China now has 325 million live streaming app users who account for 45.8 percent of the country's netizens.

This development has been credited to better internet technology, a greater willingness among young people to share their personal lives online, and increased demand for short, real-time entertainment, the China Daily reported.

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Currently, China has 710 online users, an increase of 21 million from six ago based on the findings of a report by the China Internet Network Information Center.

The report revealed that most of the popular apps in China are used to showcase the latest developments in the app industry.

In particular, China's app users tune in to broadcasts of sports events, reality shows, online games and concerts.

According to Feng Yousheng, chief executive officer of Inke, a widely used live streaming app in China, more young people are becoming consumers of "fragmented entertainment" spurred by faster internet connections.

"Rather than spending a lot of money and time on going to the movies, the post-1990 generation watches broadcasts in real time on phones, interacts with show hosts and has a good time during a lunch break or while waiting at bus stations," Feng explained.

He noted the live streaming industry only started to take off in the country at the start of this year largely due to increased venture capital investment, taking its cue from the significant increase in China's app users.

But despite being a relatively newcomer in the industry,  its strong growth momentum has enabled it to move  ahead  of other emerging internet apps, which include online food deliveries and travel reservations.

As a testament of its popularity and financial viability, some 106 live streaming apps have secured funding of 2.37 billion yuan ($350 million) last year.

Tan Shufen, an analyst at the Beijing-based center, pointed out that the emergence of such apps has grown simultaneously with the popularity of video streaming in China.

"For the first time, video streaming overtook online music as the top internet entertainment service at the end of last year," Tan said.

To protect the interests of China's app users, the Ministry of Public Security is implementing a nationwide campaign to filter pornographic and vulgar content online.

TagsChina App Users, china