TECH CRUNCH – Dec 2 – Called "Super Likeable," the feature will pop up at random times in the app to offer users a free Super Like which can be used on one of four people presented on the Super Likeable card. The goal with Super Likeable is to present potential matches users might swipe on based on their previous swiping behavior. This is powered by artificial intelligence. Some people say Super Likes make them feel uncomfortable, and those sending the Super Like come across as creepy. Others say it has an element of desperation to it, so they opt not to use it. But Tinder's own data indicates that Super Likes are highly effective, as they increase users' likelihood of matching by three times. Free Tinder users only receive one Super Like per day, while paid subscribers receive five. It is now being testing in NYC and L.A.
Category: Outlets – Tech Crunch
Grindr Updates Its App To Be More Inclusive Of Transgender And Non-binary Users
TECH CRUNCH – Nov 21 – Grindr said changes will include new profile fields for gender identity and the use of gender-neutral language throughout its app and website. Grindr's new identity section lets users fill out their own gender identity or pick from a list that includes "trans man," "woman," "cis man," "non-binary," "non-conforming" and "queer." Users can also select or write in what pronouns they prefer to use.
Coffee Meets Bagel Introduces New Video Feature
by Jordan Crook
See full article at Tech Crunch
Tonight Is A New Dating App Optimized For Real Dates
The League Is Making Everyone’s First Profile Picture Black And White
Tinder Is Launching ‘Reactions’
M8 Wants Your Friends To Be The Matchmaker
TECH CRUNCH – Sep 20 – M8 is a dating app that's powered by human matchmakers. With M8, friends can look through dating apps to find the perfect match for their friends. And if they're successful, they can be rewarded with gifts. Stephen Liu, co-founder and CEO said that he had the idea because he and his wife started dating after a friend vouched for him. So he co-founded the platform with his wife, Linda. So far, they've raised ~$700k for their startup idea. LegalZoom co-founder Brian Liu and Alibaba Group VP Brian Wong are amongst the angel investors.
Hinge’s New App Lets Users Play Matchmaker
Bumble Turned Down $450 Million Buyout Offer From Match Group
TECH CRUNCH – Aug 23 – Match Group offered to acquire Bumble for $450 million over the summer, according to sources close to the deal. Bumble launched in 2014, reached 1M users within a year of launch and reportedly has 18M registered users now. Since, they launched BumbleBFF (a service for meeting new friends) and BumbleBiz (for professionals looking for a new job) and introduced paid features. A source close to the company estimates the value of Bumble at over $1B.
by Fitz Tepper
See full article at Tech Crunch
YC-backed Muzmatch Doesn’t Want To Be Tinder For Muslims
TECH CRUNCH – Aug 3 – Muzmatch's dating app might look best described as a 'Tinder for Muslims' but co-founders Shahzad Younas and Ryan Brodie argue that Muzmatch is for people who are looking for a partner in order to get married. Two years after the launch of the first version of the app, Muzmatch has ~200k users, and is growing ~10%, month on month, according to the co-founders. The founders say the app has led to ~6k couples getting together so far. All users have to take a selfie via the app so their profile can be manually verified to help boost trust and keep out spammers. Users are also asked to rate others they have interacted with to promote positive behaviors.