Weverse expands in China with Tencent, Alibaba partnerships
HYBE’s Weverse platform has expanded into China through partnerships with Tencent Music Entertainment and Alibaba, reaching 11.6 million monthly active users globally in the third quarter of 2025. The collaboration with QQ Music allows Chinese subscribers to access Weverse DM premium messaging services, while a Tmall store launched in June sells official merchandise for 17 artists and earned a 2025 Supernova Brand award within five months.
HYBE CEO Jason Jae-sang Lee told investors on November 10 that the company chose corporate partnerships over direct investment to serve Chinese fans without maximizing profits. Additional subscription services are under discussion for these platforms, which Lee noted would directly contribute to earnings. The strategy comes as China’s music streaming market added over 25 million paying subscribers in 2024 and surpassed $1 billion in annual streaming revenues, becoming the world’s third-largest subscription market.
