A research report on the development of Chinese online literature in 2025 shows that overseas revenue rose to 5.64 billion yuan ($820 million), an 11.2 percent increase year-on-year, underscoring the growing global appeal of Chinese storytelling.
Released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Monday, the report examines multiple aspects of the sector's development over the past year, including its creative ecosystem, intellectual property expansion, cultural export, AI integration and theoretical research.
It highlights a significant surge in the ecosystem for original content overseas, with 1.3 million local creators worldwide producing over 2 million original works. These works span a diverse array of genres, including fantasy, romance, science fiction, and mystery, attracting nearly 200 million active users from over 200 countries and regions.
One notable trend is the rapid rise of Latin America as the fastest-growing overseas market for Chinese online literature. Among the top 10 countries with the most significant increases in monthly active users on platforms like WebNovel, nine are in Latin America, with Brazil leading the charge at a staggering growth rate of 779 percent. The United States, India, and Brazil also see substantial traffic, highlighting the global reach of these platforms.
The proliferation of Chinese online literature is further bolstered by advancements in AI, which play a crucial role in translating works into various languages. By the end of 2025, WebNovel had facilitated the AI translation of over 17,000 works, enhancing accessibility and engagement across diverse linguistic markets.
Beyond digital platforms, Chinese online literature has also gained traction overseas through publications and adaptations, including manga, anime and television series. For instance, Yuewen Group, a leading provider, has launched over 1,300 publications, more than 2,100 manga, 80 anime, and over 100 TV series, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of these narratives.
Domestically, the sector continues to grow in both scale and quality. In the past year, the online literature reading market surpassed 50.2 billion yuan, marking a 16.6 percent increase year-on-year. The number of writers rose by nearly 1.5 million to 32.69 million, while the total number of literary works increased by 4.19 million to 45.83 million.
Adaptations of online literary works have seen explosive growth as well, with the market size soaring to over 367.6 billion yuan, a 23.13-percent increase from the previous year. This growth is fueled by a diverse array of writers from various professions, including IT, academia, e-commerce, and more, enriching the tapestry of online literature with their unique perspectives and experiences. On Yuewen's platforms alone, there are more than 470 science researchers, over 3,100 university teachers, more than 6,100 food delivery workers and over 4,000 ride-hailing, truck, and designated drivers.
The report concludes that the broadening of the creative base, alongside the diversity of contributors' professional backgrounds, has enabled online literature to better reflect everyday life and resonate with the public, laying a solid foundation for continued growth.
