Metaverse platform Zepeto user base exceeds 300 million

Naver Z, a subsidiary of Naver Corp., announced on Friday the number of subscribers to its metaverse platform Zepeto now exceeds 300 million. 

With that, the South Korean internet giant boasts two online services with more than 300 million subscribers each. 

The number of Zepeto's monthly active users (MAU) stands at 20 million. Ninety-five percent of the users are based abroad.

Users on the 3D-avatar app also sold and purchased more than 2.4 billion paid items since the platform was launched in August 2018.

Zepeto jumped into the metaverse industry before California-based tech behemoths like Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook. Thanks to the first mover advantage, the South Korean platform's user base stretches across more than 200 countries from the United States to Japan. 

Expertsy say giving the users with a sense of freedom and granting them ample control was the key behind its success.

About two million users have signed up to be creators on Zepeto Studio, where they can design clothing and fashion items for avatars; as well as the platform's background images.

Together, these creators have made some 4.1 million items. 

The global platform has also collaborated with fashion and entertainment juggernauts to keep up with the trends.

European fashion houses Dior and Gucci created exclusive fashion items for Zepeto avatars while K-pop agencies Hybe Co. and JYP Entertainment Inc. had their artists appear on the digital space.

“We will continue to collaborate with our global partners to provide services that can't be found anywhere else.” Naver Z's co-CEO Kim Chang-wook said in Friday’s press release.

Write to Joo-Wan Kim at kjwan@hankyung.com
Jee Abbey Lee edited this article.