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Weverse

Weverse is a global fandom platform operated by Weverse Company, a of the South Korean entertainment conglomerate , designed to connect and through interactive communities, , content sharing, and services. Launched as an all-in-one and , it enables real-time communication, such as artist posts, fan comments, direct messaging, and virtual events, fostering a dedicated space for music fandoms worldwide. Weverse Company was established in July 2018 as beNX by Big Hit Entertainment (now part of HYBE), initially focusing on platform development for fan engagement, and was renamed in February 2021 to reflect its expanded scope. The platform's public debut came in 2019 with early adoption by HYBE artists like , marking it as a key tool in the company's strategy to innovate fandom culture beyond traditional concerts and albums. Subsequent milestones include the acquisition of Naver's service in March 2022, which integrated capabilities, and the establishment of regional subsidiaries like Weverse and Weverse to support global expansion. At its core, Weverse offers features like Weverse LIVE for real-time video streams and interactions, Weverse Shop for official merchandise and customized fan products, and Weverse Albums for digital purchases with exclusive photocards using technology. Users can engage via a feed of artist updates, leave comments and likes, participate in private subscriptions, or join "Listening Parties" for synchronized experiences, all powered by an in-app currency called for payments and rewards. The platform also includes Weverse Magazine, providing in-depth artist stories and content. As of 2024, Weverse has achieved 150 million cumulative app downloads across 245 countries and regions, with approximately 9.4 million monthly active users and partnerships with 162 artists, including groups and international acts such as and . In 2024, it facilitated 5,787 live streams, amassing 426 million playbacks and 11.25 million viewers, while its shop recorded 20.6 million purchases, underscoring its role in enhancing artist-fan relationships and driving the global entertainment ecosystem.

History

Launch and Early Development

Weverse was founded by (now ) through its subsidiary beNX, established in July 2018, with the platform initially developed as a dedicated fan community app for to modernize and globalize fan engagement beyond traditional Daum fan cafes. The key motivations stemmed from the rapid expansion of the global fandom, particularly 's , necessitating a centralized space for direct, real-time artist-to-fan interactions that traditional platforms like fan cafes could no longer efficiently support amid increasing international participation. Core features at inception included real-time messaging, exclusive artist posts, photo and video sharing, and multilingual support in , English, and , with content translation into up to 10 languages to facilitate broader accessibility. The platform underwent initial testing in ahead of its public rollout, with the mobile app launching globally on June 11, , for both and devices. The BTS-specific channel opened on July 1, , marking the full activation of its primary focus as a BTS-centric hub, complete with a celebratory message from the group. Early development emphasized seamless integration with BTS , such as the exclusive hosting of "Bangtan Bomb" behind-the-scenes videos, which provided fans with unfiltered glimpses into the group's daily life and performances. Additionally, interactive elements like fan-voted selections were introduced to encourage participation and deepen . In its nascent phase, Weverse positioned itself as an innovative tool for fostering authentic connections in the evolving ecosystem, later expanding beyond to accommodate multiple artists.

Expansion and Acquisitions

beNX was renamed Weverse Company in February 2021. Following the rebranding of Big Hit Entertainment to in March 2021, Weverse solidified its position as a core subsidiary within HYBE's platform division, emphasizing fan engagement as a central pillar of the company's global entertainment ecosystem. This corporate evolution, announced on March 10, 2021, reflected HYBE's ambition to expand beyond music production into integrated lifestyle platforms, with Weverse serving as the flagship for artist-fan interactions. HYBE accelerated Weverse's growth through key product launches and infrastructure enhancements. An e-commerce platform for official merchandise, initially launched as Weply in June 2019 and renamed Weverse Shop in March 2020, expanded internationally with the opening of Weverse Shop USA in April 2020 to streamline shipping and accessibility for North American users. In 2021, Weverse pursued broader global reach by integrating Naver's V Live service, announced on January 27, 2021, with the merger completed in 2022, which enhanced live streaming capabilities and boosted the platform's user base across regions. Strategic acquisitions further diversified Weverse's ecosystem by incorporating artists from independent labels. In July 2019, HYBE acquired , home to groups like , enabling their integration into Weverse communities while maintaining operational independence. This was followed in May 2020 by HYBE's purchase of an 85% stake in for approximately 200 billion KRW, bringing Seventeen and onto the platform and enhancing its representation. For international expansion, HYBE completed a $1 billion acquisition of Ithaca Holdings in April 2021 through its U.S. subsidiary, incorporating global artists like and to broaden Weverse's appeal beyond . Technological advancements supported Weverse's scaling efforts. The platform enhanced its with the 2021 V Live integration, enabling global broadcasts and interactive sessions under the Weverse Live feature. By 2023, Weverse implemented AI-driven moderation tools, including for content filtering, to manage its growing multilingual user base and ensure safer interactions.

