AI idol and dating shows are now a real thing in China, 92% of fans are young women
ShakeelHashim · x · 2026-10-21
AI character idol competitions and dating shows have become a real phenomenon in China, with shows like "12 Star Trainees" already on city billboards.
Key facts from one such show's data:
- 92% of the audience are women, mostly aged 18-23
- Fans are drawn to AI characters whose personalities reflect their own, often via zodiac signs or MBTI types
- AI tools let fans create outfits, performances, and storylines for their AI idols
- Interactions with accounts run by production teams make the AI characters feel close and real
As one fan put it: "If you think of her as virtual, of course she'll feel distant. But if you think of her as someone who exists, someone who can talk to you every day—over time, it starts to feel different."
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