Steve Chen, a 25-year-old who had never experienced love before, found himself in a romantic relationship last spring through an unexpected platform: a livestreamed video chat. Frustrated with the limitations of traditional dating methods and apps, Chen decided to embrace a new trend among young singles in China, where individuals looking for love interact in video chatrooms moderated by “cyber matchmakers,” all while a live audience watches and comments.
As of 2023, the number of single individuals in China over the age of 15 reached a staggering 240 million, according to government statistics. This increase in singlehood coincides with the country's declining birth rate and aging population, prompting the government to advocate for marriage and family growth. The State Council, China's cabinet, implemented a directive last year for local governments to create platforms that facilitate dating opportunities for the youth.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized in 2023 the importance of nurturing a new marriage and parenting culture to encourage individuals to start families. Shy and introspective, Chen previously described himself as “mutai solo,” a Chinese expression for being single since birth. However, his perspective changed after participating in a livestreamed video chatroom.
This particular chatroom was run by Tian Xin, a cyber matchmaker recognized for hosting virtual group dates on Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, for over a year. By day, Tian works at a tech firm but transitions at night into a lively matchmaker who engages participants, moderates discussions, and provides relationship advice, garnering over 130,000 followers.
One typical weeknight, around 11 p.m., over 800 viewers tuned into Tian's chatroom, where love-themed Chinese pop music set the mood. Eight participants appeared on camera, arranged in a grid, while a dozen others waited in a digital queue. Tian kickstarted the event with a series of questions aimed at identifying each participant's age, height, job, income, hobbies, and partner preferences.
One standout moment occurred when a male contestant, a PE teacher, showcased his physique by removing his shirt and flexing his biceps, eliciting gasps and applause from the audience, highlighting the competitive nature of modern dating. As the conversation progressed, all participants shared snippets of their day-to-day lives in a casual, engaging manner, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
As a medical student juggling his residency, Chen often felt overwhelmed by his workload, which left little room for socializing outside of professional commitments. According to a report by iiMedia Research in 2025, over 30% of single young people expressed similar sentiments, attributing their single status to demanding work schedules common in China, where long hours are the norm. In contrast, a growing movement known as “lying flat” advocates for a minimalist lifestyle, with some choosing to remain single as a rejection of societal pressures.
The livestreams offer a fresh alternative to traditional matchmaking methods, like marriage markets where families exchange resumes for their unmarried children. The interactive nature of these broadcasts appeals to those weary of conventional dating apps. Christine Zhang, a fan of the livestream format, believes it is more dynamic, allowing viewers to gauge personalities beyond profile pictures.
During one of the sessions, Zhang, who took notice of Chen's lively antics on camera, openly confessed her crush on him in front of an audience that included hundreds of viewers. This act of vulnerability impressed fellow participants, and the matchmaker facilitated a private conversation between them. After several months of texting, they finally met in person, leading to a serious relationship nearly a year later.
Both Chen and Zhang express gratitude for having connected through this innovative method. Zhang reflects, “Finding love is hard. I had to muster the courage to share my feelings in front of the camera. I think only those who are brave find love.” Their story epitomizes a modern approach to romance, intertwining technology and shared experiences in the pursuit of companionship.
