Month: August 2025

Pure App Launches US Campaign, “Pleasure Is Power”, Following European Market Success

Posted on August 6, 2025

PureBUSINESSWIRE – Pure App has launched its "Pleasure is Power" campaign in the U.S. after rapid growth in Europe, where it saw ~33M matches in 2025 alone. Aimed at Gen Z, especially women, Pure promotes sex-positive, safe, and authentic connections with a 50:50 gender split – the highest in the industry. The app addresses common dating frustrations like ghosting and low-quality conversations, offering features like disappearing chats, screenshot blocking, and photo verification. New "turn on" tags such as "Slowmance" and "Wellness Vibes" help users express desires openly. The U.S. rollout includes events in NYC and LA and a targeted influencer push.

See full article at Businesswire

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team

Single Women Are Using Hinge to Get Their Furniture Built by Matches

Posted on August 6, 2025
Conversation in a dating app chat where one user expresses interest in finding help to assemble shelves in their new apartment, while the other user responds positively, showing enthusiasm for building things.

NY POST – Some single women are using Hinge to find more than just love – they’re seeking help with furniture assembly. A growing trend, especially on TikTok, shows women inviting matches over to build beds, hang shelves, or mount TVs, turning first dates into low-pressure, DIY-style meetups. Many say it helps create instant chemistry and mimics real-life couple dynamics. The approach often leads to more genuine conversations and has even outperformed flirty one-liners in generating matches. While some experts applaud the creativity, they also warn about safety and potential exploitation if expectations aren’t clear.

See full article at NY Post

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team

Dublin Singles Find Connection Through Running

Posted on August 6, 2025
A group of people jogging along a path in a park, surrounded by trees and greenery, showcasing an outdoor fitness event.

RTE – Singles in Dublin are turning away from dating apps and joining the Singles Run Club, launched by Samantha and Eoin Keating, as a healthier, low-pressure way to meet potential partners. The club hosts runs in Dublin, Cork, and Galway, combining fitness with casual socialising over coffee or drinks. Participants say it’s more genuine and enjoyable than dating apps, with many forming romantic or platonic connections through shared activity.

See full article at RTE

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team

Reminder: LTR Edition 44 With Dr. Justin Garcia – Tomorrow at 12 PM EST

Posted on August 5, 2025

LTR
OPW – Edition 44 of the LTR (Love, Tech, Relationships) online experience is tomorrow, August 6th, at 12 pm (noon) EST (New York time).

In this edition, Mark Brooks will interview Dr. Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute. Since 2010, Dr. Garcia has also served as Scientific Advisor to Match.com, where he contributes to the company’s long-running Singles in America study, an annual deep dive into the behaviors and attitudes of singles across the U.S. The conversation will explore Dr. Garcia’s research at the Kinsey Institute, key trends uncovered through over a decade of data, and the lessons these insights hold for leaders in the dating industry.

If you hold a full-time leadership role at an online dating company, you are welcome to join IDEA and LTR events for free.

Why attend LTR?

🏠 Flexible: Attend from anywhere – no travel required.
⏰ Convenient: Access live. 90 minutes only.
💰 Free: No registration fees

RSVP Here

HER’s New ‘Feelings’ Feature Makes Intros Less Awkward

Posted on August 5, 2025
A mobile phone displaying a dating app profile, featuring a user's photo and interactive status tags like 'Chaotic' and 'Yearning' on a colorful gradient background.

MASHABLE – In May, Match Group acquired HER, a dating app for queer women, nonbinary, and trans sapphics. While things have been relatively quiet since the buy-out, HER did roll out a new feature this summer called “Feelings”, which are short-term status tags like “Flirty” or “Go on a date” that appear across profiles, chats, and matches. Users can select up to three tags, each with optional notes, and these expire after 48 hours. The goal is to reduce awkward intros, clarify intentions, and make conversations feel more natural.

See full article at Mashable

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team

The Dating Industry Growth Team

Posted on August 4, 2025

CourtlandBrooksOPW – My team and I have been working for online dating and matchmaking companies, along with social discovery companies since, well, forever! I've recruited an extensive team over the years, and we're always interested in working for interesting new clients. We don't always have capacity, but we'd love to talk with you if you want some assistance and are interested in adding more capability and a wealth of experience to your team.

For the price of a marketing manager, you can get access to our seasoned team of online dating professionals. See Testimonials here. See pricing and service overview. Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com or simply book an opening call here.

Dating Apps Shift Toward Simpler, Structured Experiences

Posted on August 4, 2025

Breeze logoBBC – Dating apps are evolving to meet changing user habits. Breeze skips pre-date chat, auto-books dates at partner venues, and uses upfront payments to reduce no-shows. A brief chat window before and after the date allows for coordination and closure. Tinder recently launched a double-date feature, letting friends create joint profiles. Hinge introduced Hinge X, a £24.99/week premium tier offering features like priority likes and access to preferred match types. Meanwhile, niche apps like Feeld, Fourplay, Lex, and Raya continue to expand. These changes reflect a clear shift toward simpler, faster, and more structured dating experiences.

See full article at BBC

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team

The Best Dating Apps Aren’t Even Dating Apps

Posted on August 4, 2025

Facebook groupTECH CRUNCH – People are increasingly meeting partners on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook meme groups, not dating apps. These spaces allow for organic interaction based on shared interests, often leading to deeper connections. Users already know each other's humor, values, and quirks before any romantic intent. Unlike dating apps, where interactions can feel forced or transactional, these platforms offer a slower, more natural build-up.

See full article at Tech Crunch

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team 

Match Group: Profitable Dating App Giant in Turnaround Mode

Posted on August 1, 2025

Match GroupSEEKING ALPHA – Match Group holds a dominant 30 – 40% share of the global online dating market with 82M monthly users and strong cash flow. After a 2021 peak, the stock collapsed ~80% due to slowing growth, especially at Tinder. However, new leadership and activist investors (Elliott, Starboard) are driving a reset focused on AI, engagement, and product innovation. Fundamentals remain strong – ~$600M in free cash flow, disciplined capital allocation, and a modest 2.3% dividend yield. Valuation models suggest the stock is undervalued, with $50+ as a near-term target and potential for $100+ longer-term if Tinder rebounds and AI-driven strategies succeed.

See full article at Seeking Alpha

Curated by the Courtland Brooks team