In a fresh bid to connect with Gen Z and revitalize user engagement, popular dating platform Tinder has introduced a new feature called Double Date. This update allows users to partner with a friend and interact with other matched pairs, turning dating into a more social and less stressful experience.
With Double Date, users can invite up to three friends to form a group, then browse through profiles of other paired-up users who align with at least one of their preferences, such as gender or orientation. Once a match is made, a group chat opens between the two sets of friends, allowing all four participants to interact simultaneously. For those seeking a more personal touch, one-on-one chats are also an option within the group match.
Tinder hopes this feature will create a more relaxed environment, helping users overcome the common pressures of solo dating.
Designed with Comfort in Mind
According to the company, initial trials showed that users felt more confident and genuine when navigating the dating experience alongside a trusted friend. The group chat format also made it easier to break the ice and arrange informal meetings whether they lead to friendship, romance, or something else entirely.
Boosting Engagement Amid Declining Numbers
The launch comes as Tinder’s parent company faces a dip in overall paid subscribers, which dropped to 14.2 million across all of its platforms during the first quarter. Double Date is seen as one way to bring back former users and attract fresh sign-ups.
Internal testing revealed promising signs: nearly 12% of users who joined a Double Date session were either new to Tinder or returning after a break. Additionally, the platform noted a 25% increase in message volume compared to standard one-on-one chats, with group messages spiking 35% higher among users under the age of 29.
Tested Worldwide, Going Global
The feature has already been piloted in select markets across Latin America, Spain, and parts of Northern Europe. A worldwide rollout is scheduled to begin in July, bringing the group-dating option to users everywhere.
Tinder’s move reflects a broader trend in dating apps focusing on shared, social experiences. Other platforms have also experimented with similar group features, as younger generations increasingly look for safer and more supportive ways to meet people. In fact, recent surveys suggest that nearly half of Gen Z daters believe going on double dates can ease the stress of meeting someone new.
Beyond Double Date, Tinder is continuing to roll out features like Matchmaker and Share My Date, all aimed at making dating more collaborative and inclusive. The company believes that including friends in the dating journey builds trust and leads to more meaningful interactions.
Unlike earlier features such as Tinder Social, which is leaned more towards group outings and casual events, Double Date focuses on nurturing serious yet comfortable connections in a more respectful space.
