China's Tinder: Tantan, Momo & Soul vs Tinder — The 2025 Dating App Comparison
China's dating app market is dominated by three platforms: Tantan (the most direct Tinder clone), Momo (a broader social discovery platform), and Soul (a personality-based matching app). Together they serve over 200 million monthly active users. Tinder, owned by Match Group, has approximately 50 million daily active users globally but is not available in China without a VPN. Chinese dating apps differ significantly from Tinder in features, monetization, and cultural approach to online dating.
TL;DR
China's dating apps (Tantan, Momo, Soul) serve 200M+ MAU combined. Tinder has approximately 50M DAU globally but is not available in China. Tantan closely mirrors Tinder's swipe-based model. Momo combines dating with live streaming and social features. Soul focuses on personality matching through voice and quiz-based interactions. Chinese dating apps monetize heavily through virtual gifts and live streaming; Tinder monetizes primarily through subscriptions.
Key Insights
Tantan: China's Swipe-Right Dating App
Tantan is China's closest equivalent to Tinder, using the same swipe-right-to-like, swipe-left-to-pass model. Acquired by Momo in 2018, Tantan has approximately 20 million monthly active users. Tantan has faced regulatory challenges in China including temporary removal from app stores due to content moderation issues. The platform monetizes through premium subscriptions (VIP features) and virtual gifts. Tantan has expanded to Southeast Asian markets but struggles with profitability.
Momo: The Social Discovery Platform
Momo is China's original location-based social discovery app with over 70 million monthly active users. Momo combines dating features with live streaming, short video, and social gaming. Momo reported 12.7 billion yuan in net revenue for 2024, with live streaming contributing the majority. Momo's evolution from a simple dating app to a comprehensive social entertainment platform reflects broader trends in Chinese social media. Momo also owns Tantan.
Tinder: The Global Dating Standard
Tinder is the world's most popular dating app with approximately 50 million daily active users. Owned by Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH), Tinder monetizes through premium subscriptions (Tinder Plus, Gold, Platinum) costing $9.99-$19.99/month. Tinder has introduced features like video chat, Passport (change location), and AI-powered profile assistance. Tinder is available in over 190 countries but is not accessible in China without a VPN. Match Group reported total revenue of $3.3 billion in 2024.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tantan / Momo / Soul | Tinder |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Active Users | 200M+ (combined) | ~50M DAU |
| Core Model | Swipe / Location / Personality | Swipe (swipe right/left) |
| Live Streaming | Yes (Momo core feature) | No |
| Voice/Text Chat | Yes (Soul focuses on voice) | Text + Video |
| Virtual Gifts | Major revenue source | Limited |
| Available in China | Yes (domestic leaders) | No (blocked) |
| Subscription Price | 15-30 yuan/month ($2-4) | $9.99-$19.99/month |
| Revenue (2024) | Momo: 12.7B yuan | Match Group: $3.3B (total) |
| Regulatory Risk | High (content moderation) | Lower |
| Parent Company | Momo (NASDAQ: MOMO) | Match Group (NASDAQ: MTCH) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Tinder is not available in China without a VPN. The app is not listed in Chinese app stores and the service is blocked by the Great Firewall. Chinese users looking for dating apps use Tantan, Momo, or Soul instead. Tantan is the most similar to Tinder in user experience with the same swipe-based matching model. Foreigners in China can use Tinder through VPN but the local user base is minimal.
Chinese dating apps differ from Tinder in several key ways: (1) They integrate live streaming as a primary feature, creating entertainment-oriented social experiences; (2) Monetization relies heavily on virtual gifts in live streams rather than just subscriptions; (3) Some apps like Soul focus on personality matching through quizzes and voice interactions rather than photos; (4) Chinese dating apps face stricter content moderation requirements; (5) The cultural approach to dating differs, with Chinese users often seeking more serious relationships.
Soul is a Chinese dating and social app that differentiates itself through personality-based matching. Users create virtual avatars (no real photos) and are matched based on personality tests, interests, and voice interactions. Soul emphasizes emotional connection over physical appearance. The app has become particularly popular among Gen Z users in China. Soul filed for an IPO in the US but withdrew the application in 2024. Soul has approximately 30 million MAU.
Chinese dating apps monetize through several channels: (1) Live streaming virtual gifts — users purchase virtual gifts to send to live streamers, and the platform takes a cut (this is Momo's largest revenue source); (2) Premium subscriptions — VIP features like unlimited swipes, seeing who liked your profile, and advanced filters; (3) In-app purchases — virtual items, profile boosts, and special effects; (4) Advertising. The virtual gift model generates significantly more revenue per user than Tinder's subscription model.
Momo has the largest user base among Chinese dating apps with over 70 million MAU, but it functions more as a social entertainment platform. Tantan has the most Tinder-like experience with approximately 20 million MAU. Soul is the fastest-growing among Gen Z with approximately 30 million MAU. For expats looking for dating in China, Tantan is the most accessible option due to its familiar swipe interface, though English language support is limited.