tinder, introduced a new feature known as “Tinder Matchmaker,” allowing users to get help from friends and family to make suggestions for potential matches on the dating app. What makes this feature different is that matchmakers don’t need to have their own Tinder profile to participate, allowing anyone from your grandma to an old friend to offer their matchmaking expertise.
To start a “Tinder Matchmaking Session”, a Tinder user can start it directly from their profile card or from the app’s settings. If they encounter a potential match, they can share a unique connection with up to 15 people within a 24-hour period. Once a matchmaker receives the link, they can log in to Tinder or continue as a guest.
Matchmakers can view and “like” profiles, which will then be presented as recommendations for the original Tinder user. However, matchmakers’ abilities are somewhat limited; they can’t send messages or swipe right on profiles. Ultimately, the decision to match with someone rests with the Tinder user.
Tinder’s Marketing Manager Melissa Hobley said: “For years singles have asked their friends to help them find their next match on Tinder, and now we’re making it super easy with Tinder Matchmaker.” said.
Tinder isn’t the first dating app to try such features. Bumble also offers a similar option, allowing the user to recommend a profile to a friend via a special link within the app. Another competitor, Hinge, tried to launch a separate Hinge Matchmaker app in 2017 where matchmakers could suggest matches based on Facebook connections. However, this secondary app is no longer available for Hinge users.
Tinder’s Matchmaker feature is part of the company’s efforts to encourage users to engage with the app in new and interactive ways. Previous improvements included video selfies for verification, the introduction of incognito mode, and the option for users to specify gender pronouns and non-monogamous relationship types, reflecting Tinder’s commitment to improving and expanding its offerings.