Platforms and Features

Mobile and Web Interfaces

Weverse provides user access through dedicated mobile applications for iOS and Android devices, as well as a web-based platform. The mobile app was first released in 2019 and is available via the Apple App Store for iOS users and the Google Play Store for Android users, enabling fans to engage with artist communities on smartphones and tablets. The web interface, accessible at weverse.io, offers equivalent functionality for desktop and laptop users, including community browsing and content viewing without requiring a mobile device. Account creation on Weverse occurs through the or platforms, supporting sign-up via email address, , or , with optional phone number verification for enhanced during activities like posting or . The platform includes multi-language support, with interfaces and auto-translation features available in languages such as , English, , (Simplified and Traditional), , , , , , , Thai, and , facilitating global accessibility. Accessibility enhancements encompass push notifications for real-time alerts on live events, official posts, and followed users, alongside seamless integration with social logins from Apple and for simplified access. Select video-on-demand content, particularly for Digital Membership subscribers, can be downloaded within the app for offline viewing, limited to 30 saves per month with playback restricted to the Weverse application. In , Weverse implemented key updates to its interfaces, including the May integration of the separate Weverse app into the main mobile application, creating a unified tab for merchandise browsing and purchases directly within the core platform. An October redesign introduced dark mode for reduced , renamed the Feed tab to for fan-focused posts, and added specialized tabs like Highlight, Fan Letter, and Notice in communities to streamline navigation and content organization across mobile and web versions.

Content and Interaction Tools

Weverse provides core interaction tools centered on communities, where users can create threaded posts, participate in polls during events, and upload photos or videos to express support for artists. These communities function as dedicated spaces for each artist, allowing to share content and engage through comments and likes on a centralized feed. Polls are integrated for interactive events, such as on icons or fan surveys, enabling collective decision-making within the platform. Direct messaging is available via Weverse DM, a service launched in 2023 that allows private chats between verified fans and artists, with messages sent and received in real-time. Access to DM requires separate purchase beyond standard fan club membership and is limited to authenticated users through one-time SMS verification to ensure security. Group chats are not prominently featured, but the platform emphasizes one-on-one artist-fan communication to foster personal connections. In November 2025, Weverse DM expanded to China's QQ Music platform, enabling access without separate installation for users there. The platform's media features include Weverse Live, a real-time streaming tool for artist-led broadcasts such as behind-the-scenes footage and sessions, accessible via a dedicated LIVE tab. Short-form videos are supported through "Artist Posts," where share daily updates and clips, while fan-generated content appears in feeds for broader . These tools encourage ongoing interaction, with fans able to and during or after streams. As of July 2025, the Weverse TV app has been discontinued for smart TVs (including , , , Fire TV, and ); users can now watch video content on TVs using or from the . Basic access to posts, feeds, and standard lives is for all users, promoting wide participation in fan . Premium content is gated behind Weverse Membership tiers, including the Digital Membership introduced in late 2024, which offers exclusive videos, offline video-on-demand downloads, ad- viewing, and enhanced features like higher-quality uploads. As of September 2025, additional benefits include auto-generated for videos (January 2025), artist-themed app icon changes (February 2025), upgraded video upload quality (June 2025), and quick translation for chat messages in LIVEs and Parties. Membership also provides digital collectibles, badges, and unlimited fan letters, with a one-month trial available per . While early explorations into NFTs occurred around through HYBE-affiliated platforms, current emphases are on non-blockchain digital perks. To maintain safety, Weverse enforces community guidelines that prohibit harmful content, such as spam, explicit material, or posts promoting external voting, with updates issued periodically to address emerging issues. Users can report violations directly through platform tools, and features like "Hide from Artist" allow fans to conceal specific posts from artist view. While AI-driven filtering has been adopted broadly in similar platforms by 2022, Weverse relies on guideline-based moderation and user reports for content oversight.

