In this article, we will be taking a look at the 2o most popular dating apps in the US. If you are not interested in reading about the market analysis of the dating apps, head straight to the 5 Most Popular Dating Apps In The US.
From swiping right to compatibility algorithms, the most popular dating apps in the US like Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Coffee Meets Bagel, among others have captivated millions’ hearts and screens, transforming how individuals seek love, companionship, or simply a casual fling.
Market Dominance of Leading Dating Apps
With the rise of online dating, the market has become increasingly competitive, with leading dating apps vying for market dominance. According to recent data, the top three dating apps in the US are Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH)’s Tinder, Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL), and Hinge. With over 70 million users, Tinder has been the market leader for years, but Bumble and Hinge are quickly gaining ground.
Whitney Herd, the CEO of Bumble (NASDAQ:BMBL) said the following in the company’s Q2, 2023’s earnings call transcript:
“We have a well-constructed portfolio of apps to bring people closer together. Within dating, we have an extensive global footprint where we have at least 1 top 3 app by download share in over 50 countries. Our focus is on continuing to drive market share gains, opening additional new markets and driving further depth of engagement and payer penetration. Let me provide an update on each of our apps. I’ll start with Bumble app. Q2 revenue grew 23% to $208 million, driven by continued momentum in paying users. From Q1 to Q2, we added 139,000 payers, a significant acceleration from the 98,000 net adds we reported last quarter. The growth in payers was fueled by strength in top of funnel metrics, including new and reengaged users, reflecting the overall health of Bumble’s ecosystem and our continued payer optimization efforts.”
One of the key strategies these apps use to gain market dominance is offering unique features that set them apart from their competitors.
For example, Bumble (NASDAQ:BMBL) has differentiated itself by requiring women to make the first move, while Hinge has focused on creating a more meaningful and authentic dating experience. In addition to offering unique features, these apps invest heavily in marketing and advertising to attract new users. From social media campaigns to celebrity endorsements, these companies leave no stone unturned in their quest for market dominance.
According to recent financial statistics, Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH)’s Tinder generated approximately $1.7 billion in revenue in 2022 alone, while Bumble and Hinge generated roughly $694 million and $284 million, respectively. However, Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH) slightely underperformed in Q1, 2023 but the management is optimistic for the second half of the year.
This was backed up by Carillion Tower Advisers as well, which had the following comments in their Q1, 2023 investor letter:
“Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:MTCH), the online dating company, delivered quarterly results and forward guidance that was slightly below expectations, due in part to macroeconomic pressures on its customer base. The company said it expects fundamentals in the second half of the year to improve, driven by Asia reopening post-COVID, the company’s expansion into new geographies, deeper engagement with end-users driving add on sales, and new pricing strategies.”
As the competition heats up, it will be interesting to see which dating app emerges as the clear leader in the US market. One thing is sure – with millions of users and billions of dollars in revenue at stake, the fight for market dominance will only intensify in the coming years.
Monetization Models: Freemium vs. Subscription
As the dating app market continues to expand, key market players are innovating to generate revenue through two popular approaches: freemium and subscription models. Freemium apps offer essential features for free, with premium features like unlimited swipes or seeing who likes your profile available for a fee. On the other hand, subscription-based models require a monthly or yearly fee for full access.
Recent studies reveal that younger users prefer freemium models due to their price sensitivity. Hinge’s paid subscription offers unlimited likes and advanced filters (e.g., height, politics). Users can also make one-time purchases for profile boosts, increasing visibility for an hour. Boyd, a dating and relationship expert, told CNBC:
“The motivation for clients or anyone paying [for apps] is they’re serious, and they want to find a connection where there’s a mutual investment; they’re looking for more of a committed relationship. Someone who is just dabbling or who’s not serious or will not follow up will not be paying for the platform.”
Some apps have succeeded with a hybrid approach, offering freemium and subscription options. When choosing a model, developers must carefully consider their target audience’s needs and preferences. Fair and competitive pricing is crucial for success. Ultimately, a dating app’s monetization strategy hinges on delivering a valuable user experience that justifies the app’s cost.
