Category: Hinge

Hinge CEO Says Gen Z Needs AI to Start Conversations

Posted on June 8, 2026
Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos

BBC – Jackie Jantos says many Gen Z singles want relationships but lack the confidence to initiate conversations, making AI tools useful for breaking the ice. She argues Hinge’s AI features are designed to help users express themselves rather than replace genuine interaction. Jantos also pointed to declining in-person socialization, loneliness, and the lasting effects of the pandemic as factors making dating more challenging for young adults. Despite growing discussion of dating app burnout, Hinge continues to grow in the UK, reaching 1.5M users.

See full article at BBC

Hinge Expands “One More Hour” Initiative to France

Posted on May 20, 2026
Hinge One More Hour

HINGE – Hinge is expanding its “One More Hour” social initiative to France, funding local community groups and offline social events aimed at helping young adults connect in person. The programme supports clubs, meetups, and recurring social spaces, with Hinge allocating ~$150,000–$200,000 to French organisations as part of a wider $1.5M global fund. The expansion comes as 62% of Gen Z in France report experiencing loneliness, while 65% say they want more in-person connections. Hinge will also bring its “Assemble” community event series to Marseille later this month.

See full article at Hinge website

Shared-Interest Platforms Emerging as Alternative to Dating Apps

Posted on May 15, 2026
Shared-Interest Platforms Emerging as Alternative to Dating Apps

BBC – Some younger users are increasingly meeting partners through gaming, fitness, and hobby-based platforms rather than traditional dating apps. Apps and communities, including Strava, Letterboxd, and online games such as World of Warcraft, are being used to build relationships through shared interests and ongoing interaction. The shift comes as several major dating apps have reported declining user numbers in some markets. Companies, including Tinder and Hinge, are responding with new features, niche communities, and alternative matching formats designed to encourage more direct and interest-based connections.

See full article at BBC

Hinge Launches New ‘Can’t Believe We Met on Hinge’ Campaign Featuring Real Couples

Posted on May 15, 2026
Can't Believe We Met on Hinge campaign

ADWEEK – Hinge has launched a new campaign, “Can’t Believe We Met on Hinge,” featuring real couples from the U.S., U.K., and Australia whose paths crossed before eventually meeting through the app. The campaign is the first under Hinge’s new chief marketing and communications officer, Tamika Young, and will run across streaming, cinema, and social media in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia through July. 

See full article at AdWeek

Match Group CEO Says Gen Z Finds Traditional Dating Apps Intimidating

Posted on May 7, 2026
Specer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group

BUSINESS INSIDER – Spencer Rascoff said Gen Z finds traditional dating apps intimidating because they feel too structured and “like a job interview.” Speaking during Match Group’s earnings call, he said younger users want low-pressure, more natural ways to meet people. In response, Match Group is adding features focused on real-life interaction. Hinge is testing a “Direct to Date” feature that encourages users to meet immediately after matching, while Tinder has started hosting in-person dating events and added interest-based features like music and astrology modes.

See full article at Business Insider

Match Group Q1: Revenue up, Tinder Back to Growth, Hinge Accelerates

Posted on May 6, 2026
Logo of Match Group

REUTERS – Match Group reported a strong Q1 2026, with revenue up to $864M (+4%) and profit rising 42% to $167M. Growth was driven mainly by Hinge, which saw 28% revenue growth, while Tinder showed early signs of recovery. Tinder’s registrations returned to YOY growth in March for the first time in nearly two years, with improving engagement and retention. New features and product changes are starting to stabilize the platform, especially with younger users. Overall, paying users declined 5%, but revenue per user increased. The company is streamlining operations, cutting costs, and investing in higher-growth areas, including a $100M stake in gay dating app Sniffies.

See full article at Reuters

Hinge Adds Feature to Determine Interaction Quality

Posted on May 4, 2026
Hinge Signals

DISTRACTIFY – Hinge has added a “Signals” feature (a beating heart icon) to highlight users who consistently engage in high‑quality behavior, including thoughtful browsing, messaging, and follow‑through. It is designed to identify people who are less likely to ghost. The badge cannot be bought; it is earned through profile completeness, verification, regular use, and positive interaction patterns, and eligibility is reassessed periodically.

See full article at Distractify

Hinge Launches ‘Date Ideas’

Posted on April 23, 2026
Hinge Date ideas

HINGE – During the Date Ideas test, 54% of Hinge daters shared that the feature made them feel more confident asking someone out, and it led to more matches and dates. Ben Celebicic, Hinge’s CTO said, “date Ideas gives daters a clear, low-pressure way to signal they’re ready to meet.”

Date Ideas: daters select three Date Ideas to feature on their profile. Suitors then select one of the three activities and their availability (this week, this weekend, next week, next weekend) before liking or commenting with them. Available in U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia.

See full article at Hinge website

Mark Brooks: Nice. Next it would be nice to guide them on actual date venues, and specials. Dating can get expensive. Hinge has scale and can negotiate deals with promising new restaurants, book right into their systems, and take a small cut. That’s ‘found money’ in a tight dating market. 

Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos on Dating and AI Replacing Human Connection

Posted on March 27, 2026
Hinge Jackie Jantos

NEWSWEEK –  Jackie Jantos says AI is increasingly replacing small, vulnerable conversations that build real relationships, as young people use tools like ChatGPT instead of turning to friends. She points to declining in-person interaction among Gen Z and argues that technology removes the “messiness” needed for intimacy. While AI can mimic empathy and conversation, it lacks real reciprocity and shared experience. At Hinge, Jantos is focusing on intentional friction, real-world connection, and product design that pushes users toward actual relationships rather than more time on the app.

See full article at Newsweek

Hinge’s Algorithm Doesn’t Judge on Attractiveness

Posted on March 10, 2026
Hinge Jackie Jantos

FINANCIAL TIMES – Since 2021, Hinge’s MAU have doubled from 4.8M to 11.8M (Sensor Tower), while Tinder went from 65M to 51M. Jackie Jantos played a pivotal role, as Hinge’s CMO for 4 years before becoming CEO in December. “Prompts” – short notes that users write on profiles to share their interests and spark conversation – and emphasis on chat over simply responding to photos boosted its success. Does the algorithm rate users’ attractiveness? “No,” Jantos says. “We are trying to find who you might like and who might like you. The algorithm has the information around the individuals who you’ve liked and it also sees signals around content that you’ve liked.” Revenue per payer on Hinge was $31.97/month in 2025. Paying users increased to 1.8M at the end of 2025. Jantos says maintaining the “free experience”, which gives users eight likes a day, was “sacred.”

See full article at Financial Times