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Online Dating - China

China
  • Revenue in the Online Dating market is projected to reach US$296.50m in 2024.
  • Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 1.14%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$310.20m by 2028.
  • In the Online Dating market, the number of users is expected to amount to 90.7m users by 2028.
  • User penetration will be 5.6% in 2024 and is expected to hit 6.1% by 2028.
  • The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$3.58.
  • In global comparison, most revenue will be generated United States (US$1.39bn in 2024).
  • With a projected rate of 17.9%, the user penetration in the Online Dating market is highest United States.

Definition:

The Online Dating market is made up of online services that offer a platform on which its members can flirt, chat or fall in love. Two noticeable examples are Tinder and Zoosk. In contrast to matchmaking services, online dating focuses on casual contacting and easy flirting among its members. The users normally carry out the search on their own. In doing so, they can apply search filters with regard to criteria such as age, location and other attributes.

Additional Information

Data includes revenue figures in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), Users, average revenue per user (ARPU), and user penetration rate. User and revenue figures represent B2C services.

In-Scope

  • Apps and portals to flirt, chat or fall in love
  • Apps and portals that create matches based on users location such as Tinder
  • Apps and portals that create matches based on simple demographic criteria such as Badoo

Out-Of-Scope

  • Niche dating, such as portals or apps for vegetarians
  • Casual Dating for the search for non-committal sex
  • Offline dating agencies
  • Speed dating or similar events for singles
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Study Details

    Revenue

    Notes: Data was converted from local currencies using average exchange rates of the respective year.

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Notes: The chart “Comparable Estimates” shows the forecasted development of the selected market from different sources. Please see the additional information for methodology and publication date.

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Demographics

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Sources: Statista Market Insights, Statista Consumer Insights Global

    Analyst Opinion

    The Online Dating market in China has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by changing customer preferences, emerging trends, and local special circumstances.

    Customer preferences:
    Chinese consumers are increasingly turning to online dating platforms to find love and companionship. This shift in customer preferences can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the younger generation in China is more open-minded and tech-savvy, making them more inclined to use online dating services. Additionally, the fast-paced lifestyle in urban areas leaves little time for traditional dating methods, making online platforms a convenient and efficient way to meet potential partners. Lastly, the stigma surrounding online dating has decreased, leading to greater acceptance and adoption among Chinese consumers.

    Trends in the market:
    One of the key trends in the Chinese online dating market is the rise of niche dating platforms. These platforms cater to specific demographics or interests, allowing users to find like-minded individuals. For example, there are platforms specifically for single parents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and even pet lovers. This trend reflects the growing demand for personalized and targeted dating experiences in China. Another trend in the market is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics into online dating platforms. These technologies enable platforms to provide more accurate and relevant matches, enhancing the user experience. AI algorithms can analyze user data, preferences, and behavior to suggest potential matches, increasing the likelihood of finding compatible partners. This trend is driven by advancements in AI technology and the increasing availability of user data.

    Local special circumstances:
    China's unique cultural and social dynamics have also contributed to the development of the online dating market. The country's large population and gender imbalance, with more men than women, create a highly competitive dating environment. As a result, online dating platforms offer Chinese men a wider pool of potential partners, increasing their chances of finding a match. Additionally, the concept of "marriage pressure" is deeply ingrained in Chinese society. Many young adults face societal expectations to get married and start a family at a certain age. Online dating platforms provide an alternative avenue for individuals to meet potential partners and alleviate this pressure.

    Underlying macroeconomic factors:
    China's rapid urbanization and growing middle class have played a significant role in the growth of the online dating market. As more people move to urban areas for work and education, they often face challenges in meeting new people and forming romantic relationships. Online dating platforms offer a solution to this problem, providing a platform for individuals to connect and build relationships. Furthermore, the increasing disposable income of Chinese consumers has made online dating more affordable and accessible. Users are willing to pay for premium features and services, driving revenue growth in the online dating market. In conclusion, the Online Dating market in China is experiencing growth due to changing customer preferences, emerging trends such as niche dating platforms and AI integration, local special circumstances including a competitive dating environment and societal pressures, and underlying macroeconomic factors such as urbanization and increasing disposable income. These factors have created a favorable environment for the development and expansion of the online dating market in China.

    Users

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Global Comparison

    Most recent update: Mar 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

    Methodology

    Data coverage:

    The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.

    Modeling approach / Market size:

    Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

    Forecasts:

    In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, urban population, usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.

    Additional notes:

    The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.

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    Key Market Indicators

    Notes: Based on data from IMF, World Bank, UN and Eurostat

    Most recent update: Sep 2024

    Source: Statista Market Insights

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