Global impact of Chinese web novels reaches new heights

China's online literature has achieved unprecedented global reach as the international web literature market experiences rapid expansion, with Latin American markets emerging as new growth drivers and young creators reshaping the landscape, according to industry experts and web novel writers.

The transformation is evidenced by the latest industry report showing overseas revenue reaching 4.815 billion yuan ($683.8 million) in 2024, marking a 10.68 percent year-on-year growth. The sector's total revenue hit 49.55 billion yuan, according to the 2025 China Online Literature Overseas Trend Report released at the 4th Shanghai International Online Literature Week.

"Online literature has evolved beyond initial global co-creation," said Hou Xiaonan, CEO and president of Chinese online publishing company Yuewen Group.

"Three foundational pillars are established: a global user network, a worldwide creative ecosystem, and a cross-cultural interactive community. These elements are transforming online literature from a China-based IP source into a next-generation global IP powerhouse."

The company's international platform, WebNovel, now connects nearly 400 million readers with 530,000 writers worldwide, who have produced over 820,000 original works. More than 538 titles have surpassed 10 million reads each.

Latin America emerged as a standout growth market in 2025, with nine of WebNovel's top 10 countries for monthly active user growth coming from the region.

Mexican author Daniel Dominguez, writing as Dagzo, noted the region's growing appetite for Asian content.