Categories: Technology

Tinder Unveils Exclusive ‘Vault’ Membership & Gen Z Refresh

  • Tinder plans to launch a "high-end" membership called "Tinder Vault" priced at approximately 9,000 ZAR per month, targeting users seeking quality matches and exclusive dating experiences.
  • The app will undergo a Gen Z-focused product refresh, incorporating AI-driven features like prompts and quizzes to enhance engagement with its core audience.
  • Match Group reports strong financial results for Q2 2023, with Tinder's return to growth, but notes a slight decline in Tinder's payers, while Hinge shows promising revenue and user growth.
Published by
Lethabo Ntsoane

In a bid to offer a more exclusive dating experience and cater better to its core Gen Z audience, Tinder, the popular dating app, has announced plans to introduce a new “high-end” membership later this fall. The subscription, known as “Tinder Vault,” will be priced at approximately 9,000 ZAR per month, aiming to attract users who are willing to invest in quality matches and unique dating experiences. The parent company, Match Group, made the revelation during its Q2 2023 earnings release on Tuesday.

The concept of a high-end membership on Tinder was first confirmed earlier this year by Tinder’s Chief Product Officer, Mark Van Ryswyk. In an interview with Fast Company, Van Ryswyk referred to the new offering as “Tinder Vault,” drawing inspiration from Match Group’s acquisition of the high-end dating app, The League, which charged users up to 18,000 ZAR per week. The acquisition highlighted the existence of a market for users seeking premium services and higher chances of finding meaningful relationships.

While “Tinder Vault” aims to offer a more elevated dating experience, it will rely on cutting-edge technology, not human matchmakers, to make potential connections. The product is expected to provide additional benefits and exclusive features, leading to a “substantially higher” initial pricing than Tinder’s current subscription options. This exclusive approach will create a sense of prestige and limited availability, catering to a select group of high-end daters.

The launch of “Tinder Vault” is highly anticipated, and further details about the features and benefits will likely be revealed during the Q&A session in Match Group’s investor call scheduled for tomorrow.

Gen Z-Focused Product Refresh

In addition to the high-end membership, Tinder is also preparing for an important product refresh aimed at better serving its core Gen Z audience. The app intends to roll out new features, including prompts, quizzes, and conversation starters, powered by AI technology to deliver personalized content to users. While the signature “Swipe” feature will remain integral to the app, these changes are expected to make the platform more dynamic and engaging for its younger user base.

The product refresh is set to begin its rollout in select markets later this month. By incorporating AI-driven personalization, Tinder aims to enhance the user experience and increase its appeal among Gen Z users, who are known for valuing authenticity and personalized interactions.

Strong Financial Results and Future Forecasts

Match Group reported robust financial results for Q2 2023, with revenue reaching approximately 14,940 million ZAR, representing a 4% increase year-over-year. The company’s forecast for the next quarter’s revenue stands between 15,750 – 15,930 million ZAR, attributing Tinder’s return to growth as a key driver.

Tinder’s strategic decision to focus on optimizations and launch a new marketing campaign, “It Starts with a Swipe,” resulted in strong direct revenue, generating approximately 8,550 million ZAR during Q2, a 6% increase year-over-year. The campaign played a crucial role in encouraging new user signups and re-engaging lapsed users, particularly women.

However, despite the overall positive results, Match Group noted a slight decline in payers for Tinder, which dropped by 4% year-over-year to 189 million (approximately 3,420 million ZAR), as conversions decreased. Match Group’s overall payers also saw a decline of 5% year-over-year, totaling 280 million (approximately 5,040 million ZAR).

Promising Results for Hinge

In contrast to the decline in payers for Tinder, Match Group’s other dating app, Hinge, showed promising results during Q2. The app ranked among the top three dating apps by downloads in 14 markets globally and generated revenue of approximately 1,620 million ZAR, a significant increase of 35% year-over-year. Hinge recorded 1.2 million payers, further cementing its position as a competitive player in the online dating space.

Conclusion

With the upcoming launch of the exclusive “Tinder Vault” membership and the planned product refresh focused on Gen Z users, Tinder aims to maintain its position as a leading dating app in the highly competitive market. By offering a premium dating experience and leveraging AI-driven features, the app hopes to attract high-end users while engaging its core audience more effectively. Match Group’s strong financial results and optimistic forecasts indicate a promising future for the company and its dating platforms.

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Lethabo Ntsoane

Lethabo Ntsoane holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of South Africa. He is a Financial Product commentator at Rateweb. He is an expect financial product analyst with years of experience in reviewing products and offering commentary. Lethabo majors in financial news, reviews and financial tips. He can be contacted: Email: lethabo@rateweb.co.za Twitter: @NtsoaneLethabo