Artist Communities

HYBE-Affiliated Artists

Weverse serves as the primary digital hub for fan engagement with artists under HYBE Corporation's labels, fostering direct interactions through posts, live streams, and exclusive content tailored to each group's global fandom. HYBE-affiliated communities dominate the platform's most active spaces, with six of the top ten most-followed artists as of June 2025 being from HYBE or its subsidiaries, including , , , SEVENTEEN, , and . BTS was the inaugural artist to launch a community on Weverse in June 2019, marking the platform's debut and establishing a model for artist-fan connectivity. The community, centered around their dedicated fandom , emphasizes multilingual accessibility, with built-in auto-translation features for posts and comments supporting up to 15 languages, including English, , , and , enabling real-time global participation. members frequently contribute fan-driven translations during live sessions to enhance understanding, amplifying the group's messages across diverse regions. Exclusive perks, such as paid memberships offering videos and direct replies from members, have solidified this space as a of HYBE's . In July 2025, the community surpassed 30 million subscribers, setting a record for the platform. TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), debuting in 2019 shortly after Weverse's launch, leverages the platform for youth-centric interactions that align with their thematic focus on adolescence and growth. Their community highlights casual live streams and posts where members share personal stories, encouraging fans (known as MOA) to engage in discussions about dreams and daily life, often framed as a "youth itself" narrative. This approach has cultivated a vibrant, relatable environment, with TXT's content emphasizing emotional connectivity over polished performances. ENHYPEN joined Weverse upon their November 2020 debut, quickly integrating global fan challenges to build international momentum. Early initiatives like the "10 Days Challenge" in September 2020 invited fans worldwide to participate in daily missions via posts and videos, rewarding select participants with personalized messages and boosting community cohesion among ENGENEs. These interactive events, streamed live on the platform, underscored HYBE's strategy for cross-border engagement, drawing millions of views and establishing 's community as a hub for collaborative storytelling. SEVENTEEN's integration into Weverse began in 2020 following HYBE's acquisition of , enabling large-scale live streams that capitalize on the group's self-produced content style. Their community hosts frequent multi-member broadcasts, such as the 2020 "" virtual event with 14 multi-view screens, allowing s to experience concerts and behind-the-scenes moments in real-time. By 2023, SEVENTEEN's Weverse activity included over 206,000 artist posts platform-wide, with their streams exemplifying high-engagement formats that blend performance previews and fan sessions. NewJeans, debuting in July 2022 under (a HYBE ), utilizes Weverse for content strategies that extend their trendsetting image beyond . Their features short-form like performance behind-the-scenes and themed posts that align with their fresh, nostalgic aesthetic, driving fan-generated trends and album promotions. Exclusive drops, including 2022 MMA performance clips, have garnered significant replays, contributing to NewJeans' rapid rise in platform interactions. LE SSERAFIM, formed in May via (HYBE), centers their Weverse posts around empowerment themes, reflecting their "fearless" concept through motivational messages and fan challenges. Members share content encouraging self-expression, such as live discussions on , which resonate with FEARNOTs globally and tie into album releases like their debut. This focus has positioned their community as a space for inspirational dialogue, with posts often highlighting group unity and personal growth narratives. Usage patterns across these HYBE communities emphasize exclusive content tied to milestones, exemplified by BTS's 2022 "Yet to Come in " concert, which was live-streamed on Weverse to 49 million views and followed by member clips and fan letters. Membership perks, including priority access to virtual events and digital collectibles linked to album releases, enhance retention. By , Weverse reported 9.4 million monthly active users overall, with HYBE artists driving the majority of top engagement metrics, including 370 million fan posts and 4.88 million digital Fan Letters.

