Doubao’s June 2026 Updates: Social Features, Professional Version, and User Challenges
ByteDance’s AI assistant Doubao has launched social feature tests integrated with Feishu accounts, rolled out a professional version using the 2.1 Pro...
Doubao, ByteDance’s AI assistant, has been in the spotlight with a flurry of product updates and challenges in recent months. In late June 2026, the app initiated a gray test of social functions linked to Feishu accounts—ByteDance’s enterprise collaboration platform—allowing users to connect with workplace contacts seamlessly.
Simultaneously, Doubao unveiled its professional version powered by the new 2.1 Pro model, targeting users with complex tasks like coding. Priced at 68 yuan per month, this tier promises enhanced performance for productivity scenarios. Mobile users also benefit from a monthly 68 yuan member quota that works across all platforms, lowering the barrier to premium features.
However, the app faces significant hurdles. A third-party report revealed Doubao lost over 6 million users in May 2026, coinciding with news of its upcoming paid services. Users have criticized the paid version for offering minimal differences from the free tier. Additionally, a toxic mushroom misidentification incident led to user poisoning, prompting a response from Li Liang, vice president of Douyin Group (ByteDance’s subsidiary).
To address concerns, Doubao confirmed daily-used features will remain free. The company also uncovered水军 activities: nearly 100 identical IP accounts posed as exam takers to praise a competing AI and smear Doubao.
Sources
- Techweb (https://www.techweb.com.cn/tag/%E8%B1%86%E5%8C%85/)