Bumble Changes Up Profiles and Its Algorithm

Dating app Bumble is changing the look of profiles and giving an upgrade to its algorithm to provide a better online dating experience for its users.

The female-focused dating app unveiled its new look in early December. The update prioritizes a person’s pronouns and interests after their primary photo, and according to Axios Austin, this move will help users more easily identify potential matches.

The algorithm changes are aimed at creating a more curated experience. The app will now provide users with recommendations for which picture should be front and center in your profile, which the company said from early reports has already led to more matches. Bumble’s AI technology is also learning more preferences based on user behavior, noting that curating matches this way has helped people spend more time looking at each profile, an indication of heightened interest among users.

Bumble Updates Profile Design - Now Prioritizes Pronouns and Interests

Image: Bumble

AI technology isn’t new for dating apps, but many are looking for new ways to deliver a better experience and engage users. Dating app Badoo, which is owned by Bumble, recently conducted a survey of its users and found that many are burned out from dating people who don’t have the same relationship goals and would rather know up front what people are looking for. Badoo incorporated a feature to indicate a member’s goals on their profile – whether it’s to find a partner or to just have fun – so that there will be less confusion and burnout over time.

“We know making informed, intentional moves leads to better, more meaningful matches in the long run and we've developed a dating experience that delivers upon that in many ways," said Miles Norris, Bumble's chief product officer, in a press release about the update. "Now our customers will be able to showcase themselves in a deeper manner with more non-photo information, resulting in more matches and good chats, while an updated algorithm is showing them the people they really want to see and get to know."

Bumble recently saw a decline in user growth, which the company attributed to the pandemic hitting the Asian and European markets hard the past few months, as well as technical issues with the payment process for Android users. JP Morgan recently said the stock was a good buy, which buoyed share prices which had taken a hit after third quarter results were reported.

The company plans to explore the metaverse as a way to engage younger users on its app, and also launched its first online store, where you can buy Bumble swag like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, accessories and games.