InnerVue Brings 360-Degree Relationship Feedback to Dating and Matchmaking

Posted on October 29, 2026
Logo of InnerVue

GDI – InnerVue is bringing 360-degree feedback technology into dating and matchmaking, allowing singles to compare their self-perception with anonymous feedback from friends, family, colleagues, and ex-partners. The platform is now seeking partnerships with dating platforms and matchmaking companies, which can offer InnerVue as a co-branded service, add it to matchmaking packages, or combine it with coaching. InnerVue says this could create new revenue streams, increase engagement, and help dating businesses maintain relationships with clients beyond the initial match.

See full article at Global Dating Insights

Info Edge Reports Strong Growth Across Jeevansathi and Aisle

Posted on October 29, 2026
Logos of Infoedge, Jeevansathi, and Aisle displayed together.

YOUR STORY – Info Edge, the Indian internet company behind matchmaking platforms Jeevansathi and Aisle, reported a 12.2% increase in quarterly revenue to ₹903.9 crore ($94.8M), while net profit rose 87%. Jeevansathi revenue grew 16.5% to ₹40 crore ($4.2M), while Aisle revenue increased 35.1% to ₹13 crore ($1.4M). Combined matchmaking billings rose 23.1%. CEO Hitesh Oberoi is set to step down in December, with founder Sanjeev Bikhchandani taking on an expanded executive role.

See full article at Your Story

Friendship Apps Face Dating App Challenges as Ghosting Persists

Posted on October 29, 2026
Bumble BFF

WASHINGTON POST – Friendship apps are growing in popularity, with Bumble reporting an 80% year-on-year increase in weekly BFF users. However, platforms such as BFF and Timeleft face many of the same challenges as dating apps, including ghosting, mismatched expectations, and difficulty building lasting relationships. While some users struggle to form meaningful friendships, others have found lasting connections through in-person events. Critics also question whether app business models encourage continued swiping rather than successful matches.

See full article at Washington Post

UK Dating App Spending Rises 51% as Dating Costs Increase

Posted on October 29, 2026
UK Dating App Spending Rises 51% as Dating Costs Increase

PRESS RELEASE – Barclays research found that UK dating app spending rose 51.1% YOY, with average monthly spending increasing from £4.70 to £7.10. Rising dating costs are particularly affecting younger adults, with 45% of 18–29-year-olds saying costs influence their ability to date and 27% having cancelled, postponed or declined a date for financial reasons. The survey also found growing interest in affordable dates and financial compatibility, although 40% feel uncomfortable discussing money with a potential partner. Barclays has launched Statement Dating, a social-first series exploring money and relationships.

See full article at EuropaWire

Study Links Use of Multiple Dating Apps to Better Mental Health Among Gay Men

Posted on October 28, 2026
Study Links Use of Multiple Dating Apps to Better Mental Health Among Gay Men

QUEERTY – A study by researchers at Australia’s Flinders University found that gay and bisexual men who used both gay-specific and mainstream dating apps reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than those who used only one type. The study, involving nearly 580 men, suggests that using different platforms may help users meet a wider range of relationship and sexual goals, potentially improving their wellbeing. However, the findings were different for heterosexual men, who reported higher anxiety when using both types of apps. The researchers emphasised that the relationship between dating app use and mental health varies depending on sexual orientation and app type.

See full article at Queerty

Bumble’s Sale Highlights Dating App Burnout and the Push for AI

Posted on October 27, 2026

DW NEWS – Bumble’s $1.3B sale marks a steep fall from its ~$14B valuation five years ago, as dating apps struggle with user burnout. Online dating industry analyst and Courtland Brooks CEO Mark Brooks says interest in meeting offline has grown since COVID. “People have woken up; they’re starting to go out more. They’re more interested in IRL,” he says. Dr. Jess Carbino, former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble, questions the industry’s pace of innovation, saying dating apps have changed little since 2012. Companies are now looking to AI to improve matchmaking. Bumble is exploring AI-curated recommendations, while Tinder’s Chemistry feature would analyse users’ camera rolls, with permission, to understand their interests.

Mark Brooks: People need more than the simple swipe.  Tinder has woken up to this and is adapting with real innovation.  Hinge + Tinder are a potent combination against Bumble.  Bumble is an unusual dating app.  It could become more social.

Tokyo Expands Government-Backed Matchmaking to Tackle Falling Birthrate

Posted on October 27, 2026
Japanese couple

NEWS ON JAPAN – Tokyo is expanding its government-funded matchmaking efforts, allocating ¥700M ($4.5M) for fiscal 2026, more than double the previous year’s budget. Since 2023, the city has held 31 matchmaking events for ~3,700 people, including running, amusement park, and zoo events. Its AI-powered TOKYO Enmusubi service, launched in September 2024, has attracted ~17K registrations and resulted in 337 marriages by the end of September 2026. Participants must provide proof that they are unmarried and confirm that they are seeking marriage. The initiative is part of Tokyo’s response to its 0.96 fertility rate.

See full article at News on Japan

Tinder Launches New Social Dating Features With Gen Z Campaign

Posted on October 27, 2026
Tinder campaign social features

LITTLE BLACK BOOK – Tinder has launched a new campaign promoting five social dating features: Group Hangouts, IRL Events, Double Date, Astrology Mode and Music Mode. Created with VIRTUE Worldwide, the campaign features Owen Thiele, Tove Lo and Ken Eurich and will run across video, social media, live events and outdoor advertising. The push follows Tinder research showing 37% of young singles planned to try group or double dating in 2026, reflecting its focus on lower-pressure dating and moving connections into real life.

See full article at Little Black Book

AI-Powered Dating Apps for Married People Surge in Japan

Posted on October 26, 2026
Logo of Cuddle

36KR – Japan is seeing rapid growth in dating platforms aimed at married people seeking relationships outside marriage. Cuddle has grown from 50K registered users in early 2023 to ~1.3M in 2026. The platform uses AI to recommend matches based on factors including availability, whether users have children, and activity patterns. Alongside Cuddle, Married Club and Healmate have built large user bases, highlighting the growing market for married-only dating services in Japan.

See full article at 36KR

Rising Costs Push Gen Z Towards Cheaper Dates

Posted on October 26, 2026
Rising Costs Push Gen Z Towards Cheaper Dates

BARCLAYS – New Barclays research shows rising costs are changing how younger people date, with 45% of Gen Z saying costs have affected their ability to go on dates and 27% cancelling, rearranging or declining dates because of money. More than half of Gen Z are choosing cheaper options such as coffee or running dates, while dating app spending has risen 51% year-on-year. Money is becoming a bigger compatibility factor too, with 49% of women saying they would rule out someone with a different attitude to finances. Barclays has launched its Statement Dating series to encourage more open conversations about money and relationships.

See full article at Barclays