PR NEWSWIRE – Apr 30 – The Match Group revenue increased 9% YOY ($212.2M), as paid subscribers grew 10% to 3.5M globally. Profits declined despite higher revenue primarily due to a significant increase in marketing expenses.
Category: Match.com
IAC To Grab 27% Of US Online Dating Market In 2014
INVESTORS.COM – Apr 28 – IAC is expected to grab 27% of the estimated $2.2B market for U.S. dating services in 2014, according to a new IBISWorld report. Online dating account for 49% of the U.S. dating service industry, followed by mobile dating (26%), matchmakers (14%) and singles events (7%). Match revenue is predicted to rise 11.5% to $605M this year. eHarmony is forecast to have U.S. revenue of $310M this year, up 6.9%. Zoosk will generate $114M. IBISWorld expects the U.S. dating service industry to grow at an annual rate of 4.2% from 2014 through 2019.
by Patrick Seitz
The full article was originally published at Investors.com, but is no longer available.
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Match.com Launches New iPhone App
TECH CRUNCH – Apr 24 - Match.com is unveiling an entirely redesigned mobile app for iPhone users, with the release of Match 3.0. Match.com has implemented a few new features that are built specifically for mobile such as Discover page. There are two parts to the Discover page: Stream and Mixer. Stream is a list of people users might be interested in. The Mixer experience is very similar to Tinder. Users swipe right if they like someone, and swipe left if they don’t.
Online Dating Sites As Political Activists
WASHINGTON POST – Apr 18 – When Gary Kremen, founder of Match.com, did his first TV interview, he said his site would “bring more love to the planet than anything since Jesus Christ.” Neil Clark Warren started eHarmony with a vision to “literally change the world.” Three weeks ago, OkCupid helped galvanize support for the ouster of Brendan Eich, the CEO of Mozilla. Dating site may go to bat for certain interest groups, but only when doing so is easy, cost-free and consistent with building its brand. eHarmony has been alone in its willingness to risk resources and sacrifice customers over politics. From 2006 to 2008, the site spent millions to fight gay daters who demanded that eHarmony cater to them. “As online dating plays an important role in how we fall in love, we have a growing responsibility to advocate for our customers,” says Brian Schechter, co-founder of HowAboutWe. “This of course involves advocating for equal rights and respect for all sexual orientations.”
by Dan Slater
See full article at Washington Post
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Bisexuals Won’t Be Charged Twice By Match.com
SUNDAYWORLD – Apr 8 - Match.com has promised to allow bisexual members to use its dating service to search for men and women. One customer was previously told to take out two subscriptions.
by Eamon Dillon
The full article was originally published at SundayWorld, but is no longer available.
How To Make Money Off The Online Dating Boom
CNBC – Mar 29 – A recent report by Topeka Capital Markets finds that the combination of tough economic times, a rise in the number of singles, social media and mobile technology is causing a resurgence in the online dating business. In a recent Pew Internet survey, 59% of Americans consider online dating a good way to meet people compared with 44% in 2005. 112M people in the U.S. are single (47%), up from 42% in 1994, according to the Census Bureau. "There are few stand-out investment opportunities these days," said Mark Brooks, an Internet dating industry consultant. Leading the pack is Match.com. Analysts recommends investors to purchase shares of IAC in anticipation of a Match.com spinoff. "In general, I would recommend mobile and social and large dating sites. Everything else is humdrum," said Brooks. Mobile technology is another driver of industry growth.
Match.com Lawsuit Loses Second Lead Plaintiff
NY POST – Mar 31 – Melissa "Midwest" Harrington, a popular ex-porn star is being dropped as the face of a multibillion-dollar lawsuit against Match.com, making her the second hottie since January to be removed from the case.The suit accuses Match.com and affiliated sites of posting fake dating profiles featuring photos of pretty people to attract paying members. Harringon never agreed to be part of the suit. Lawyer Evan Spencer plans to move forward without Harrington. It would include fewer allegations against Match and seek unspecified money damages only on behalf of Harrington’s ex-husband, who owned the rights to her sexy photos.
Match.com Organizes Events For Dog Lovers
THE DRUM – Mar 26 - Match.com has launched a series of social events to bring people together through a shared interest. The first event, Bark in the Park, will see dog-lovers meet in Battersea Park, London on April 5th. At the £5 event, attendees will mingle and enjoy complimentary refreshments while their dogs get involved with activity sessions and a pooch soft play area. The entry fees will be given to the Dog's Trust.
Match.com Partners With Major League Baseball
THE STREET – Mar 24 - Match.com has formed a partnership with MLB to boost its subscription base. Match.com's paying users can put a MLB logo of their favorite team on their profile page and search for other users who like the same team.
Online Couple Still In Love After Twelve Years
DAILYSTAR.CO.UK – Mar 19 – Jane and Andreas are one of the first couples who met on Match.com. They met in 2002 and 12 years later they are married with 3-year-old twin daughters.
by Laura Mitchell
See full article at DailyStar.co.uk