Independent and Non-HYBE Artists

Weverse has expanded its reach beyond HYBE-affiliated artists by forging strategic partnerships with other major entertainment labels and global music conglomerates, enabling non-HYBE acts to establish dedicated fan communities on the platform. This outreach began notably with in 2021 through a (MOU) focused on fan community collaboration, which facilitated the onboarding of YG artists like , who launched their Weverse community on August 2, 2021, featuring exclusive content such as the "2020 Welcoming Collection" previews. Similarly, , another YG duo, opened their Weverse community in October 2022, coinciding with the platform's integration of V LIVE's legacy features and allowing for acoustic session streams and fan interactions that highlighted their sibling dynamic. In 2023, Weverse deepened its diversification via a partnership with , migrating select SM artists from their proprietary Kwangya platform to Weverse under revenue-sharing arrangements that emphasized global fan engagement. Veteran artist , a cornerstone of SM's roster, joined in September 2023, marking a milestone with content celebrating her 25-year career, including anniversary specials and interactive posts that bridged her legacy with newer audiences. This deal encompassed 13 SM acts, underscoring Weverse's model of label collaborations where non-HYBE artists retain content control while benefiting from the platform's infrastructure for live streams and merchandise sales. Internationally, Weverse's 2021 alliance with (UMG) paved the way for Western artists, expanded in 2024 to a 10-year distribution and promotion pact that integrates UMG talent into Weverse communities for direct fan connections, particularly in . For independent and solo creators outside major labels, Weverse offers onboarding through UMG pathways and direct invitations, though specifics remain tied to broader partnerships rather than a standalone program. A prime example is Gracie Abrams, who established her Weverse presence on November 25, 2020, as the first non-Korean artist via UMG's push for enhanced artist-fan interactions, sharing album tracklists, personal posts, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from her "Good Riddance" release to foster a dedicated global following. Subsequent UMG artists, such as and , joined in 2024, further broadening the platform's appeal to Western pop audiences. By 2024, Weverse hosted 152 artist teams, with 137 unaffiliated with HYBE, reflecting the platform's emphasis on revenue-sharing deals that allow non-HYBE acts to earn up to 60% from subscriptions and merchandise while customizing community tools like posts and lives. These expansions have required adaptations to accommodate diverse genres beyond , such as prioritizing extended video libraries and real-time translation features for Western pop and indie acts to mirror their narrative-driven content styles. For instance, UMG artists like utilize Weverse's media uploads for longer-form storytelling, contrasting the concise, high-engagement posts typical of communities, which helps mitigate challenges in fan retention. This customization supports Weverse's global ambitions, evidenced by non-HYBE artists comprising the majority of its communities.

