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

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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1000 Single Muslims Gather for Muslim Speed Dating Event

MUZZ - 1K single Muslims came together for a speed dating event celebrating the launch of Muzz's Muslim Speed Dating feature.

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Muzz Loses Appeal Against Match Group

BBC.COM - The Court of Appeal upheld a June 2022 ruling that the average consumer would have thought Muzmatch - now Muzz - was part of Match Group, which also owns Tinder. Muzz has criticised the ruling, calling the legal action "deeply worrying for other start-ups in the dating sector". Muzz launched in the UK in 2015 as Muzmatch, a dating app specifically for Muslims. Match Group has attempted to purchase the business on four separate occasions, including making an offer of £28M ($35M), which was turned down.

See full article at BBC

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Underdog Muzz Stands Defiant Against Match Group's Intimidation Tactics in Trademark Dispute

ARABIAN BUSINESS - Muzz, the world's largest Muslim dating app, has accused Match Group of aggressive intimidation tactics following a lengthy legal battle. Muzz recently lost its trademark in a UK appeal and was forced to change its name. Match Group is accused of using this power to intimidate other players, especially those with fewer resources for legal defense. Despite settling in the US and rebranding from muzmatch to Muzz, the UK appeal failed. Muzz has now urged the Federal Trade Commission to investigate Match Group's anti-competitive behavior. Match Group had reportedly attempted to acquire Muzz four times and subsequently filed a complaint when they didn't get the acquisition. Muzz views these actions as a calculated attempt by Match Group to maintain its dominance by litigating smaller competitors. The legal battle has been draining for Muzz, both personally and professionally, with costs approaching $2M.

by Tala Michel Issa
See full article at Arabian Business

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