In a bid to retain users and increase engagement, Tinder is overhauling some of its existing features into new, redesigned modes and revamping its home screen.
The app is introducing two new modes, Double Date and College Mode, which are essentially extensions of existing features. These will appear alongside a “For You” mode on the home screen that presents the classic Tinder experience. The company has stated it will add more dating modes in the future that will lean into user interests, dating intentions, and different ways to connect.
Tinder launched the Double Date mode in June. This feature lets users pair up with a friend and match with other pairs. It was initially limited to certain regions but is now being rolled out globally. Tinder reported that since July, users have been more engaged, sending 25% more messages per match compared to traditional one-on-one chats.
Meanwhile, College Mode builds on the existing Tinder U feature, which was introduced in 2018 to let adult students register using their college email and find matches on or near their campus. Last year, the company updated the feature to let students add details such as their graduation year, major, and clubs. College Mode now expands this concept by allowing students to match with others anywhere.
A senior director of global product marketing at Tinder, Cleo Long, stated that Gen Z has been craving easier, low-pressure ways to connect, as interests and how people want to connect can change daily. The company emphasized its focus on delivering better matches, not just more of them.
Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, mentioned these new dating modes during its second quarter earnings call last month. The company confirmed that the overall redesign and the Double Date feature are rolling out globally now. College Mode will become available to compatible users later in the autumn.