Events and Concerts

Weverse Con Festival

The Weverse Con Festival originated as an extension of HYBE's annual year-end concerts on the Weverse platform, with its foundational virtual event held on December 31, 2020, as the 2021 —a fully concert amid the that featured HYBE artists like , , and to connect with global fans remotely. This evolved into a hybrid format for the 2022 Weverse Con "New Era" on December 31, 2021, combining in-person performances at KINTEX Hall 4 in with simultaneous streaming via Weverse, allowing limited offline attendance while prioritizing safety during ongoing restrictions. The modern multi-day festival format was formalized in 2023, transforming these precursor events into a dedicated summer showcase blending live music, fan interactions, and thematic experiences. The festival follows a multi-day structure, typically spanning two days in late spring or early summer, and features performances by more than 20 artists, drawing heavily from Weverse-affiliated acts while occasionally including international and independent talents. Venues combine indoor arenas for high-production concerts with outdoor spaces for festival-like atmospheres, such as the Inspire Arena for main stages and adjacent parks for fan zones. Each edition centers on a distinctive theme to create immersive narratives; the 2025 event adopted the "GO WILD" motif, inspired by jungle elements, complete with vibrant visuals and set designs that encouraged audience participation. Access includes paid in-person tickets and options exclusively through the Weverse , which delivers high-definition broadcasts with interactive features like real-time chats, enabling worldwide viewership without geographical barriers. Notable editions underscore the festival's rapid expansion and cultural significance. The 2023 Weverse Con Festival, held June 10-11 at KSPO Dome and the 88 Lawn Field in Seoul's Olympic Park, marked the debut of the expanded two-day format with 20 artists—including , , , and —drawing crowds of nearly 20,000 and establishing it as a cornerstone event through tributes to Korean music legends. In 2024, the festival shifted to Incheon's Inspire Entertainment Resort on June 15-16, attracting 22,000 offline attendees and enhancing global reach with online streaming that connected fans across multiple continents via the Weverse platform. The 2025 edition, from May 31 to June 1 at Inspire Arena and Discovery Park, achieved a with a 27-artist lineup—the largest to date—including , , and ILLIT, while honoring BoA's 25th debut through collaborative tributes like FIFTY FIFTY's cover of "Valenti" and ILLIT's rendition of "ID; Peace B," alongside BoA's own performances of hits such as "No. 1" and "." The event drew over 26,000 fans worldwide. Festival logistics emphasize fan-centric operations, with all ticket sales—covering in-person seats, VIP packages, and streaming passes—handled exclusively through the Weverse Shop, often with priority access for Weverse members via and early reservations to ensure equitable distribution. Artists typically curate their setlists, though fan feedback influences selections in some cases, as seen in post-event recaps highlighting popular requests. Following each edition, Weverse archives key content, including performance clips, artist interviews, and official setlists on its and , preserving the event for on-demand viewing and fostering ongoing . This streaming infrastructure leverages Weverse's core tools for seamless global delivery.

Other Live Events and Collaborations

Weverse has facilitated numerous virtual concerts and interactive events through its "Weverse Live" streaming service, enabling global fan participation during periods of restricted physical gatherings. A notable example is BTS's "Bang Bang Con: The Live" on June 14, 2020, which marked the group's inaugural online concert streamed exclusively on Weverse and attracted over 756,000 concurrent viewers, setting a Guinness World Record for the highest attendance at a paid online live concert. Similarly, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) hosted video call fansign events in 2023, such as the August pre-order event for their album The Name Chapter: FREEFALL, where selected fans engaged directly with members via live video on the platform. Beyond artist-led streams, Weverse has collaborated on ticketing and promotional initiatives for global tours, providing exclusive access to members. For instance, ENHYPEN's 2024 World Tour "FATE PLUS" featured presale ticket applications open to Weverse ENGENE membership holders starting February 7, 2024, covering concerts in and . These partnerships extend to brand integrations, with Weverse serving as a distribution channel for campaigns, including advertisements for high-profile endorsements like BTS member V's role as Zero ambassador, which debuted on the platform in 2025. Weverse has also organized pop-up stores to enhance fan experiences with merchandise and limited meet-and-greets. In 2023, the "SPACE OF " pop-up in operated from May 5 to June 30 at 7964 , offering exclusive items and photo opportunities for visitors. Extending this model internationally, 2024 saw several artist-specific pop-ups in , such as SEVENTEEN's "Artist-Made Collection" event from October 25 to November 5, which included custom merchandise sales and fan engagement zones at a central venue. In 2025, Weverse introduced innovative features for non-traditional live interactions, including "Listening Parties" launched in March, where artists host synchronized album playback sessions with fans worldwide, as seen in events for BOYNEXTDOOR's EP on October 30. Additionally, the platform rolled out joint capabilities, allowing cross-artist collaborations for real-time fan engagements, further diversifying beyond music-focused content.

