Online Personals Watch: News on the Online Dating Industry and Business

Top Dating Apps by Press Coverage in 2024

OPW - In 2024, we selected and summarized close to 700 of the top news items from the online dating industry. These 10 companies made the most headlines in 2024, driven by leadership changes, product launches, lawsuits, and bold strategic moves:

1. Match Group - Topped coverage as Elliott bought a $1B stake, partnered with OpenAI, launched a buyback, and reshuffled leadership.
2. Tinder - Named Faye Iosotaluno as CEO, expanded ID verification globally and launched a celeb-only dating app
3. Bumble - Cut 350 jobs, launched AI scam detection, bought Geneva, and rethought "women make the first move."
4. Hinge - Rolled out chat limits, Hidden Words, and launched a $1M fund to drive in-person Gen Z connections.
5. Grindr - Marked 15 years, expanded into long-term dating, saw 85% stock growth, and faced HIV data lawsuits.
6. Archer - Surpassed 1M downloads, added selfie verification and AI moderation.
7. Feeld - Nearly doubled revenue to £39.5M, rebranded, and launched a magazine on non-traditional relationships.
8. Matrimony - Launched MeraLuv and WeddingLoan.com, but faced a major setback as Google removed its apps.
9. Muzz - Reached 10M users, debuted Muzz Social, launched matchmaking in Pakistan, and introduced chat limits.
10. OkCupid - Turned 20 years old.

See the full report on the Courtland Brooks blog.

Muzz Introduces Chat Limit to Encourage Meaningful Connections

LINKEDIN - Muzz, a popular Muslim dating app, recently implemented a significant change by limiting members to 5 active conversations at a time. While swipes and revenue have decreased, the focus on intentional interactions is paying off. More men are receiving attention, members are messaging fewer people but more deeply, and the number of ultra-quality matches (25+ messages from both sides) has increased. This shift aims to reduce ghosting, foster meaningful connections, and avoid the overwhelming of endless options, with more updates on the way.

See full article at LinkedIn

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Finding Mohamed a Wife: the Viral Muzz Campaign Taking Over Times Square

THE KIT - Mohamed Ibrahim, a 30-year-old client relationship manager from New Jersey, partnered with the Muslim dating app Muzz to find a wife. His campaign featured billboards across North America, including Times Square and Toronto, directing interested women to apply through findmohamedawife.com. The campaign garnered ~1K applications since its launch on October 7, 2024. Muzz, formerly known as Muzmatch, is a British marriage and dating app for Muslims, founded in 2015 by Shahzad Younas.

by Sadaf Ahsan
See full article at The Kit

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Dating Apps Shift Focus to Friendship Amid Growth Challenges

FINANCIAL TIMES - Bumble, Match Group, and Muzz are expanding into friendship and community-building to boost growth as dating app usage slows post-pandemic. Bumble is scaling its BFF app and recently acquired Geneva, a community-building product. Match launched Yuzu, allowing users to toggle between social and dating modes. Muzz introduced Muzz Social, connecting users by location and interests.

See full article at Financial Times

See the top news on Match Group          See the top news on Yuzu
See the top news on Bumble                  See the top news on Muzz

Muzz Brings Modern Matchmaking to Pakistan

DEVDISCOURSE - Muzz, a UK-based dating app, held its first in-person matchmaking event in Lahore, attracting ~100 attendees. This event challenges Pakistan's traditional matchmaking norms, where marriages are usually arranged by parents. Muzz, designed for Muslim users, aligns with Islamic values and is gaining acceptance in the conservative society.

See full article at Devdiscourse

See the top news on Muzz

Muslim Dating App 'Muzz' Brings Laughter to Houston With Comical Billboards

CLICK2HOUSTON - The UK-based Muslim dating app, Muzz, has expanded its reach to Houston, capturing attention with witty billboards like "200,000 Muslims in Houston ... and ya'll are still single?" Muzz, launched in 2015, has become a leading Muslim marriage app with ~10M users. Julia Cardenas, a Houston local and Muzz's marketing specialist, helped tailor the campaign to resonate with the city's culture. Despite concerns about mixing humor with religion, Muzz maintains its Islamic principles while fostering a sense of community. The app also organizes popular social and matchmaking events across the U.S.

by Ahmed Humble
See full article at Click2Houston

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Dating Apps' Hidden Money-Making Strategies, Explained

WALL STREET JOURNAL - The $5B dating app industry is largely dominated by Match Group. But downloads across the industry are falling. Here's how some apps are shifting to stay competitive, with features that go beyond just dating. Video featuring Mark Brooks, CEO of Courtland Brooks; Shahzad Younas, CEO of Muzz; George Arison, CEO of Grindr; and Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder of Bumble.

