More Than Half of Tinder Users are Gen Z and They Are Changing the App

Tinder CEO Renate Nyborg

Image: Match Group

Gen Z makes up more than half of all Tinder users, and they are using the app differently than their older counterparts.

According to a recent interview with Tinder CEO Renate Nyborg published in Fortune, she said that over 50 percent of users are between the ages of 18 and 25, and they are more comfortable keeping things virtual compared to millennials, who typically message each other and schedule a time to meet in person. In 2021 Tinder was 56% of Match Group's revenue which was nearly $3 billion USD.

Gen Z daters have a different approach, which Nyborg referred to as “slow dating.” She noted that Gen Z daters are much more intentional and looking for a connection: “You match with someone, you chat, you go on an Animal Crossing date, you chat some more, you exchange Spotify playlists, and then two months later, you might go on a date.”

She also said Gen Z daters are much more expansive in how they identify themselves, and don’t like to be boxed into certain filters in dating apps, like “man searching for woman.” Instead, they want to be more fluid in their choices because they are not so rigid about how to describe or identify themselves. As Nyborg noted in Fortune: "Young people having five Twitter accounts, or several Instagram profiles, it simply means that they want to be able to express themselves in different ways at different times. We’re aiming to solve the challenge: When I come to Tinder, I want to be able to express myself exactly how I am. I don’t just want to choose from being male or female. We already introduced nine different gender identities, but we know that we can do a lot more.”

Nyborg was also asked about studying women’s experiences on Tinder, and how that led to the creation of new features on the app, as well as more attention to safety. Recently, the company launched background checks through its safety app partner Garbo, so users can see if there’s a history of violence before deciding to meet a match. In addition, Tinder has implemented a new reporting system, developed in partnership with RAINN to help users more easily report “harassment, sexual violence, and abuse in the real world in a trauma-informed way,” according to the company.

Women also are looking for more control in their experiences on dating apps, so Tinder now offers Swipe Party where you can swipe through profiles with your friends (who notably don’t have to be on Tinder too), and Block List which allows users to block any contacts that are on your phone from seeing you (like your work colleagues). 

Nyborg also notes the company’s focus on the future, specifically as its user base grows among younger people of color, and in Asia as well as the U.S. and Europe. “We’re addressing the role we play for the next generation, the experience for women and people of color, and building experiences that matter for local audiences.”