Month: July 2026

Challenges of a Matchmaker: Arlene Washburn on Coaching, Compliance, and Running a Professional Matchmaking Business

Posted on July 6, 2026

OPW – In the latest episode of Challenges of a Matchmaker, Arlene Washburn argues that matchmaking is far more regulated than many matchmakers realize. The conversation covers the difference between coaching and simply giving feedback, why matchmakers who offer coaching should receive proper training, the importance of structured client follow-up after every introduction, and the need for consistent sales and operational processes. Washburn also discusses data privacy, compliance across jurisdictions, and why many matchmakers are using contracts that may not meet legal requirements. Her overarching message is that successful matchmaking is built on professional standards, ethical practice, and a commitment to continuous learning as laws, technology, and client expectations evolve.

Washburn is the founder of the International Matchmaking Compliance Board, which helps matchmakers understand and comply with legal and regulatory requirements across jurisdictions.

SayMore Launches AI Dating Messaging Assistant

Posted on July 6, 2026
SayMore logo

OPW – SayMore, a new AI-powered dating assistant, has launched on iOS with tools designed to help users navigate conversations on dating apps. The app suggests replies, generates openers, and analyzes incoming messages to help users decide how to respond. According to founder Neil Stanley, the product is aimed primarily at adults who want more confidence when messaging. An Android version is in development, and the company says it is open to future partnerships with dating apps while also launching an affiliate program for publishers and creators.

Instant Advisory Board

Posted on July 6, 2026

OPW – The Courtland Brooks team has been helping dating apps grow for an era. (We also help best-in-class service providers approach the dating industry).

We have three kinds of people on the Courtland Brooks team. Core Team members who have been on the team 10 years on average. We have mid-level Special Advisors, and the newest addition to the Courtland Brooks team are what we call our IAB, Instant Advisory Board members. These are super senior, usually CXO level leaders who are available for occasional consults on bigger decisions.

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.

The True Cost of Dating Apps in 2026

Posted on July 6, 2026
True cost of dating apps

DATINGSITESPOT – The average dating app user spends 51 minutes per day on dating apps, roughly 310 hours per year, or ~38-hour workdays. Basic premium subscriptions across Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge average ~$16 per month (~$192 annually), while top-tier plans cost $40–50 per month, or up to $600 a year. Using three premium apps simultaneously can cost $780–900 per year in subscriptions alone, rising to ~$1,080 once profile photos and occasional boosts are included. The figures also highlight additional costs such as auto-renewals and in-app purchases, suggesting that for many users, the biggest investment in online dating is time rather than money.

See full article at DatingSiteSpot

Michael O’Sullivan’s “Dating App” Book Now Available

Posted on July 3, 2026
Dating App by Michael O'Sullivan

OPW – Michael O’Sullivan, founder of HubPeople, has launched Dating App, a new book focused on what it really takes to build and run a dating business. This isn’t a typical “how to build an app” guide. It’s a practical look at the realities of the dating industry, covering how to operate, scale, and survive in a highly competitive market, based on O’Sullivan’s decades of experience working with global dating platforms. The book also includes interviews with six industry operators, sharing firsthand insights from building and growing real dating businesses. The book is available now.

Mark Brooks: I highly recommend this book to anybody in the dating industry and digital professionals. There is much nuance and insider information in this book.

Match Group Research Highlights How Gen Z Approaches Dating

Posted on July 2, 2026
Gen Z

MATCH GROUP – Match Group has released new research examining how Gen Z approaches dating and relationships. The study found that 80% of Gen Z believe they will find true love, while 62% are more comfortable flirting online than in person. According to the research, young adults are seeking more meaningful connections rather than more matches, with 81% preferring to get to know someone slowly and 67% of dating app users aged 18–29 looking for a sense of belonging.

See full article at Match Group

Grindr Stock Soars on Hopes of New Products From the Dating App

Posted on July 2, 2026
Grindr

BARRON’S – Grindr shares rose after Morgan Stanley upgraded the company to Overweight and raised its price target from $15 to $18. Analyst Nathan Feather cited confidence in Grindr’s upcoming products, including its Woodwork telehealth brand and the premium Edge subscription tier, saying they could improve monetization.

See full article at Barron’s

Match Group Gives Employees AI Budgets With Spending Limits

Posted on July 2, 2026
Match Group

BUSINESS INSIDER – Match Group has introduced AI budgets for employees as it expands AI use across the company. According to CFO Steve Bailey, each department receives an AI spending allocation that is tracked through a dashboard, with employees required to justify requests to exceed their budget. Bailey said the average software engineer spends $600 per month on AI tokens. Match Group initially budgeted $5M for AI in 2026 but now expects to spend ~$10M following CEO Spencer Rascoff’s push to make the company more AI-native. Bailey also said the company plans to slow hiring while it evaluates how AI will reshape its workforce.

See full article at Business Insider

Hinge Launches European ‘All We Need Is Us’ Campaign

Posted on July 2, 2026

HINGE – Hinge has launched a new European campaign, All We Need Is Us, as part of its ongoing Designed to be Deleted platform. The campaign highlights the small, everyday moments that build relationships, such as cooking, running errands, or spending quiet time together. It features real couples who met on Hinge alongside handcrafted Hingie mascots placed in everyday situations.

See full article at Hinge website

South Korea Dating Market: Growth Driven by Rising Singles and App Adoption

Posted on July 1, 2026
South Korea dating market

DAXUE CONSULTING – South Korea’s online dating market is growing despite declining marriage rates and low fertility (0.75 births per woman in 2024). The market reached $264M in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 7.5% CAGR through 2035. Singlehood has risen sharply, with unmarried women aged 30-34 increasing from 1.4% in 1970 to 30% by 2010. Surveys show 29% of men cite lack of opportunities as the main reason for being single, while 28% of women cite high standards and 23% lack of opportunities. Local apps like Noon Date succeed by offering curated matches (e.g., four per day) to improve quality, while Tinder has grown by repositioning as a social and friendship-focused app.

See full article at Daxue Consulting