Chinese Influencer Banned From Livestreaming Tries to Sell Streaming Course

Chinese twin influencers Zhang Qingyan and Zhang Kaiyang, known as Crazy Younger Brother Yang and Crazy Older Brother Yang, are making headlines again. Despite being banned from livestreaming two years ago, they are now trying to sell an expensive course on how to become a live streamer.

The brothers started posting funny short videos on Douyin (China's TikTok) in 2018 and launched the agency Three Sheep Network with a partner in 2021, working with hundreds of social media personalities. However, in September 2024, the company faced backlash for selling mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Qingyan promoted 'Hong Kong Meisun Mooncakes,' claiming they were from a high-end brand made in Hong Kong. An investigation revealed the mooncakes were actually produced in Guangdong province and never sold in Hong Kong.

Three Sheep Network apologized for false advertising, promised to rectify, and was fined nearly 70 million yuan ($10.3 million). Their social media accounts were suspended from livestreaming. Now, one of the brothers is back with a new venture: in June, an account called Three Sheep Group Class started promoting offline e-commerce courses taught by Zhang Kaiyang. A three-day course costs 1,980 yuan ($290), and a 28-day course costs 19,980 yuan ($2,950).

The courses went viral, but days later, the company deleted all promotional videos and purchase links without explanation. Many question the wisdom of learning livestreaming from someone who is banned from it.