Tinder is expanding its push into real-world social experiences with a new feature that allows groups of friends to discover and meet other groups. This comes as dating platforms seek new ways to attract younger users who are increasingly looking beyond traditional one-on-one online dating.
The new feature, called Group Hangouts, allows users to create a group with at least two friends, choose an activity and browse other groups on Tinder. Groups can have up to 15 members.
Once a group has at least three people and has selected an activity and time, its profile can appear in Tinder’s main discovery feed alongside individual and Double Date profiles. Users can then like other groups they are interested in meeting. If at least one person from each group likes the other, the groups are connected through a shared chat where they can make plans.
The feature is designed to shift the dating experience away from the pressure of arranging a traditional one-on-one date. Instead, users can meet as part of a wider social outing, potentially allowing relationships to develop through shared activities and existing friendship groups.
Tinder said the feature was partly inspired by users who were already using the platform to organise social experiences. Claire Watanabe, Tinder’s vice president of product management, cited the example of a college women’s volleyball team that created a Tinder profile while travelling for away games to meet people and explore a new city.
Group Hangouts builds on Tinder’s earlier Double Date feature, which allows two friends to pair up and match with another pair. The company has also been expanding its Events feature, which helps users discover activities such as bowling, pottery classes, live music and social sports where they can meet people in person.
The changes come as Tinder attempts to respond to shifting behaviour among younger users. The company has been investing in ways to make dating more social and less dependent on endless profile swiping, particularly as younger singles increasingly seek opportunities to meet people through real-world activities.
Tinder’s owner, Match Group, has also acknowledged pressure on the dating app. Tinder’s revenue declined in the latest quarter, while monthly active users fell 7% in the second quarter after an 8% decline in the previous quarter.
The company has therefore been expanding beyond its traditional matching model, with Events and Group Hangouts forming part of a broader effort to connect online discovery with offline experiences.
Group Hangouts is currently rolling out in phases in the United States and selected other markets, with additional markets expected to follow. Users can also choose to hide groups from their discovery feed if they prefer the traditional Tinder experience.
The feature gives Tinder another way to keep users engaged on its platform while adapting its product to a dating environment increasingly shaped by social activities and in-person connections.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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