC Browser partners with quality content providers, offering popular short dramas and personalized recommendations to maintain user interest.

'User-Friendly' encompasses not just search and content but also practical tools like cloud storage, long screenshot, format conversion, and ID card scanner.

In the era of super apps, true 'user-friendliness' goes beyond feature stacking but delves into scenario-based experiences.

UC Browser's cloud storage, for instance, allows seamless large file transfers (up to 40GB) and multi-keyword search, addressing user pain points.

Its commitment to genuine speed and capacity sets it apart from Speed limit -ridden competitors.

Amidst flashy internet claims, UC Browser's simplicity resonates. Its six-word mantra addresses users' fundamental needs with sincerity.

Navigating cycles, being users' friend

For long-lived products, establishing emotional connections with users is crucial.

UC Browser, with its 'Easy to Search, Visually Appealing, User-Friendly' approach, fosters a bond with its playful, humorous, and caring users. It anticipates their unspoken needs, turning into a trusted companion over time.

Community cultures are often attributed to user demographics, but they also shape user expressions, fostering collective resonance that reinforces community identity.

UC users embody Socrates' 'lovers of wisdom.' The 'UC 20th Anniversary Wish List' reveals their humor, self-deprecation ('Let my landlord give me a house'), and caring nature ('Give my parents a full physical exam package').

These wishes portray a vibrant, humorous, and caring community. UC reciprocates this warmth by granting wishes, offering gold, 20-year cloud storage subscriptions, merchandise, and even cars from its founder, He Xiaopeng, celebrating its 20th anniversary.

UC users' creativity extends beyond wishes. Earlier this year, they wrote poems, essays, and jokes for the 'UC Goddess List,' and campaigned for celebrities to appear on 'Singer 2024,' igniting online discussions.

As one user wrote, 'In twenty years, I've grown from a boy to a man. My support for UC remains steadfast. Through UC's activities, I collected many squirrels and remember their slogan, 'Giving more is less than understanding you.' Competition intensified, but my love for UC grew. I hope to receive more UC merchandise in another twenty years, remaining young at heart.'

Beyond users, UC users have become long-time friends, co-evolving within a tight-knit, self-consistent ecosystem. This mutual emotional bond forms UC Browser's enduring foundation.

As Wang Guozhen wrote, 'I don't think about success; I just forge ahead, braving wind and rain.' Over its twenty-year journey, UC Browser, like an evergreen tree, has flourished amidst industry shifts.