Market Analysis
Financial data by Allied Market Research indicates that the global online dating market’s value reached $6.7 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $9.9 billion by 2026, a 5.2% CAGR. Effective marketing plays a pivotal role. Utilizing strategies like social media advertising, influencer collaborations, and event sponsorships is vital. In 2022, the average installation cost for dating apps was $2.65. Innovative marketing efforts can optimize acquisition costs and boost return on investment.
Nejron Photo/Shutterstock.com
Our Methodology
Our methodology for identifying the most popular dating apps in the US involved conducting thorough research using sources like Similar Web, Outlook, Forbes, WHM, and Dating Advice. We selected the top dating apps in the US based on a structured scoring system. Each dating app received points based on the number of times it appeared in the research sources. By employing this approach, we created a definitive compilation of the best dating apps in the US and ranked them in ascending order of high scores.
Here is our list of the 20 most popular dating apps in the US.
20 Most Popular Dating Apps In The US
20. Sweet Meet
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Sweet Meet is a dating app with 10 million users, claiming a success rate of over 80% in forming meaningful relationships. The app offers free features such as unlimited messaging, direct messaging, and earning coins for profile visibility, customization options, and profile checks. Paid features include boosting profile popularity in your area through the “Feed” and VIP membership, which provides top likes, visibility into who’s interested, and an ad-free experience, with prices ranging from $9.99 to $54.99. It’s rated 4.5 on iOS, making it an option for those seeking new connections.
19. Boo
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Launched in 2020, the Boo dating app has gained popularity with over a million users who appreciate its straightforward registration process. It caters to introverted individuals and boasts a large global community of like-minded people. Notable features include a detailed personality quiz for accurate matching, the option to keep contact information private, and a robust reporting system for users violating community standards. Boo offers free and premium features, with its Boo Infinity subscription priced at around $1 monthly. The app emphasizes account authenticity, provides translation options, and fosters inclusivity across genders, races, and castes within its extensive user base.
18. Hily
Insider Monkey Score: 1
Hily, one of the most popular dating apps in the US, founded in 2017, is an AI-driven dating app for iOS and Android. It’s user-friendly, multilingual, and has a global user base. While some free services are available, pricing is $24.99 per month for Hily Premium. The app claims 20 million registered users but has around five million active members across 19 countries, with two million in the USA.
17. Badoo
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Badoo, owned by Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ:BMBL) is one of the earliest and most popular dating-focused social networking apps. The app has garnered a massive global user base of over 318 million, adding around 300,000 members daily, 10 million photos weekly, and facilitating 350 million daily messages. It operates in 47 languages across 190 countries, with 60 million monthly active users and 12 billion daily swipes. Badoo’s revenue in 2022 reached $209 million, primarily from its premium subscription service. The app attracts users of various ages, with over 40% aged 30 and above, including a surprising demographic of those over 40. In the USA alone, it boasts 1.24 million downloads.
16. Clover
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Clover, the interactive dating app with over three million users since 2014, uses compatibility to match singles. Registration is free with ads, and Android/iOS versions offer in-app games. Premium subscription starts at $14.99/week. It’s popular with young adults, particularly in the US (2.19 million members). In 2020, it earned $19 million from 900,000 paid subscriptions, targeting Gen Z (50%) and millennials (42%). Clover recently secured $12 million in growth capital financing to accelerate its expansion.
15. Chispa
Insider Monkey Score: 2
One of the most popular dating apps in America, Chispa is made exclusively for Latinx singles, offering bilingual profiles and customization options for ethnicities, zodiac signs, and more. It’s tailored to create meaningful connections among Latino users in the United States, utilizing location filters and dating preferences. The app, popular primarily in the US, also offers in-app activities. Its user base spans various countries, features a diverse age distribution, and is mainly of Latin American descent, attracting straight individuals looking for genuine relationships. Chispa provides both free and premium features, starting at just $0.49 per month.
