GROWLr which calls it self "The Bear Social Network" is a dating service for gay singles. Late in April they launched live 1 on 1 video capabilities for both their iOS and Android apps. Since we are in the in the midst of the pandemic this one-on-one video chat feature is now free for all members. This gives GROWLr members the ability to connect with others through live video while still being safe at home and self isolating.

In a 2 week period at the end of April over 50,000 different members have tried out the live video on GROWLr. This averages out to 15,000 members everyday live video streaming with another member. These statistics shows people wanted the ability to do 1 on 1 video calling built into the app since it provides a quick, secure and easier way to meet and socialize with others during the pandemic.

POF is taking virtual dating to the next level with a new initiative called NextDate Social Hours on its POF Live! platform.

NextDate is like virtual speed dating, where users have the opportunity not only to meet new people but also win prizes for participating. Users can go to POF Live! and hit the “go live” button to join while the speed dating hours are in session. They can join NextDate by clicking the heart at the bottom on their screens.

Once a user has joined NextDate, they will get paired with a potential match who has also joined. Then each of you is given some prompts to ask questions and get to know each other while other participants can watch and send hearts and other virtual gifts of encouragement, according to POF’s blog.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, dating app OkCupid is seeing a surge of user activity across the globe.

In a recent blog post, the company shared some interesting statistics – including a 900% increase in mentions of “coronavirus” and “social distancing” on OkCupid profiles between February and March. And this translates to user activity as well. OkCupid reported a 20 percent increase in conversations and a 10 percent increase in matches globally as people are messaging and going on virtual “dates” in increasing numbers.

OkCupid also reported a 30 percent increase in messages since the beginning of March when people began to isolate at home. Women in particular are reaching out more than ever – they have increased the amount of first messages they send to matches by 40 percent.

We just got word that the dating service MillionaireMatch will be adding video chat soon to the wide list of features they offer. This is in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the priority MillionaireMatch places on the safety of their members. The new video chat feature will offer a way for members to meet virtually on a date securely without the need of an external video streaming service like FaceTime or Zoom. Johnny Du, the Chief Operating Officer of MillionaireMatch stated:

We care about the safety of our members. Keep social distancing is the most essential to protect us, …

Facebook has created a new app exclusively for couples dubbed Tuned. With it, they are able to share messages, music and digital scrapbooks with each other privately and in theory – deepen their connection.

Facebook entered the relationship app world with Facebook Dating, which has fallen flat among users as Tinder, Bumble and other dating apps have seen a surge of activity. Tuned however was created by Facebook’s New Product Experimentation team, and focuses exclusively on couples instead of singles – helping them foster an intimate virtual connection. There hasn’t been a huge marketing push like there was ahead of the launch of Facebook Dating. Instead, Tuned has had a quiet rollout, almost like a beta test. 

As dating app usage spikes worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, dating app companies are examining whether this means revenue will increase, too. Match Group recently posted a memo to all of its users that while usage is up, new (and paying) subscribers are down in the countries most affected by the pandemic, including Italy, Spain and the UK.

According to Seeking Alpha, Match Group was leading the pack a year ago with revenue increasing year over year in the billion-dollar dating app industry. And now, across the globe its star dating app Tinder is seeing a spike in user activity. It reported a record 3 billion swipes in one day on March 29th. But revenue hasn’t increased along with it.

Match Group’s revenue is gathered in two ways – from advertising on its free platform, and for charging users for premium services on its tiered services – Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold. Users can also purchase in-app a la carte options for certain features like Passport, but right now, Tinder is offering this particular feature free for all users.