Business Model and Impact

Ownership and Revenue Streams

Weverse Company, the entity operating the Weverse platform, is majority-owned by , which holds a 55.4% stake as of June 2024, with the remaining shares primarily owned by Korean technology firms including . Established in 2018 as a HYBE under the name beNX, Weverse Company has maintained this following Naver's acquisition of a significant minority stake in 2021 to support platform expansion. During HYBE's 2020 , the broader company was valued at approximately $4 billion, though specific attribution to Weverse was not isolated in filings; by 2023, Weverse-related operations contributed to HYBE's "fan club and " segment, which generated about $70 million in , representing a modest but growing portion of HYBE's overall $1.63 billion annual sales. Weverse operates on a freemium model, offering basic access for free while monetizing through tiered paid memberships that provide enhanced features such as exclusive content, offline access to media, and priority event reservations. These digital memberships, launched in late 2024, are priced between $2 and $4 per month, with Weverse retaining 30% to 60% of subscription revenue depending on the tier, while sharing the balance with artist labels. Merchandise sales via the integrated Weverse Shop form another core revenue stream, with 20.6 million items sold globally in 2024, marking a 13% year-over-year increase and encompassing albums, apparel, and collectibles shipped to fans in over 100 countries. Event ticketing, including presales for concerts like Weverse Con Festival, contributes through platform fees, though specific revenue shares with organizers vary by agreement and are not publicly detailed beyond general superfan access perks. To diversify beyond direct fan transactions, Weverse has pursued integrations and services. In 2024, HYBE announced plans to roll out across select areas by year-end, aiming to leverage its 10 million monthly active users for brand partnerships without disrupting core community interactions. Additionally, the provides labels and artists with access to fan engagement metrics and trends via internal dashboards, enabling -driven strategies, though formal licensing of aggregated for external revenue remains in early exploration phases. Financially, Weverse achieved notable growth milestones, including a 41% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q2 2025, driven by user expansion to 12 million monthly actives following BTS members' return from . As of Q3 2025, monthly active users reached 11.6 million. The platform reported cumulative downloads exceeding 150 million by end-2024, with projections for continued scaling through global artist onboarding, potentially boosting HYBE's fan platform s toward 20-30% annual growth amid broader industry superfan monetization trends. In November 2025, Weverse announced partnerships with and to expand into the Chinese market.

User Engagement and Cultural Influence

Weverse has cultivated a substantial user base, reaching 150 million cumulative app downloads by the end of 2024, with monthly active users exceeding 10 million in early 2025. Approximately 90% of its traffic originates from outside , reflecting its strong international appeal across 245 countries and regions. The platform experienced a 19% year-over-year user growth in 2024, driven by expansions into non-K-pop artist communities. User engagement on Weverse is characterized by high interactivity, including artist posts, fan-generated content, and features that foster direct connections. In 2024, artists shared approximately 206,000 posts, while fans contributed 370 million posts, highlighting the platform's role in sustaining daily activities. Features like direct messaging have gained popularity, enhancing parasocial interactions that contribute to fan satisfaction and . Weverse promotes a "global fandom life" by serving as a centralized hub for fans to engage with artists through community posts, live sessions, and multilingual accessibility in select interfaces, enabling cross-cultural participation. A 2025 study on the technological domestication of fan communities examines how Weverse reshapes fandom dynamics by integrating digital tools that encourage routine use and emotional investment, thereby strengthening bonds and artist-fan relationships. This domestication process has been linked to increased , as platforms like Weverse transform passive consumption into active, participatory experiences. The platform's cultural influence extends to accelerating 's globalization by uniting dispersed fans and facilitating real-time cultural exchanges that amplify artist visibility worldwide. from 2025 highlights Weverse's role in revolutionizing marketing through its community-driven model, which leverages fan interactions to drive viral trends and expand market reach beyond traditional channels. By hosting diverse artist communities, including global icons, Weverse has broadened 's appeal, contributing to the broader music industry's projected growth to $200 billion by 2035, with playing a key role.