New Delhi: In a country like India, marriage has long been regarded as a sacred and lifelong bond. However, in today’s digital world, a subtle shift is becoming apparent regarding relationships. Today, millions of people in India are joining online platforms that offer individuals—who are either married or in long-term relationships—the opportunity to privately explore new connections.
One of the most sensational aspects to emerge from data regarding online dating platforms in India is the exponential increase in the participation of women. According to data made public by online dating app Gleeden, there is a massive increase of 148 percent in the number of women using the online platform.
Is There Sharp Increase in Women’s Participation?
The most significant trend driving the platform’s rapid popularity is the growing participation of women. Over the past two years, the number of women joining the app has recorded an increase of nearly 148%. This shift demonstrates that women, too, are now thinking more openly than ever before regarding their relationships and personal choices through the medium of digital platforms.
How many Indians have Joined Gleeden?
According to data, more than 4 million people in India have joined Gleeden. The platform bills itself as the world’s first extra-marital dating platform. It is designed specifically for individuals who wish to pursue private relationships outside the bounds of their marriage or long-term partnership.
Male Users Predominate, Yet Women Show Significant Participation
According to the platform’s statistics, male users outnumber their female counterparts. Approximately 65% of the user base consists of men, while about 35% are women. These figures indicate that while male participation remains higher on such platforms, the presence of women is also steadily on the rise.
Which City Leads India’s Secret Dating Map?
An analysis of user data from this platform across various Indian cities reveals that Bengaluru is at the forefront of this trend. The city accounts for approximately 18% of the total user base. Driven by the tech industry and a fast-paced lifestyle, the usage of digital platforms is notably higher in this city.
Is the Trend Growing in Other Major Cities Too?
Following Bengaluru, the usage of this platform is also witnessing rapid growth in several other major cities:
Hyderabad – Approximately 17% of users
Delhi – Around 11% of users
Mumbai – Approximately 9% of users
Pune – Around 7% of users
These figures indicate that the adoption of such digital platforms is accelerating across major urban centers.
Is Popularity Rising in Tier-2 Cities as Well?
This trend is no longer confined solely to major metropolitan cities. People in several Tier-2 cities have also begun embracing this platform. These cities include Lucknow, Chandigarh, Surat, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Guwahati, and Raipur. Driven by increasing digital penetration and evolving lifestyles, the popularity of such platforms appears to be steadily rising in these cities.
What Milestone has Gleeden Hit?
According to Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager for Gleeden India, this growth signals a major cultural shift within the country. She stated that reaching the milestone of 4 million users marks a significant landmark for the company. In her view, this figure underscores the rapid expansion of digital platform usage across the nation and indicates that people have begun to approach modern relationships with a fresh perspective. Sybil Shidel notes that the increasing participation—particularly among women—reflects a growing sense of confidence and independence in their decision-making.
When Does Peak Activity Hit?
Data from the platform also reveals the specific times when users are most active on the app. On average, a user spends approximately 1 to 1.5 hours daily engaging in chats. Activity levels typically peak during two distinct periods of the day: between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM, and from 10:00 PM until midnight. These timeframes suggest that many individuals remain active on the app during their lunch breaks or late at night—periods when they enjoy greater privacy.
What About User Preference Patterns?
The data also highlights distinct patterns in the preferences of men and women on the platform. The majority of men seek out women aged 25 to 30, whereas women typically prioritize men aged 30 to 40. Many women also show a preference for professionals who are financially stable—such as doctors, senior executives, or chartered accountants. This indicates that career status and financial stability remain significant factors, even within the realm of digital relationships.
What is the Evolving Landscape of Relationships in India?
The rapidly growing popularity of platforms like Gleeden signals that societal attitudes toward relationships in India are gradually shifting. While the usage of dating apps has surged over the past decade, a new breed of platforms is now emerging—specifically designed to facilitate private and discreet relationships.
What About Expanding Reach From Metro Cities to Tier-2 Towns?
Today, millions of users are connected to this platform, and its usage is no longer confined solely to major metropolitan areas. Alongside the metro cities, its reach is steadily expanding into smaller towns and Tier-2 cities. This trend demonstrates that digital platforms are empowering people to connect in novel ways, express their emotions, and explore their personal choices. However, while marriage in India is still regarded as an extremely significant and sacred bond, new experiments and perspectives regarding relationships are also emerging in the digital world.
