Tinder

Coronavirus has taken over newsfeeds and has affected all of us, no matter where we live. Now, it seems to be changing how dating apps operate, too.

Dating.com recently reported an 82 percent increase in dating app usage around the world since the beginning of March, when countries began putting restrictions in place. And as Forbes points out - dating apps are moving fast to offer new ways of virtual connection to attract more users and to keep them engaged, now that they have your attention.

Conversations over dating apps have increased. Tinder reports a 20 percent increase in daily messages worldwide. Since March 12th, Bumble has reported a 21 percent increase in both messages sent as well as usage of its new Voice Call and Video Chat features, according to Daily News. New York City – where the current epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak is - had a 23 percent increase in sent messages. And Bumble Bizz reported an even higher spike in activity – a 57% increase in usage over the last few weeks – because people are thinking about their careers and livelihoods as well as dating.

As a growing number of people began social distancing, they are turning to dating apps for connection – and specifically, logging on to Tinder.

Tinder reported that it received over 3 billion swipes in one day – Sunday March 28th – the highest number ever recorded in the app’s eight-year history.

The company also noted in a press release that daily conversations have increased about 20% across the globe, and the average length of conversations is 25% longer. In the US, conversations have been up an average of 19% and the average length of a conversation is 8% longer.

Image: Tinder

In the midst of an unprecedented global pandemic that is forcing people to isolate in their homes, Tinder is waiving fees for its premium Passport feature. 

Passport provides a way for people to connect with those outside of their current locations. Previously, it was available through Tinder’s Gold and Premium paid services. With this move, Tinder users can connect for free with friends from their hometowns, or with relatives across country or those living in other parts of the world. 

This offer will be available through April 30th and extend to users all over the world. Tinder hopes that it will encourage its members to virtually connect beyond dating, according to Tech Crunch.

Virtual Dating Increases in Popularity

Popular dating apps Tinder and Bumble have not seen a drop-off of users since the coronavirus was declared a global pandemic and people began isolating at home; in fact, user activity has spiked over the past few weeks.

Roughly 25 percent of Americans have been ordered to stay home and avoid gathering with others according to a report by CNBC. But dating app users aren’t letting this deter them – instead, they are opting for virtual dates as they work from home and isolate from others.

A report from Mother Jones said that from March 12-22, Bumble saw a 21% increase in messaging among Seattle users, one of the first cities affected by the growth and spread of the virus. Two other hot spots, New York and San Francisco, saw a 23% and 26% surge in messaging, respectively. A total of 87 million people use the app worldwide.

Coronavirus is affecting everyone around the world, and dating apps are pivoting to address the situation as it impacts their users.

Tinder has already put ads on its app that link to the CDC website with helpful tips on hand washing and social distancing. Grinder has also issued warnings to its users about practicing safe hygiene. 

OkCupid has seen an increase in use and has added some conversational prompts related to coronavirus, since that’s what daters want to talk about the most, especially in areas like New York where the virus has hit hard.

As the coronavirus becomes pandemic, OkCupid users are choosing to search for love and keep on dating.

According to Yahoo Finance, a whopping 92 percent of American OkCupid users said they are willing to date during the coronavirus outbreak. Overall, 88 percent of users across the globe are willing to date at this time. OkCupid also noticed a 7 percent increase of conversations between users in the first week of March, according to an internal questionnaire the company sent to its users. 

It’s important to note, as Yahoo Finance pointed out, that it wasn’t clear in the questionnaire if “going on dates” meant in-person or virtually over an app, through Facetime, Skype, Zoom, or other web-based means. That could be an important distinction. Dating.com surveyed singles during the pandemic and found that as many as 82 percent were turning to dating apps to meet people and go on virtual (online) dates.