Meaning:
The term, literally translated as “top flow,” short for “顶级流量明星” (“top traffic stars”), refers to “showbiz celebrities with a huge following who generate massive online traffic whenever they refresh their social media accounts, or a piece of news or gossip involving them is revealed.” Those who often appear on the top of Sina Weibo’s “Hot Search” list are considered “top traffic celebrities” in China.
Example:
A: 当红小生中你喜欢谁？
Dānghóng xiǎoshēng zhōng nǐ xǐhuan shuí？
Who do you like most among the hot young actors?
B: 易烊千玺。他不仅长得帅，而且歌唱舞蹈俱佳，演戏认真，不愧是顶流。
Yìyángqiānxǐ。Tā bùjǐn zhǎng de shuài，érqiě gēchàng wǔdǎo jù jiā，yǎnxì rènzhēn，búkuì shì dǐngliú。
I like Jackson Yee. He’s not only cute, but very skilful at dancing and singing and passionate about acting as well. No wonder he is popular with a huge following.