Tinder is a dating app for Android and iPhone (iOS), which matches people after a “match” – the name given by the platform when two users are mutually interested in each other. Tinder allows you to meet people from all over the world for possible new flirtations or friendships.
Created in 2012, it has gained many different functions over the years and is still one of the most used dating apps. Want to know how to use Tinder? How to chat? And what is a match? In the following lines, you will learn what Tinder is in detail, and learn how the platform works.
1. What is Tinder and how does it work?
Tinder works very simply: you can sign up for free with your Facebook account or cell phone number to create a profile with name, age, and photos to start “attracting” suitors. User profiles are displayed on the main screen according to location and you must choose whether you are interested (by dragging the photo to the right) or not (to the left).
If the other person also chooses “yes”, a match occurs and the chat is available for you both to talk. The match does not have to be eternal, because the application values user privacy. If you regret it, for example, you can undo the match on Tinder without any problems, or even hide your profile so that you can no longer be found.
Those who do not wish to limit themselves to profile photos and information can use the integrations offered by the platform with Instagram, which displays the latest photos from the social network in a “feed” format, or with Spotify, to show your favorite artists on Tinder.
2. Who created Tinder and when did it come into existence?
The Tinder app was created by a company known as Hatch Labs in September 2012. Founded by a team of six entrepreneurs – Sean Rad, Jonathan Badeen, Justin Mateen, Joe Munoz, Alexa Mateen, Dinesh Moorjani, and Whitney Wolfe – the app began its history in much the same way as other social networks: inside US universities, with initial tests among students.
Tinder’s initial intention was to serve as a platform for people to meet other people far away. While Facebook or Twitter, for example, connect you mainly with users you already know, Tinder would be something of a “blind date”. Shortly after its creation in 2013, Tinder was already gaining prominence in the dating app niche. In 2014, the platform already had more than a billion “drags” per day.
According to Similar Web, the United States is the country that uses the app most, second is Brazil. It has been downloaded more than 340 million times and is available in 190 countries and more than 40 languages. According to the company, there have been over 9 billion matches in Tinder’s history, with an average of 1.4 billion engagements (likes and dislikes) per day.
3. What are the extra features?
In March 2022, Tinder launched a feature that allows users to check the criminal backgrounds of people they have matched with. The feature is intended to provide more security when setting up dates. Other recently announced new features include videos in the personal profiles of the Android and iPhone (iOS) apps. In addition, an “Explore” section is available for those who wish to browse through various particular interests.
There is also a tool aimed at decreasing harassment within the app. Called “Are you sure?”, the function seeks to reduce inappropriate messaging within a chat by using artificial intelligence to identify and block offensive words sent by users. According to the platform, the function has reduced the use of inappropriate language by 10%.
Another possibility is to insert animated images into the profile. Known as Tinder Loops, the feature creates an effect similar to Instagram’s “Boomerang” for those who want to have a differentiated profile. Tinder also offers support for various functions, such as reactions in chat, sending BitMoji, receiving email alerts, Matching based on location you visit, and recommendations to friends.
4. Is Tinder paid?
Tinder has three optional paid plans, despite being free in its main functions. Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, and Tinder Platinum offer additional possibilities for those using the app, with prices starting at $4.99, $14.99, and $19.99, respectively. The “premium” plans offer advantages, such as more “Super Likes”, which allow you to send a like directly to another user’s inbox, as well as determine a specific location where you want to search for new people.
5. What are the competitors?
Like almost anything successful, Tinder has spawned several competitors over the years. Some of the most famous are Happn, CasualX, KickOff, and OkCupid. Some appeared before Tinder but have hitched a ride on its success, such as ParPerfeito and Badoo. In addition, although Tinder gives the option to choose between male or female (or both), there are options exclusively for the LGBT audience, such as Grindr, Her, Femme, and Hornet.
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