Earlier this week, Tinder released a new update that includes expanded profile functionality (adding content like education and work like many other dating apps) and a cleaner messaging interface to help us keep track of the many ongoing conversations . With Tinder's new algorithm, better matches will hopefully lead to more (and better) dates.
Tinder CEO Sean Rad first announced the new algorithm during the Web Summit in Dublin, Sky News reported . "We're about to announce a huge change to the algorithm where we've increased the number of matches by over 30%," Rad said. He added that Tinder users will gain "a deeper connection" and see "a range of information that can help you better understand the people around you."
In fact, Tinder makes 26 million (!!) matches every day, and has made over 10 billion matches since its launch in 2012. Additionally, more than 1 million first appointments are scheduled every week. very nice! Thanks to Tinder's new algorithm, these numbers are sure to rise significantly, meaning it will likely continue to be the most popular dating app for meeting new people.
Tinder CTO Ryan Ogle said in a press release announcing the changes:
"With updated algorithms, machine learning technology can evaluate and interpret the signals sent by our millions of users. Our ears are closer to the ground, providing users with the most relevant potential matches, resulting in more meaningful connections - as we introduced in As seen with Super Likes, it improves match quality and lengthens conversations.”
Sounds good, right? While Tinder doesn't specify what information the algorithm will use to pull people's data (besides work and education in its expanded profile features), I guess it's safe to say that once we start seeing these changes, we'll You'll see how people match up. ourselves. "We're looking at more data signals, and through machine learning, we can optimize those signals more intelligently as we look at correlations with individuals," Rad told Mashable.
Of course, dating site OKCupid is known for its algorithm, so I'm glad Tinder is adding more matching technology to their app. It might also help those who still call them "hookup apps" take them more seriously. (Personally, some of the best dates I've had through Tinder that weren't hookups...some have turned into relationships!)
Whether you're new to Tinder or not, here are some tips to help you get familiar with the app.
1. Swipe selectively
I know people who play Tinder - their friends "select" matches for them, or they host "Wine & Swipe" nights where they project the profiles of potential matches onto their TV screen (!!) , and then they'll all vote. No matter why you use Tinder (for love, dating, or both), you can find someone. In fact, there are several if you start swiping more selectively. Don't just look at the pictures (I know it's easy to fall into this trap!), but also read the blurb.
2. Check your profile
Birds of a feather flock together, right? So if you're complaining that all you get are vulgar messages and half your opponents take off their shirts, check your profile. Is your rating PG, PG-13, or R? What types of images do you have? Single shots (close-ups, medium shots and long shots)? Or someone who has a group of friends (which might be the equivalent of someone posting a photo of themselves surrounded by a group of women)? When you look at the Facebook photos linked to your Tinder profile, ask yourself: Do these best represent me? Same with your written Tinder profile: is this the real me (do you give people topics to reply to or ask about)? For example, look at mine above, I've only ever received one vulgar message.
3. Utilize the “Super Like” button
If you already use Tinder, you may have seen the blue star in the lower right corner. This is your Super Like button (alternatively, you can swipe up ). You can only use it once per day (or five times per day if you pay and are a Tinder Plus member). When someone "super likes" you, this is what the system will say when they come up as a potential match. You can be super fond of them, or just like (or dislike) them.
"The launch of Super Like in Australia shows that users are looking for higher quality matches and, overall, more matches," Rad told Mashable. “Super Likes are also a natural way to start a conversation, like the digital equivalent of walking up to someone in a bar and buying them a drink.” Tinder says conversations with Super Likes last 70% longer. What’s more, people who are “Super Liked” are actually 3 times more likely to be swiped right than people who are “Super Liked.” Give it a try!
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Photo credit: Eugenio Marongiu /Fotolia (1); Giffy
