Millions in China still drawn to work as livestream hosts despite landmines and pitfalls

According to a survey of more than 10,000 young people on Sina Weibo in July, over 60 per cent said they want to make livestreaming a career. - Reuters

BEIJING (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): The stream goes live at 8pm exactly: a young woman in hiking outfit is standing in front of a nondescript backdrop.

As viewers stream in, host Susu starts prattling off at a breakneck pace, greeting her viewers by name as she checks her iPad, while talking about the pants she is modelling, switching between various tops and jackets to showcase the possible combinations.