Steve Chen, at 25 years old, had never experienced love until the previous spring when he was swept off his feet in an unexpected place—a livestreamed video chat. Feeling disillusioned with conventional dating methods and frustrated with dating apps, Chen joined a burgeoning trend among young and single individuals in China: entering video chatrooms hosted by “cyber matchmakers” where thousands of viewers can watch and provide live commentary.
In 2023, government statistics revealed that the number of single people over the age of 15 in China reached an unprecedented high of 240 million. With the country’s birth rate declining sharply and an ever-aging population, the Chinese government voiced the need for singles to marry and start families. In response, the State Council, which acts as China’s cabinet, pushed local authorities to develop platforms giving young adults more dating chances.
During a 2023 speech, President Xi Jinping stated, “We should actively foster a new type of marriage and childbearing culture,” urging the populace to form families.
Chen, who is naturally shy and introverted, found traditional dating challenging. He would often jokingly describe himself using the phrase “mutai solo,” which comically suggests being single since the womb.
However, that phase of his life has now passed.
Chen discovered love in a livestreamed video chatroom, helmed by Tian Xin, an innovative cyber matchmaker who utilized Xiaohongshu—also recognized as RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app—to host virtual group dates for over a year. Tian, who balances her day job at a tech company, turns into a people-connector at night, facilitating conversations and occasionally dispensing relationship advice. With over 130,000 followers, empathy is central to her approach. Tian comments, “You need to be empathetic to what people say.”
During a weeknight at 11 p.m., more than 800 viewers tuned into Tian’s chatroom, with sentimental Chinese pop songs playing softly in the backdrop. Eight participants filled the screen on camera, with several more awaiting their turn. Tian eased into the session by querying each participant about their age, weight, height, occupation, salary, location, horoscope, hobbies, and partner preferences.
As she queried a PE teacher, asking, “Do you have a talent or skills to show us?” the man flexed an impressive physique, leaving onlookers astounded and clapping. Amidst the reactions, a viewer humorously typed, “Lol. Is dating so competitive these days?”
Following the intros, participants shared snippets of their everyday lives as part of their nightly ritual—some washed off makeup, while others enjoyed a midnight snack of fried chicken.
As a medical student undergoing residency, Chen lamented the lack of time for socializing, stating, “The pressure of study and work is very strong. I don’t have time to socialize with people and make friends.”
Many share Chen’s sentiment. A 2025 report by iiMedia Research, a data analysis firm in China, showed over 30% of young singles cite demanding work schedules as the reason for their solitary status. Given that numerous Chinese firms demand 12-hour workdays across six days, the “lying flat” movement gained momentum, as individuals preferred minimalistic work and remained single to defy societal expectations.
Nonetheless, livestreamed matches have piqued the interest of singles looking to marry, providing a vibrant contrast to traditional matchmaking—where family arranges blind dates. For some, like Christine Zhang, it’s a more engaging and interactive option than a typical dating app.
Zhang appreciated the richer dynamics provided by livestreams. “You can see more than just photos on profiles in livestreams. You can see how one person speaks and acts,” she noted.
She became a regular attendee of Tian’s livestreams, inevitably drawn to Chen, who captivated audiences with dance and song. Venturing to express her feelings in front of the audience, Zhang professed her admiration for Chen, earning praise for her bravery. The matchmaker facilitated their introduction, encouraging private conversations between the pair. Months later, they connected in person.
Today, nearly a year since meeting, Chen and Zhang are in a committed relationship.
Both feel fortunate to have found each other. “Finding love is hard,” Zhang reflected. “I had to muster the courage to share my feelings in front of the camera. I think only those who are brave find love.”