Online Personals Watch

Gamified Gen Z Dating App Genza Makes U.S. Debut in Los Angeles

Posted on November 10, 2026

TECHBULLION – Genza has launched its gamified dating app in the U.S., starting in Los Angeles with an initial focus on UCLA and Westwood. Instead of swiping through photos, users create 3D avatars and complete interactive quests that build a “Vibe Code” based on their personality, values, and preferences. AI uses 30 personality traits to suggest two matches at a time, who can then chat and play games together before their photos are gradually revealed. Genza says its soft launch attracted more than 2,000 users, and the app is now available on iOS and Android.

See full article at TechBullion

Turkey Blocks OkCupid, Feeld and Seven Other Dating Platforms

Posted on November 9, 2026

Turkey blocks access to 9 dating platforms, including OkCupid

TURKISH MINUTE – Turkey has blocked access to nine dating and social platforms, including OkCupid, Feeld, GROWLR, Zoe and Lex. Bindr, u4Bear, Disco and TheBlowers were also blocked under the court order, with no reason given for the decision. It follows a separate ruling in June that blocked 14 platforms, including Taimi, SCRUFF, Jack’d and ROMEO. Grindr has been inaccessible in Turkey since 2013.

See full article at Turkish Minute

Is Your Company Saleable?

Posted on November 9, 2026

OPW – I mean, is it really an attractive business now? Can it be built into an attractive property quickly? Can it be ‘packaged’ for sale and run out to the top potential acquirers so they arrive at the gate at the same point in time? Perhaps my team and I can help.

For the price of a marketing manager you can get access to a seasoned team of online dating professionals. See Testimonials here. See pricing and service overview. Email mark@courtlandbrooks.com or simply book an opening call here.

Match Group Bans AI Agents From Tinder and Hinge

Posted on November 5, 2026

MASHABLE – Match Group has banned AI agents from reviewing profiles or messaging matches on behalf of users on Tinder and Hinge. CEO Spencer Rascoff said people should still be choosing and talking to potential matches themselves, rather than handing the process over to bots. Match Group is continuing to use AI within its own products, including Tinder’s Chemistry and upcoming Missed Connections features, and Hinge’s Convo Starters. Its Singles in America survey found half of singles would not use AI for dating, although 37% said someone using it would not be a dealbreaker.

See full article at Mashable

Kelleher International Names Jennifer Wills Sole CEO

Posted on November 5, 2026

PRNEWSWIRE – Kelleher International has named Jennifer Wills sole CEO after previously serving as Co-CEO and President. Wills joined the luxury matchmaking firm in 2016 and will now oversee its operations, global team, and growth strategy as Kelleher marks its 40th anniversary. The company is planning several new offerings for 2027, including a matchmaking intelligence platform built around decades of relationship data, portable verified client identity, and new membership options designed to expand access to its global network. Kelleher currently operates across more than 18 cities, serving high-net-worth clients through human-curated matchmaking.

See full article at PRNewswire

Dating App Roundtable Discusses What Still Works in Growth and Monetization

Posted on November 5, 2026

FUNNEL FOX – A FunnelFox roundtable with former Tinder CPO Ravi Mehta, former Tinder and Grindr monetization lead Shawn Gong, and Reev founder May Ku looked at what still works in dating app growth and monetization. The panel argued that dating apps should focus on reducing “bad churn” rather than worrying about users who leave after finding a relationship, and warned that too many paywalls can hurt both revenue and retention. Gong said Grindr increased revenue after making some low-converting paid features free, while Mehta said dating startups should build a strong user network before focusing on monetization. Tinder’s weekly subscription became one of its most popular products, particularly among younger women, reflecting the fact that many users do not expect to stay on a dating app for months.

See full article at Funnel Fox

Get Online Personals Watch by Email

Posted on November 5, 2026

OPW – We’re dedicated to providing you with quality daily executive summaries and intelligence. Subscribe here, and send to a friend. We find news and info that will help make you smarter and help you make better informed decisions. Online Personals Watch has been run by the Courtland Brooks team since 2004.

Bumble Reports Q3 2026 Results Ahead of $1.3B Acquisition

Posted on November 5, 2026

OPW – Bumble reported Q3 2026 revenue of $207.1M, down 16% YOY. Total paying users fell 14% to 3.08M, including 1.99M on Bumble and 1.09M across Badoo and Other. Net earnings declined to $31.6M from $51.6M a year earlier. The results were disclosed through an SEC filing as Bumble moves toward its $1.3B acquisition by Ithaca Holdings. Shareholders have approved the deal, which remains subject to regulatory clearance.

Announcing LTR on November 5: Viktor Cindric on Dating UX

Posted on November 4, 2026

OPW – The next Love, Tech & Relationships (LTR) session takes place on November 5 at 11:45 AM EST (New York time), featuring Viktor Cindric, Director of UX, Conversion & Optimization at Courtland Brooks. Viktor, who has worked in the dating industry since 2012, will share results from a series of tests he has run, their outcomes, and insights dating apps and sites can use to improve user experience.

Session by invitation only. Register here to apply for the invitation list.

Thanks to our sponsors: HubPeople, InnerVue and LeadThink.