14. Grindr Inc. (NYSE:GRND)
Insider Monkey Score: 2
Grindr Inc. (NYSE:GRND), a leading gay dating app since 2009, boasts over 27 million users worldwide, with 3.6 million daily active users. It uses GPS data to connect gay singles with local prospects, simplifying casual dating. The app’s user base is primarily aged 18 to 34, with 38% identifying as gay, 29% as bisexual, and 2% as transgender. Grindr Inc. (NYSE:GRND) operates in 196 countries, available in 13 languages, and its primary user base is in the USA, accounting for 88% of its users.
13. Christian Mingle
Insider Monkey Score: 2
ChristianMingle, a global faith-based dating platform available in 29 countries and four languages, boasts 16 million members and has played a role in 29% of Christian marriages. It offers free and paid memberships, with paid plans ranging from $49.99 per month for one month to $149.99 for six months. Free features include profile viewing and daily matchmaking, while paid subscriptions provide messaging, read receipts, anonymity, and profile hiding. It’s part of Spark Networks, a German dating company.
12. Elite Singles
Insider Monkey Score: 2
EliteSingles, one of the best dating apps in the US, is a selective dating site for successful and educated individuals. According to Forbes, 85% of its four million US members are highly educated. The app targets single professionals aged 30-55. Claiming a monthly responsibility for 1,200 matches among its 12.5 million worldwide users.
11. Hinge
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Established in 2012, Hinge stands out as the “dating app with a mission to be deleted.” Boasting approximately 6 million global users, including 4 million in the US, its primary goal is to help users forge meaningful relationships. In February 2023, hinge.co received 1.520 million global visits, reflecting a 10.49% decline from January 2023. Hinge experienced substantial growth, with an estimated revenue of $284 million in 2022, marking a remarkable 41% increase from the previous year.
10. BLK
Insider Monkey Score: 3
BLK is a dating app tailored for Black singles in the US and Canada, fostering connections based on shared interests. Like Tinder and Hinge, it allows swiping right or left for good, with free messaging upon matching. Registration involves mobile number verification, and the mobile app offers a user-friendly experience. Profiles are concise, and while essential features are free, users can purchase credits for additional functionality, starting at $1.99 for one credit. The user base leans young, primarily aged 25-34, with members aged 18-24 and mature users in their late 30s and beyond.
9. Zoosk
Insider Monkey Score: 3
Zoosk is a widely popular dating site and app with a global presence in over 80 countries. It ranks among the top 10 largest dating platforms, facilitating over 3 million daily messages exchanged by members, often resulting in real-life meetings and relationships. Zoosk has seen over 30 million app downloads and was acquired by Spark Networks SE for $258 million in 2019, involving cash and American Depositary Shares (ADS).
8. OkCupid
Insider Monkey Score: 3
OkCupid, launched in 2004, aimed to revolutionize dating by collecting extensive personal data to measure compatibility. With about 70 million users in 2022, including 1 million daily active users and 2 million monthly logins, it offers a unique experience. Match.com acquired OkCupid for $50 million in 2011. It is one of the most popular dating apps in the US.
7. Plenty Of Fish
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Plenty of Fish, a dating site and app established in 2003, has garnered popularity for offering free, unlimited messaging and stands among the most popular dating apps in the US. With 173 million registered users, including 3.35 million daily active users, it has a significant market share of 15.2%. The platform was acquired by Match Group in 2015 for $575 million.
6. Happn
Insider Monkey Score: 4
Happn is a unique dating app using location-based data for serendipitous matches, crossing paths with nearby singles, and discovering shared interests. Surging in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, it reached 100 million users in 2022, with 6.5 million monthly active users. The app had an estimated $25 million in revenue in 2022 and has garnered funding from 15 investors, including Marco Valta and Idinvest Partners.
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Disclosure. None: The 20 Most Popular Dating Apps In The US is originally published on Insider Monkey.