Tinder launches Tinder Explore

It looks like Tinder is finally shedding its reputation as a hook-up app. Their newest update, Tinder Explore, will be available internationally by mid-October. Tinder Explore gives members more control over who they meet, by having the option to navigate through profiles by interest. It’s the biggest update since their “swipe feature” in 2012 and t’s proving to be successful in countries where it’s already launched in early September.

It’s safe to say that most singles have a love/hate relationship with dating apps. But, swiping for a date is practically a necessity for busy people in the 21st century. Apps are convenient. They allow you to connect with more people than in real life, but they do have their downsides. Cat-fishing, hookup culture, and shallowness are some of the many obstacles that singles face on dating apps, along with the missing social piece of in-person dating.

Following covid, Gen-Z has expressed a desire for dating app features that better align with their values. When the app was introduced in 2012, Gen-Z would’ve been too young to participate. So, it comes as no surprise that the app needed to undergo a refresh to keep up with the times.

Tinder Explore allows members to navigate the app through interests. Some of these interests include Foodies, Gamers, Music Lovers, Social Causes, and Entrepreneurs. Interests will continue to grow and be added as time goes on. This means members will not only have to rely on a profile photo as the first indicator of attraction. The ability to explore through interests, allows members to connect with potential matches on a deeper level and lessens the potential for shallow matches.

In addition to interests, the app update will include some exclusive social experiences such as Vibes; a question-and-answer game, Hot Takes; a modern take on speed dating, and Swipe Night; an interactive choose-your-own-adventure game. Social experiences are the perfect remedy to the decline of social gatherings since the beginning of the pandemic. It was reported that the first trial of Swipe Night in 2019 drew in more than 20 million members and led to a 26% increase in matches.

Other features include video bios and the ability to only see verified profiles. Video bios will allow for members to include a video in their profile to help showcase their true personalities and the option to explore only verified profiles will allow members to have even more control over their safety.

Although Tinder Explore was inspired by Gen-Z, the updates are bound to have an impact on older generations. Being able to customize your experience and connect through more than just swiping, is sure to be an attractive feature amongst Millennials and Gen-X. It’s safe to say that the new Tinder updates will be difficult to beat by other apps.