Ever since it launched on the App Store four years ago, Tinder has become synonymous with matchmaking. Unlike other online dating sites where users could contact pretty much anyone, this app only allows contact to be initiated when there is a mutual approval of two users’ profiles. This actually serves to make Tinder far less creepy and random than other dating platforms, even though it has a somewhat unwarranted reputation as being good only for fly-by-night hook-ups. The numbers show that this reputation isn’t entirely fair, with more than 1.5 million matches leading to in-person dates, and over half of those preceding further meet-ups or even the formation of relationships.
This infographic from Carvaka charts the history of Tinder from its App Store debut in September 2012 right up to the $1.2 billion business that it has become today. It hasn’t always been plain sailing for the company in that time – co-founders Sean Rad and Justin Mateen have both been in the dock for varying reasons before emerging at the other side – but it has changed the way we think about dating in a manner that no other similar platform has managed.
Indeed, Tinder’s future may not entirely be about dating and matchmaking. It is expected that the app will also incorporate being able to connect with friends and set up group messaging threads to organize social meet-ups. Onwards and upwards very much seems to be the trajectory of Tinder as it enters its fifth year in existence.
