MARKETINGDIVE – Hinge is expanding its One More Hour initiative, which supports local social groups that help young people connect offline. The company has donated more than $2 million so far and plans to invest another $1.5M globally this year. Hinge said Gen Z spends ~1K fewer hours socialising in person each year than young adults did 20 years ago. The company also reported 28% revenue growth in Q1 2026.
LINKEDIN – Match Group’s Face Check has been recognized by Fast Company as a 2026 World Changing Idea. The technology is designed to verify that users are who they claim to be and to prevent previously banned bad actors from returning to apps across the company’s portfolio, including Tinder, Hinge, and Match. According to Match Group, Face Check has contributed to a more than 60% reduction in views of profiles later identified as bad actors and an approximately 40% decrease in fraud-related reports. The recognition highlights the growing importance of identity verification and trust and safety initiatives as dating platforms work to create safer environments for meeting new people online.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.