FINANCIAL TIMES – Targeted dating apps are gaining traction as mainstream rivals like Tinder and Bumble face user declines. Apps like Grindr and Feeld attract specific communities, such as gay men and those interested in non-monogamy. Grindr's shares have doubled in 2023, contrasting with declining shares of Match Group and Bumble. Feeld has seen a 10% increase in users exploring open relationships and polyamory. These niche apps benefit from a deep understanding of their communities, leading to higher user loyalty and monetization opportunities. Match Group is shifting focus to niche products like Archer, for gay and bisexual men, and other demographically tailored apps to offset declines in mainstream platforms.
Category: Bumble
Tinder and Bumble are Tanking Because They Treat Men Badly, Grindr CEO Said
FORTUNE – Grindr CEO George Arison criticized Tinder and Bumble for neglecting their male users, who constitute 70% of their user base, at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference. Despite men often paying for premium services, their experience remains frustrating, leading many to quit online dating. Connell Barrett, founder of Dating Transformation, echoed these sentiments, noting that only 20% of men receive most matches while the rest struggle. Both suggested improvements like AI-generated dating advice and in-app dating therapists. Arison also highlighted that dating apps focus more on women's experiences, which he finds offensive, and called for a more balanced approach to benefit all users.
by Eva Roytburg
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Hinge and Grindr Are Leaving Bumble and Tinder in the Dust
QUARTZ – "Online dating trends have continued to decelerate industry-wide, showing minimal relief from the recent struggles," Morgan Stanley analysts Nathan Feather and Brian Nowak wrote in a research note Tuesday. They pointed out that Hinge and Grindr were doing well. Hinge has seen a huge surge in paying users this year. User downloads increased 14% YOY in the Q2. Bumble's global user downloads rose only 2% in Q2. Tinder's downloads fell ~12% in Q2. And while Grindr hasn't seen a big increase in users, its stock has soared 120% from last year and ~32% from last month.
by Laura Bratton
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Bumble Users Can Now Report Profiles That Use AI-generated Photos
TECH CRUNCH – Bumble has introduced a new reporting option that enables users to report profiles if they suspect someone could be using AI-generated photos and videos. Other reporting options include inappropriate content, underage users, scams and the use of someone else's photos, among others. AI-generated photos on dating apps are common, and are often used to scam or deceive others. The new reporting option follows Bumble's launch of an AI tool called "Deception Detector," which uses AI and human moderation to detect and remove fake profiles, spammers and scammers.
Bumble Defies the Odds in the Dating Sphere
TIP RANKS – Bumble's AI-powered growth strategy has expanded its user base in Europe and Latin America, despite initial skepticism. With new CEO Lidiane Jones, Bumble plans to acquire Geneva, a community app, by Q3 2024 to improve its social features. In Q1 2024, Bumble reported $268M in revenue and net earnings of $34M, significantly improving from a loss in Q1 2023. The company forecasts continued revenue and EBITDA growth for the year. Analysts have set a price target of $14.57, suggesting a potential 56% upside. Despite recent volatility, Bumble's stock presents a notable investment opportunity.
Dating App Abusers Face Platform-Wide Bans in Australia
THE AGE – In Australia, users banned from one dating app will now be blocked across all related apps under a new voluntary code of conduct. This code, submitted by Match Group, Bumble, Grindr, and other companies, aims to enhance safety by de-platforming violators. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland and Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth announced the code, which will be reviewed in nine months for effectiveness. The code mandates that if a user is banned on one app, they will be banned on all apps owned by the same company. This move follows findings that 75% of dating app users experienced some form of sexual violence. The new rules, effective in October, also require regular reporting on terminated accounts and the establishment of a compliance oversight body.
by Clay Lucas
See full article at The Age
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Bumble Joins Effort to Combat Non-Consensual Intimate Images

LINKEDIN – Bumble Inc. has joined the Center for Democracy & Technology's working group to tackle the creation, spread, and monetization of non-consensual intimate images (NCII), including AI-generated content. This initiative brings together technology companies, trust and safety practitioners, experts in online gender-based violence, and digital rights organizations to discuss effective interventions.
Dating Apps Once Ran on Novelty. For Some Users, the Fun Is Over
WALL STREET JOURNAL – As dating apps seek to attract new users, their marketing efforts are increasingly backfiring. Ads from Bumble, The League, and Hinge have drawn criticism for various reasons, reflecting broader frustrations with online dating. Bumble apologized for ads joking about celibacy, which users found insensitive. The League was criticized for "cringy" campaigns, yet insists its bold approach resonates with its target audience. Hinge continues to refresh its "Designed to Be Deleted" campaign but faces user dissatisfaction. Growth in online dating is slowing. Half of online daters report negative experiences, driven by issues like ghosting and unsolicited messages, according to Pew. Companies are now focusing on enhancing user trust and improving the overall dating experience.
by Sara Ashley O'Brian & Katie Deighton
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Dating Apps’ Hidden Money-Making Strategies, Explained
WALL STREET JOURNAL – The $5B dating app industry is largely dominated by Match Group. But downloads across the industry are falling. Here’s how some apps are shifting to stay competitive, with features that go beyond just dating. Video featuring Mark Brooks, CEO of Courtland Brooks; Shahzad Younas, CEO of Muzz; George Arison, CEO of Grindr; and Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder of Bumble.
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Bumble Launches Opening Moves
STORYBOARD 18 – Bumble has introduced a new feature called "Opening Moves," allowing women to set a question for their matches to respond to, promoting engaging conversations while keeping women in control. To highlight this, Bumble launched an India-wide campaign featuring Bollywood actors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina. Women can use one of Bumble's recommended Opening Moves, or craft their own. According to Bumble's research, 46% surveyed on Bumble shared that having more ways to start a conversation would make their dating app experience even better.
