Which one is more popular, BL or GL?

If you’ve been around the manga and webtoon community long enough, you’ve probably noticed how often people compare BL (Boys’ Love) and GL (Girls’ Love). Both genres have dedicated fanbases, and both explore relationships that go beyond the “traditional” boy-meets-girl storyline. But when it comes to popularity, which one actually stands out more BL or GL?

Let’s dive in together, as if we’re chatting about our favorite reads over coffee.

BL vs GL: A Quick Refresher

Before comparing the two, let’s break them down.

• BL (Boys’ Love): This genre focuses on romantic or emotional relationships between male characters. It has roots in Japanese shoujo manga from the 1970s, often written by women for a female audience. Over time, BL became a worldwide phenomenon, influencing manhwa, webtoons, and even Western comics.

• GL (Girls’ Love): Sometimes called yuri, this genre centers on relationships between female characters. Unlike BL, which has a very established industry pipeline, GL has historically been more niche. Still, it has been gaining more visibility, especially in recent years, with the rise of webtoons and indie manga.

At first glance, they might seem like mirror images of each other. But when you look closer, the way they’ve grown and the audiences they reach are quite different.

Why BL Often Takes the Spotlight

It’s hard to deny that BL has had a head start. Many readers first discover BL through iconic titles that spread beyond Japan’s borders decades ago. Series like Given, Junjou Romantica, or the explosion of BL manhwa like Killing Stalking have left a huge mark on fandom spaces.

Another reason BL feels more “popular” is sheer availability. Publishers, webtoon platforms, and even fan translators have consistently given BL more attention. That means a casual reader scrolling through online manga sites is more likely to bump into a BL title than a GL one.

And then there’s the fandom itself. BL has built a thriving, vocal global community. From fan art and fanfiction to entire conventions dedicated to the genre, BL fans have been excellent at creating spaces that amplify their favorite stories.

The Rise of GL and Why It Matters

Even though BL might feel bigger, it doesn’t mean GL is sitting quietly in the corner. In fact, the genre has been experiencing a steady rise in both readership and recognition.

Titles like Bloom Into You, Citrus, and more recent webtoons have brought GL into mainstream discussion. These stories often dive into identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of growing up, which resonates with a wide range of readers.

Another reason GL is gaining ground is the push for more authentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences. While BL sometimes leans into fantasy tropes, GL often tries to capture the emotional nuances of real-world relationships. For readers who crave something that feels raw and personal, GL scratches that itch.

Global Trends: Who’s Reading What?

When you look at the numbers on platforms like Webtoon or Tapas, BL tends to get more clicks and comments. There’s a huge international appetite for it, especially in markets like Southeast Asia, Latin America, and North America.

GL, however, is seeing momentum in online spaces that value diversity and inclusivity. Social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter have given GL a louder voice. While the fanbase might be smaller than BL’s, it’s loyal and growing fast.

This is where personal taste comes in. Some readers naturally gravitate toward BL because that’s what they were first exposed to. Others feel drawn to GL because it reflects their own experiences or offers perspectives they don’t often see elsewhere.

Why It’s Not Just About “Which One Is More Popular”

As much fun as it is to compare BL and GL, reducing them to a popularity contest doesn’t capture the full picture. Both genres play unique roles in the manga and webtoon landscape.

• BL gives us escapism, heightened emotions, and fantasy-driven romance that often feels larger than life.

• GL provides quiet, intimate stories that reflect identity and belonging in ways that hit close to home.

The truth is, many readers enjoy both. Depending on the mood, you might binge a heart-throbbing BL webtoon one week and then melt over a tender GL manga the next.

Define The Relationship: A Perfect Example

One series that really embodies the heart of BL storytelling is Define The Relationship. It’s a webtoon that has captured the attention of fans worldwide with its mix of romance, drama, and emotional depth. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find it right here: Define The Relationship.

What makes it stand out is the way it balances classic BL tropes with fresh storytelling. It’s exactly the kind of series that shows why BL continues to dominate conversations — while also leaving space for GL to grow alongside it.

So, Which One Wins?

If we’re talking sheer numbers, BL currently takes the crown. It has more titles, more fan communities, and more visibility in mainstream media. But GL isn’t trailing far behind, and its upward trend suggests that the future will be more balanced.

Think of it like this: BL is the big sibling who’s been around longer and already carved out their place at the table. GL is the younger sibling catching up fast, bringing fresh perspectives and new stories that readers are eager to embrace.

And honestly? That’s the best outcome. Instead of choosing one over the other, we get to enjoy both. More stories, more representation, and more reasons to spend hours lost in the world of manga and webtoons.