In a surprising shift from traditional dating methods, young singles in China are turning to live-streamed video chats to find love. This trend, growing in popularity since 2024, allows individuals to meet potential partners while thousands of viewers watch and comment in real-time.
A New Way to Date
Steve Chen, 25, had never been in a relationship before 2024. Frustrated with conventional dating apps, he tried something different – a live-streamed video chat. This new dating trend, popular among young, single people in China, involves participants entering virtual chat rooms hosted by a “cyber matchmaker.” These chats are often broadcast live on Chinese social media platforms, such as Xiaohongshu (RedNote), where thousands of people watch the interaction unfold.
This digital matchmaking has become particularly appealing as China faces a growing number of single adults, with the government reporting a record high of 240 million singles in 2023. This surge is partly due to a plummeting birth rate and an aging population. To combat these demographic challenges, the Chinese government has started encouraging its citizens to marry and have more children, even introducing policies to help singles find love.
The Role of Cyber Matchmakers
Cyber matchmaker Tian Xin is one of the key figures driving this new dating trend. By day, she works at a tech company; by night, she transforms into a virtual Cupid. For over a year, Tian has hosted live-streamed group dates on Xiaohongshu. She leads these sessions by breaking the ice, moderating conversations, and offering relationship advice.
Her live-streamed sessions, usually scheduled at night, attract hundreds of viewers who enjoy the unique combination of matchmaking and entertainment. As participants interact with each other, the viewers are invited to comment and offer their thoughts. The energy is dynamic, and the experience offers a much more interactive environment than traditional dating apps.
The Appeal of Live-Streamed Matchmaking
For many like Steve Chen, traditional dating apps are no longer enough. Chen, a busy medical student, struggled with the pressures of his studies and a hectic schedule. “I don’t have time to socialize with people and make friends,” he explains.
This sentiment resonates with many young people in China, where over 30% of single adults say their busy work or study schedules are the main reasons they remain unattached. This growing trend has led some to adopt a more relaxed approach, known as “lying flat,” which includes working as little as possible and resisting societal pressures to marry.
However, the live-stream video chat method offers an alternative. It allows singles to engage with potential partners without the need for time-consuming in-person meetings. During one session, Tian Xin asks each participant a series of questions about their age, job, hobbies, and relationship preferences. Then, they chat in front of the camera, with viewers commenting and even making suggestions.
For example, one participant, a physical education teacher, impressed the crowd by flexing his muscles after being asked if he had any talents to showcase. The crowd reacted with applause and playful comments, showcasing the interactive and somewhat competitive nature of these live-streamed dates.
Connecting in Real Time
Christine Zhang, another regular viewer of Tian’s live streams, says the videos offer a more authentic way of getting to know someone compared to dating apps. “You can see how someone speaks and behaves, not just their photos,” Zhang explains. “It’s much more interactive and fun.”
Zhang, who initially tuned in for entertainment, eventually noticed Steve Chen among the other participants. During one live session, she mustered the courage to confess her feelings for him, sharing her crush in front of hundreds of viewers. Her bravery didn’t go unnoticed, and soon after, Tian introduced them privately off-camera.
The couple started texting and meeting up in person. Nearly a year later, they are in a serious relationship, grateful for the chance to connect in a way they had never experienced before. Zhang says, “Finding love is hard. I think only those who are brave find love.”
The Future of Digital Matchmaking
As live-streamed matchmaking grows in popularity, many experts see it as a potential shift in the way relationships are formed in China. Traditional dating apps and in-person matchmaking services are still widely used, but these virtual spaces provide a new and exciting option for singles looking for love.
With more platforms and cyber matchmakers like Tian Xin emerging, this trend could reshape the dating landscape for young people in China. As social media continues to play an influential role in people’s lives, it’s clear that the future of love may be more interactive than ever.
