Gleeden App Surges to 3 Million Users in India, Sparks Debate on Changing Relationship Dynamics
New Delhi, India – August 23, 2025 – Gleeden, a France-based extramarital dating app, has reached a milestone of 3 million users in India, marking a 270% surge in its user base in 2024, according to reports from Moneycontrol and Deccan Chronicle. The platform, designed for discreet connections outside traditional relationships, has seen a remarkable 128% increase in female users, with women now comprising 58% of its Indian user base. As the app gains traction in metropolitan and smaller cities alike, it has ignited discussions about evolving societal norms, gender dynamics, and the ethical implications of extramarital platforms in India, a country traditionally associated with strong marital values.
Gleeden’s Rapid Growth in India
Launched in France in 2009, Gleeden is a global leader in extramarital dating, with 11 million users worldwide, 3 million of whom are in India, making the country a pivotal market. The platform, which operates as a social networking service for individuals seeking discreet relationships, reported a 383% year-on-year growth in 2023, adding 740,000 new Indian users, as per Global Dating Insights. The 2024 surge, detailed in a January 27, 2025, Moneycontrol report, underscores India’s growing acceptance of non-traditional relationship models, with Bengaluru leading at 20% of the user base, followed by Mumbai (19%), Kolkata (18%), and Delhi (15%). Smaller cities like Bhopal, Vadodara, Kochi, and Guwahati are also seeing rapid user growth, signaling broader societal shifts.
The app’s appeal lies in its design, which prioritizes user privacy, safety, and discretion. Gleeden offers free membership to women, while men are evaluated by female members to ensure a controlled experience. Notably, 40% of female users spend up to 45 minutes daily on the platform, often engaging in late-night conversations between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., as reported by MediaInfoline. The majority of users fall within the 30–50 age group, with a gender ratio of 58% women to 42% men, reflecting a significant female-driven demand for the platform.
Changing Relationship Dynamics
Gleeden’s growth has sparked widespread debate about evolving perceptions of relationships in India. Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager for Gleeden India, attributes the surge to changing societal dynamics, emphasizing the platform’s role in offering a “safe, discreet space for emotional and romantic fulfillment.” A July 2025 survey conducted by Gleeden in partnership with IPSOS, reported by Tribune India, revealed that 94% of 1,510 respondents across 12 Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities were happy in their relationships, yet 51% felt emotionally disconnected, and 41% were open to non-monogamous arrangements. The survey also found that 55% believe open relationships will dominate India’s relationship landscape in the next decade.
Interestingly, a privately released Gleeden survey, cited by Global Dating Insights, indicated that users over 40, particularly those single, divorced, or widowed, are increasingly using the app for platonic friendships rather than romantic affairs. “More than 66% of Indian women on Gleeden claim to have joined for emotional companionship,” Shiddell noted, highlighting the platform’s evolving role as a space for empathy and connection beyond infidelity.
Urban and Regional Trends
Bengaluru’s dominance as Gleeden’s largest user base, with 20% of Indian users, reflects the city’s tech-savvy, cosmopolitan culture. Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi follow closely, while smaller cities like Bhopal and Kochi are emerging as new hubs, driven by increasing digital penetration and urbanization. LatestLY reported that 65% of Gleeden’s global users are from the European Union, but India’s 3 million users represent 25% of its worldwide base, underscoring the country’s significance.
The platform’s hyperlocalization efforts in cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kochi have attracted younger users aged 25–35, creating a new core demographic. Innovative features, such as enhanced privacy controls and in-house expert advice, resonate strongly with 15% of women and 17% of men in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata, according to Deccan Chronicle.
Controversies and Criticisms
Gleeden’s rise has not been without controversy. The app’s presence in India, a nation known for its “big fat weddings,” has drawn irony-laden commentary, with Moneycontrol noting the paradox of 3 million users on an extramarital platform in a culturally conservative society. Critics argue that Gleeden normalizes infidelity, potentially undermining traditional family structures. A post on X by @IndianExpress called the app’s growth “a reflection of urban India’s moral drift,” sparking heated online debates.
The platform has also faced scrutiny over safety and fraud risks. A Global Dating Insights report highlighted Gleeden’s efforts to educate users about online scams, emphasizing its commitment to data privacy and anonymity. However, concerns persist about the potential for exploitation on such platforms, particularly in a country with rising cybercrime rates.
Industry and Social Impact
Gleeden’s success reflects broader shifts in India’s digital and social landscape. The platform’s emphasis on women’s safety and choice aligns with growing feminist discourse, with ABP Live noting that it is “operated by women for women.” The 128% increase in female users suggests that women are increasingly seeking agency in their relationships, challenging traditional gender roles. However, the app’s growth also raises ethical questions about the commodification of relationships and the societal implications of normalizing extramarital connections.
Economically, Gleeden plans to expand its footprint, targeting a 5-million-user base in India by 2026 through new features and city-specific campaigns. The platform’s global user base grew to 10 million in January 2023, with India contributing 2 million at the time, as per Daijiworld. The 2024 surge underscores India’s role as a key growth driver, with the app leveraging the country’s 1.4 billion population and increasing smartphone penetration.
Government and Legal Context
While Gleeden operates legally as a social networking service, India’s recent crackdown on online platforms, including the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming, signals heightened scrutiny of digital services. Although Gleeden does not involve monetary wagering, its controversial nature could attract regulatory attention, especially as debates over morality and privacy intensify. The platform’s compliance with India’s IT Rules, 2021, and data protection laws will be critical to its continued operations.
Looking Ahead
Gleeden’s milestone of 3 million Indian users marks a turning point in how relationships are perceived in the country. As the platform plans further expansion and feature enhancements, it is poised to reshape India’s digital dating landscape. However, its growth also invites reflection on the balance between personal freedom and societal values. As Sybil Shiddell stated, “The growing interest of women users highlights the importance of platforms that prioritize safety, discretion, and freedom of choice.” Whether Gleeden’s rise signals a lasting shift or a fleeting trend, its impact on India’s social fabric is undeniable, sparking conversations that will resonate far beyond its user base.
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