Ultra-Competitive Fandom Platform Market: Weverse Dominates with Record-High Quarterly MAU

 HYBE’s fandom platform Weverse has surpassed a record-breaking 11.6 million monthly active users (MAU) this quarter, solidifying its unmatched growth trajectory in the entertainment technology market.

As the entertainment industry rapidly evolves into an ICT-driven “EnterTech” sector, Weverse has established itself as the benchmark of FanTech — a platform that connects fandoms through technology.

 ■ 11.6 Million MAU: Firmly No.1 in the Fandom Platform Market

During its Q3 2025 earnings call on November 10, HYBE announced that Weverse reached approximately 11.6 million MAU, marking the platform’s highest-ever figure.

This represents a 20% year-over-year increase (1.9 million users) and 7% growth from the previous quarter.

Industry analysts point to the anticipation surrounding BTS’s full-group comeback as a key growth driver. Ahead of the group’s reunion in Q1 2026, fans have been spending more time on the platform, following members’ updates and exclusive content.

Additionally, active engagement from other HYBE artists — including SEVENTEEN, TXT, LE SSERAFIM, and ILLIT — has amplified platform synergy.

Weverse Company has also achieved a turn to annual profitability through new revenue models such as digital memberships and advertising, positioning itself as a prime example of how to blend fan experience with monetization through technology.

 ■ Expansion into China via QQ Music and Tmall

HYBE and Weverse Company are now accelerating their expansion into the Chinese market.

On November 18, Weverse will launch its “Weverse DM” private messaging service on QQ Music, one of China’s largest streaming platforms, strengthening real-time communication between artists and fans.

Meanwhile, the Weverse Shop Flagship Store on Tmall — featuring official merchandise from 17 artists — has been growing rapidly. Within just five months of opening, it was named a “2025 Rising Star Brand,” proving Weverse’s strong local competitiveness.

HYBE CEO Jae-sang Lee stated,

“Through our strategic partnership with QQ Music and the expansion of Weverse Shop within Tmall, we aim to improve accessibility for Chinese fans and further strengthen Weverse’s global fandom network.”

■ Expanding Global Artist Lineup: EnterTech Competition Heats Up

Weverse is also broadening its international artist roster, adding Japan’s Kawaii Lab and YOASOBI, thereby diversifying its global fandom base. This signals Weverse’s evolution beyond a simple content platform into a “Global Fan Experience Infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, rivals are racing to secure market share:

BeMyFriends launched BeStage, hosting Netflix community content.

Kakao Entertainment is expanding its platform BERRYZ across drama, variety, and audition communities.

Despite the growing competition, Weverse maintains its dominance through a dual strategy of global expansion and artist-centered fan experiences.

The Weverse model demonstrates that fandom platforms are evolving beyond community spaces into data-driven “Fan Ecosystem Operating Systems (Fan OS).”

As AI recommendations, commerce, and membership integrations deepen, the future competitiveness of the entertainment industry will ultimately hinge on platform technology.

Outsider Columnistㅣsjb17767@gmail.com