Weverse’s 2024 Global Fandom Trend Report showcases the platform’s impressive growth, underscoring the importance of catering to superfans.

What is Weverse?

Launched in 2019 by Hybe, Weverse is an innovative platform designed to connect superfans with their favourite artists. Initially focused on K-pop audiences, Weverse has expanded to include global stars like Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, and Conan Gray. With 150 million cumulative global downloads by 2024, Weverse is solidifying its place at the forefront of fan engagement.

Global growth: Beyond K-Pop

Weverse’s 2024 Global Fandom Trend Report highlights the growth of the platform. The platform’s user base expanded by 19% year-over-year, reaching superfans in 245 countries and regions.

While it dominates the K-pop market, the platform’s appeal is growing internationally:

  • North America: US and Canada (16% growth).
  • Latin America: Brazil (21%) and Mexico (14%).
  • Asia: Japan (22%) and Taiwan (54%).

The number of artist communities also grew 30% YoY, reaching 162 by the end of 2024. Artists shared over 206,000 posts, while fans contributed a staggering 370 million posts. Monthly active users climbed to 9.7 million in Q3, showcasing the platform’s thriving engagement.

“2024 was a transformative year for Weverse, as we expanded our artist communities, superfan engagement, and commerce activities on a global scale.”

Joon Choi, President of Weverse Company.

Merchandise opportunities

Weverse is set apart by its e-commerce store. The Weverse Shop allows artists to sell directly to their superfans, driving merchandise sales up 13% YoY to 20.6 million items sold. This includes:

  • Physical merchandise: Albums and collectibles grew by 10% YoY.
  • Digital merchandise: Paid fan memberships surged by 24% YoY.

Key merchandise markets include Weverse’s home market of South Korea, the US and Japan- highlighting Weverse’s growing global influence.

Superfan connection

Superfans are becoming key to the music industry’s evolution and “Streaming 2.0“, with platforms like Weverse leveraging strong artist-fan connections to drive revenue. Weverse’s $24-per-year membership offers exclusive perks such as premium content and direct artist updates.

In 2024, artists sent 698,000 messages to fans, with 55% sending direct messages to fans at least every two days. Weverse Live hosted nearly 5,800 broadcasts, reaching 11.3 million viewers. BTS’s Jung Kook set a benchmark with his “Missed You a Lot” event, attracting 23 million views.

Staying ahead in the superfan economy

Weverse are not alone, as industry competitors are entering the superfan space. Instead of being concerned, Hybe CEO Jaesang Jason Lee believes that this shows Weverse are in a strong position ahead of this emerging trend.

“Right now, Spotify and Amazon Music and other superfan business platforms are growing. And I believe that this is very positive because [it’s] contributing to expanding the superfan business model and market around the world.”

Hybe CEO, Jaesang Jason Lee

As the industry shifts towards catering to superfans, Weverse is not only keeping pace but setting the standard.

Want to start sharing your music around the world? With unlimited uploads and seamless distribution to major streaming platforms everywhere, use RouteNote for free today.