Dating app giant Tinder updated its Explore page to give users access to new categories, “Non-Monogamy,” “Serious Dater,” “Short-Term Fun,” “Long-Term Partner,” and “New Friends,” the company announced on Thursday.
These new categories are designed to help users find compatible matches by grouping profiles according to dating intentions. The “Serious Dater” option focuses on users looking for long-term relationships, while “New Friends” appears to be Tinder’s strategy to compete with Bumble BFF, which connects users for friendships.
Launched in 2021, the Explore page organizes profiles into curated categories based on shared interests, including “Binge Watchers,” “Coffee Date,” and “Nature Lovers.” There’s also a feature called “Free Tonight” that connects users who are available on the same day.
Navigating online dating can often feel overwhelming, with many users not clear enough about their relationship goals on their profiles. According to a Tinder report, users are apparently embracing a new trend called “Loud Looking,” where people say goodbye to dating ambiguity and are upfront about their desires. The updated Explore tiles aim to promote this clarity, reflecting a growing norm of being more honest about dating intentions.
The update is also strategically timed the week before Valentine’s Day, likely meant to attract users who may be eager to find a date for the special occasion.
