China’s risqué live-streaming apps are now objectifying men too

Icons for live-streaming applications YY Inc., left, and Momo Inc. are displayed on an Apple Inc. iPhone in an arranged photograph taken in Hong Kong, China, on Thursday, July 5, 2018. Chinese live-streaming and hookup apps that built their billion-dollar empires leveraging women's physical appeal are now tapping into their spending power. Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg

Chinese live-streaming apps that built their billion-dollar empires leveraging women’s physical appeal are now tapping into their spending power. 

Companies including YY Inc (which has a US$6bil (RM24.22bil)-market capitalisation) and Momo Inc (US$9bil/RM36.33bil) are adjusting their product offerings as educated women in China with higher incomes demand virtual entertainment that caters to their needs. The platforms are coming up with content that caters to women – adding sections targeted to their interests in gaming, outdoor sports, anime, and ahem, good-looking men.