China’s Tuanbo Boom: Idol-Style Group Livestreaming Scales Fast as Scrutiny and Costs Rise
Group livestreaming (tuanbo) is expanding quickly in China, with industry estimates projecting growth from 15 billion yuan in 2025 to 40 billion yuan in 2026, supported by interactive ranking-and-gifting mechanics. The model is drawing young workers amid elevated youth unemployment but faces rising pressure from high operating costs, algorithm dependence, and increasing guidelines focused on labour conditions and viewer spending practices.