WSJ - June 10 - Dating sites in the U.S. are expected to make $1.17B and dating apps $628.8M this year, up from $1.08B and $572M respectively in 2014, according to IBISWorld. “There are too many players and not a lot are generating sufficient revenue,” said Britanny Carter, analyst for IBISWorld. Even major players are under pressure: Zoosk withdrew its plans for an IPO and laid off 15% of its staff. Grindr recently hired investment bank Raine Group to help it find a buyer. But Grindr CEO Joel Simkhai said his service is profitable. Most of the apps that are generating revenue with a combination of ads and freemium features. Users still pay to join some dating sites because it allows them to meet others who have chosen to pay to meet people as well. "It demonstrates a lot of commitment when someone has put a coin on the table," said Mark Brooks, CEO of Courtland Brooks, a company that helps dating companies with business development. eHarmony logged ~$275M in revenue, its highest level in several years.
by Georgia Wells
See full article at WSJ
Comments