Global Dating Insights Acquired by Courtland Brooks

Posted on September 16, 2026
CourtlandBrooks & Global Dating Insights

OPW – Global Dating Insights (GDI) has been acquired by Courtland Brooks, the online dating consultancy founded by Mark Brooks. The acquisition begins a new chapter for GDI, almost 13 years after Simon Corbett founded the publication in 2013. Since then, the GDI editorial team has published thousands of news stories, interviews, features and analysis pieces, alongside the GDI Podcast, annual Power Book, special reports, newsletters and other industry content. The deal brings together two businesses that have worked closely within the online dating industry for many years. “The acquisition comes at a time of major change in online dating, driven by AI, regulation, safety concerns, new revenue models and consolidation. GDI will continue covering these issues and the people and companies shaping the industry,” Mark Brooks said.

Tinder and Wonder Ventures to Kick Off LA Tech Week

Posted on September 18, 2026
Tinder and Wonder Ventures to Kick Off LA Tech Week

LINKEDIN – Tinder CEO Spencer Rascoff announced that Tinder and Wonder Ventures will host a networking event to kick off LA Tech Week. The event will bring together founders, operators, and investors at The Penmar in Venice on October 12. It is being hosted alongside tech-focused law firm Fenwick & West and fintech company Ramp.

See full article at LinkedIn

Tantan Expands Offline Fitness Events Across Asia

Posted on September 17, 2026
Logo of Tantan

PRESS RELEASE – Tantan is expanding its offline fitness events across Asia after strong turnouts in Singapore and Malaysia. Events have included runs, workouts, and social activities, with some filling up within a day and around 90% of registered participants attending. Upcoming events include a vertical run for ~300 people in Bangkok and a two-day Bar Run in Taichung, which is expected to attract ~3,500 participants. Tantan said its previous events led to a 5% rise in female app sign-ups over the following week.

See full article at Newsway

Podcast With Hinge’s CEO and CMO

Posted on September 17, 2026
Hinge

FORBES – Hinge CEO Jackie Jantos and CMO Tamika Young appeared on the FROM THE CULTURE podcast to discuss how the company’s focus on long-term relationships affects its products, hiring, and use of data. They highlighted Match Note, a private message developed with TransTech Social that lets users share personal details or dealbreakers after matching. Hinge also measures success by whether users go on dates and eventually leave the app, rather than how long they remain active.

See full article at Forbes

Grindr Turns to IRL Events to Reach Advertisers and Promote Edge

Posted on September 17, 2026
Grindr Madonna concert

BUSINESS INSIDER – Grindr is investing more in real-world events to generate social media coverage and attract advertisers that are reluctant to appear inside a gay dating app. Its surprise Madonna concert in Times Square drew 50K people after an in-app notification was sent 30 minutes before the show. Grindr is also touring Europe with a branded bus and plans to promote its premium Edge subscription through events, influencers, and member referrals. Grindr has ~15M monthly users, including 1.4M paying subscribers.

See full article at Business Insider

Stud or Dud Sells Detailed Background Reports on Potential Dates for Just $5

Posted on September 17, 2026
Stud or Dud logo

ALL ABOUT COOKIES – PeopleFinders, a US data broker and people-search company operating since 1999, has launched Stud or Dud, a dating verification service. Users can search for someone by name, phone number, or location. A $5 report can include marriage, criminal, employment, property, financial, and social media records, along with AI-generated safety and compatibility scores. The person being searched is not notified. Critics warn that the service makes personal information easier for stalkers, scammers, and identity thieves to access. People can submit an opt-out request asking PeopleFinders to remove their details from Stud or Dud’s search results, although it may take up to 45 days to process it.

See full article at All About Cookies

AI Dating Scam Apps Remained on Apple and Google Stores

Posted on September 17, 2026
Kira logo

THE VERGE – Several dating apps linked to a China-based AI catfishing operation remained available through Apple and Google after Anthropic discovered the network. The apps included Dora, Romi, Doni, Jovia, Luma, GraceChat, Kira, Nalo and Eterna. Most were removed during August and September, but Kira was still available on Google Play as of Sep 16. The apps reportedly concealed their AI personas and external payment systems during the review process.

See full article at The Verge

Dating App Known Uses AI Phone Interviews to Arrange Dates

Posted on September 17, 2026
Known logo

SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE – Known is a new dating app that replaces profiles and swiping with a 30-minute phone interview done by AI. The AI asks about the user’s personality, relationships, and preferences, while also analyzing their tone, hesitation, and laughter. Each person pays $15 to accept a match, after which Known arranges the time, restaurant, and reservation. Feedback from both people after the date is used to improve future matches. Known launched in San Diego in July and says thousands of people have registered.

See full article at San Diego Union Tribune

Tinder Rebrands to Appeal to Gen Z

Posted on September 17, 2026
Comparison of the Tinder logo design before and after rebrand

GMK – Tinder introduced its first major rebrand in nearly a decade, working with design agency Porto Rocha. The update includes a sharper flame logo, an uppercase wordmark, new typography, and a broader colour palette. Tinder also created “T,” a fictional dating columnist, and introduced messaging such as “Happily TBD,” which presents dating as open-ended rather than necessarily leading to marriage. The rebrand is aimed mainly at Gen Z as Tinder deals with declining paying subscribers and growing dating-app fatigue.

See full article at GMK

Gen Z and Millennials Turn to Free Dates as Costs Rise

Posted on September 17, 2026
free date

FAST COMPANY – Free dates are becoming more common as younger Americans cut back on dating costs. Dating app Hily surveyed 5,400 Gen Z and millennial daters and found that 47% of Gen Z and 54% of millennials would accept a free date. However, 38% of Gen Z women viewed them as low-effort. Separate research from BMO Financial Group found that an average date now costs $200 – $250. 47% of singles said dating was no longer worth the expense.

See full article at Fast Company