Dating Apps Are Turning to Video and Audio to Link People up

CNBC - Aug 28 - The pandemic has caused a level of disruption that's allowed companies to consider what the future of dating apps without mindless swiping might look like. Bumble's "Night In" trivia feature lets users set up a virtual trivia date if they match with someone. It also allows users to send voice memos. Tinder has "Swipe Night," a live, interactive dating feature where singles follow a storyline together. The addition of videos and audio will let people interact in a way that hasn't been done yet with online dating, with the hopes they'll spend more time on the apps. 40% of Tinder users plan to continue using video even when the pandemic is over. Earlier this summer, Match Group closed its $1.7B acquisition of Hyperconnect, a social networking company. That will allow the company to focus on its research & development, adding more live chat features and video experiences to its apps. Match COO Gary Swidler said Match Group expects at least two of its brands to use Hyperconnect tech before the end of the year, while a number of other brands will implement its tech by the end of 2022.