Gleeden, an extramarital dating app, is witnessing rapid growth in India, with its user base crossing the 4 million mark. While men continue to dominate the platform with a 65% share, it is the sharp rise in women users that has drawn attention. According to reports, women sign-ups have surged by 148% over the past two years. User activity on the app peaks between 12 pm and 3 pm, and again from 10 pm to midnight—time slots that typically coincide with breaks in daily routines or quieter personal hours.
Rising popularity and changing trends
Data shared by Gleeden shows that although men still form the majority, women now account for 35% of users, with their rapid growth standing out. In cities such as Bengaluru and Mumbai, many users are reportedly balancing stability in their primary relationships while seeking emotional connection or novelty elsewhere.
Preferences on the platform also reveal distinct trends. Men tend to look for younger partners, typically in the 25–30 age group, whereas women often prefer established professionals such as doctors and chartered accountants in their 30s and 40s, indicating a continued emphasis on financial stability.
User base spread across cities
Most users on the app are married or in long-term relationships. With adultery no longer a criminal offence in India, such platforms are seeing increased traction. Bengaluru leads with 18% of users, followed by Hyderabad (17%), Delhi (11%), Mumbai (9%) and Pune (7%). Tier-II cities like Lucknow and Patna are also witnessing growing participation.
Why people are turning to such platforms
A 2025 Ipsos survey highlights “time poverty” as a key factor behind extramarital engagement. With demanding work schedules and family responsibilities, around 33% of respondents said they struggle to find personal time. Combined with a lack of emotional connection, this often drives individuals to seek discreet digital interactions, even if briefly during breaks.
The Gleeden survey, which covered users across Tier-I and Tier-II cities, also explored the role of technology in reshaping relationships. It found that nearly 49% of respondents reported at least one instance of choosing intimacy with an AI bot over a partner. Loneliness emerged as a major factor influencing such behaviour, pointing to evolving dynamics in both physical and virtual relationships.
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