See full article at Wall Street Journal

See the top news on Bumble
See the top news on Grindr
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Dating App Muzz Is Launching Social Network Muzz Social

YOUTUBE - Muzz has launched Muzz Social, a social media platform made by Muslims for Muslims. Features include anonymous posting for sensitive topics, women-only and men-only groups, and a safe space representing Muslim values. The platform encourages freedom of speech on important topics within the Muslim community, with a 24-hour support team ensuring a respectful and halal experience.

See the top news on Muzz

Transport for London Bans Muzz.com's Latest Tube Ads

DAILYMAIL.CO.UK - Muzz.com, a dating site for Muslims, accused Transport for London (TfL) of censorship after their ad campaign, claiming "social media is killing Muslims," was rejected for the Tube and buses. TfL expressed concerns that the campaign could lead to vandalism and offense to the public. Muzz.com, founded in London in 2015, aims to help Muslims find friends, partners, and marriage. A survey by the company revealed that 89% of users feel Muslims are misrepresented on social media, and 84% encounter Islamophobic content. Muzz.com has launched Muzz Social, a safe space for Muslims to connect online. TfL stated they are supportive of the campaign's message but worried about the strapline's ambiguity and potential vandalism. They offered to work with Muzz to agree on an alternative version of the campaign.

by Darren Boyle
See full article at DailyMail.co.uk

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Muzz Launches Muzz Social, a Social Network for Muslims

LINKEDIN - Muzz Social launches as a dedicated social network for Muslims, addressing issues like shadow banning and content restrictions on mainstream platforms. It offers group-based interactions, women-only groups, and anonymous posting to ensure a safe and relevant environment. Initially available in the UK, US, CA, AU, it saw significant engagement on its first day. Global expansion is planned for 2024, with features like custom groups and private chats.

See full article at LinkedIn

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Muzz Has Reached 10 Million Member Milestone

LINKEDIN - Muzz recently celebrated reaching 10M members, a significant milestone for the first Muslim-centric dating app The journey included rejecting a $39M acquisition offer, enduring lawsuits, raising $9M from investors, and making substantial charitable donations exceeding $1.2M. Despite opportunities for grand celebrations, the team opted for a simple cake with sparklers, reflecting their lean approach.

See full article at LinkedIn

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Muzz's Ad Campaign Amuses Internet in Pakistan

MONEYCONTROL - Muzz, a UK-based dating app popular in Pakistan, has launched a campaign that humorously challenges traditional cousin marriages. The ad, with its bold message "Leave cousins, find someone else," has become a viral sensation in Pakistan, effectively resonating with local cultural norms and societal complexities. This approach showcases a successful example of localized marketing, addressing specific cultural practices in a region where the app is popular.

See full article at Money Control

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Muzz Singles Events Coming to US & Canada in December

LINKEDIN - Muzz, a UK-based dating app for Muslims, is set to host singles speed dating events in the United States and Canada next month, coinciding with major events like RIS in Toronto and MAS-ICNA in Chicago. Each event is expected to attract over 300 singles, maintaining a gender-balanced atmosphere.

Key dates are:

• Toronto: December 23rd Washington D.C.: December 26th
• Chicago: December 30th

See full article at LinkedIn

See the top news on Muzz

Match Group Dismisses Patent Infringement Case Against Muzz Limited

OPW - Match Group has recently dropped its patent infringement lawsuit against Muslim dating app Muzz. Match Group filed a lawsuit against Muzz on March 23, 2023, in Texas, USA. In its complaint, Match Group alleged that Muzz infringed on its U.S. Patent No. 11,513,666. After discussions between the two companies, Muzz made changes to its app's functionality, which led Match Group to drop the case, stating it no longer believes Muzz's app infringes on its patent. Muzz responded by asserting that the lawsuit should not have been filed in the first place and hinted that Match Group's patent might be invalid. The dismissal of the lawsuit allows Muzz to continue operations without legal uncertainties.

Muzz Takes Its Matchmaking on the Road

NEW YORK TIMES - ~250 Muslims have gathered at a halal Italian restaurant in Brooklyn for a singles dating event hosted by Muzz, a London-based Muslim dating app with 8M users worldwide. The event provided an environment for young Muslims to meet potential partners while respecting their faith, culture, traditions, and family values. Attendees received color-coded stickers to facilitate introductions, with the ultimate goal of helping them "meet the one." Muzz, founded in 2011, claims to have facilitated marriages for 400K couples. The company has hosted similar events in other North American cities, including Toronto, Jersey City, New York, and Baltimore, as well as in London and Dubai.

by Sadiba Hasan
See full article at New York Times

See the top news on Muzz