Changba, a mobile karaoke app that’s popular among Chinese youngsters, added video-recording and song-forwarding features last week.

    Users can record video while singing and forward friends’ renditions*.

    Being free on iPhones and Android phones, Changba has turned out to be one of China’s startup stars since its launch in May 2012. By the end of last year, it had attracted about 10 million users along with significant media attention.

    In the app, lyrics are displayed on a phone’s screen along with a moving symbol that changes color to guide the singer. The app notifies users if they are out of tune* while singing. After a song is finished, the user gets a score based on tune accuracy, and a ranking among all of Changba’s users.

    Users can choose whether to upload their renditions online or save them in their mobile phone. Songs can either be uploaded in Changba’s community or through social networking platforms such as Sina Weibo or Tencent’s QQ.

    The app gives budding singers an opportunity to build a grassroots fan base. Changba also has a filtering facility, including automatic sound mixers and echo effects — a feature described by founder Chen Hua as “Instagram for sound.” For those struggling to hit the high notes, the app gives voices a tuneful sheen* that could make you sound like Adele.

    Changba receives minor advertising revenues from display ads and sponsored singing contests. It also sells virtual flowers for users if they want to give virtual gifts to singers they like.(Cao Zhen)