Tinder Explore Debut Offers Social Discovery Features for Users
Contributed by: kellyseal on Wednesday, September 29 2021 @ 09:20 am
Last modified on Wednesday, September 29 2021 @ 09:42 am
Dating App Tinder launched its new Tinder Explore section, where users can find a more interactive matching experience that is focused on events and areas of interest where users can make connections.
According to Tech Crunch[*1] , the new section will offer an events space that includes Swipe Night, its popular interactive series where users can watch and strike up conversations, and “Hot Takes,” the app’s virtual speed dating experience. Swipe Night returns to the platform for a second season later this year, featuring a who-dunnit style mystery. This time, the series will include a “Fast Chat” feature where users can interact with each other without having to match as they watch the story unfold together.
Tinder’s Hot Takes feature will also be housed in Tinder Explore, where users can start chatting with anyone who’s there. As a timer appears, they will be given a limited time to decide whether to match before their chat expires and they are sent to the next potential match. This feature was tested earlier this year for limited periods of time, and the company says millions have used it so far.
Tinder Explore also allows users to search for people according to their interests and initiate online conversations before deciding whether or not to match. Some of the categories of interests include “Foodies,” “Gamers,” “Music Lovers,” and “Social Causes,” according to Tech Crunch. The section will expand over time to include more areas of interest, allowing people to have a more targeted search. Some Gen Z daters are very interested in their matches’ political views, for example, and would prefer to be able to explore specific issues.
Tinder has been moving away from its traditional swipe-based platform and implementing new features, such as video and audio chats and group chats. Its parent company Match Group bought South Korean social discovery platform Hyperconnect earlier this year and has been looking to incorporate its technology into its dating apps.
Part of the push according to Tech Crunch is the threat of new dating apps that use short, TikTok-style videos rather than relying on profiles to attract younger daters. For Tinder to stay relevant to young Gen Z singles, it is doubling down on creating content and using social interactive tools to help people connect.
Tinder CEO Jim Lanzone, said in the company’s press release: “Today’s launch of Explore is a major step in creating a deeper, multi-dimensional, interactive experience for our members that expands the possibilities of Tinder as a platform.”
Tinder Explore launched on September 8th and will be available to users worldwide by mid-October. For more on this dating service you can read our Tinder App review.