Dating App Marketing in 2024: A Complete Guide

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As we all know, swipe culture is here to stay. But even as giants like Tinder cast a big shadow, the world of dating apps is vast and varied, just like the folks using them. So, it’s essential to stay on top of trends and fine-tune your marketing strategy. With the right insights, creativity, and a sprinkle of tech-savvy, you can attract the right people to your app.

Love bytes: ever-changing game of dating app marketing

So, you know how the dating app market’s been blooming like crazy? I mean, who can even keep up with all the success stories and paired heart emojis floating around? The dating app industry in the US made a jaw-dropping revenue of over $3.4 billion in 2021, and it hasn’t stopped growing yet!

Now, let’s talk about the big players in the dating app game. Tinder, Bumble, and eHarmony have set the stage, with Tinder shining like a superstar. With about 66 million users worldwide, they’re doing something right, right? Their secret sauce has been buying out or straight-up, outperforming competitors left and right.

But here’s a twist: even the mighty Tinder might be running into a roadblock. I mean, no one can gobble up competition forever, right? Based on this, niche-focused dating apps have a golden opportunity. We’re talking about apps that cater to specific interests or lifestyles. Think food lovers, fitness enthusiasts, pet lovers, you name it! Examples include Grindr for the LGBTQ+ community and SilverSingles for singles 50 and older.

So, as we look into the future of dating app marketing, we might see less of a Tinder-centric universe and more of a diverse, audience-tailored garden. Sounds refreshing, doesn’t it?

Man with champagne and a phone laughing about his dating app marketing success

Find your tribe: crafting marketing strategies for unique audiences

So, we’re talking about dating app marketing strategy, right? And you know what’s super important for that? Understanding your audience! Imagine it like this: knowing your audience is like reading someone’s mind. Once you know what they’re into, you can adapt your approach and get them interested in your app!

Take Grindr, for example. They built an app just for the LGBTQ+ community, and guess what? They nailed it, with over 27 million users worldwide! 

SilverSingles also knows what’s up. They’re like the dating app BFF for 50+ singles who want some love, too!

While age or location are important, interests, lifestyles, hobbies, and all the good stuff that makes people unique are also vital. SWEATT (yep, that’s an app) connects fitness enthusiasts who want a workout buddy and maybe something more.

And then there’s The League, which is all about exclusivity for career-focused professionals. They know their audience wants a dating experience that feels like a virtual networking event.

So, here’s the takeaway for your dating app marketing strategy: know the vibes of your audience and speak their language. There’s no one-size-fits-all!

Hot lessons from 2023’s top dating app plays

2023 was wild! It was the year dating app campaigns leveled up! Here’s a peek at what went down.

“Swipe Night”

Tinder brought the house down with their “Swipe Night” adventure. They turned swiping into a choose-your-own-adventure story, and users were totally here for it! Real talk, it wasn’t just about finding ‘the one.’ It was about taking users on wild rides they’d chit-chat about over brunch.

“Find Them on Bumble”

But Tinder wasn’t the only mastermind. Bumble launched its “Find Them on Bumble” campaign. So instead of the usual “Here are hot singles near you!” thing, Bumble started highlighting users doing epic stuff in their lives, like opening a restaurant or starting a band. And guess what? It was like catnip for their target audience of ambitious, independent folks.

So, what’s the lesson here? It’s all about getting to the heart of what your users want. These brands didn’t just market ‘dating.’ They tapped into experiences, dreams, and conversations. Maybe that’s the secret sauce we’re looking for, huh?

Swiping left on Tinder’s monopoly

Tinder’s pretty much ruling the dating app scene. But is it all fireworks and champagne showers up there at the top?

See, Tinder’s got a strategy—BUY! BUY! BUY! Buying up all the new kids on the block before they’ve even got a chance. It’s kind of like invading all the hip hangouts so no one else gets a look in. But isn’t variety the spice of life?

If one brand’s hogging all the toys, how do the rest of us get to have fun? It’s tough for fresher, cooler ideas to get off the ground. Tinder might own the turf, but people are craving something new.

Setting up your own dating app? Cue the victory music because Tinder’s one-brand show could be your golden ticket. With so many folks yearning for a fresh twist, it’s the perfect time to shake things up. So, crunch the numbers, brainstorm some killer ideas, and get ready to take the dating world by storm. After all, there’s plenty of fish in the Tinder sea waiting for a different kind of catch.

Riding the waves of dating apps, chats, and winning hearts with word of mouth and epic love stories

In the colorful landscape of dating apps, two aspects often tip the scale in favor of success: good old word of mouth and heartwarming success stories. Picture them as the peanut butter and jelly of marketing tools.

Word of mouth, at its core, boils down to trust. If your friends are obsessing over a new dating app, you’re bound to want to check it out, right? That’s not just guesswork. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers around the world trust word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family above all other forms of advertising. That’s a high level of trust we’re talking about!

Then, we have success stories. There’s no better illustration than turning to Bumble, which proudly showcases real-life love stories resulting from its app. They’re not just showcasing these stories for the aw moment but because it also reinforces the credibility and efficacy of their platform.

So, you may ask, “How do I apply these winning strategies to my dating app?” Good question. Start by nudging users to share their successful love sagas. Something as simple as “Hey! Did Cupid strike you through our app? Share your love story and encourage others too!” might do wonders.

And let’s talk about stimulating word of mouth. Ever thought about a referral program? A look back at Dropbox’s history might inspire you. Remember how they offered extra storage for successful referrals? They catapulted their brand into the spotlight, and you can replicate their success.

Ultimately, dating apps pivot around real people and real connections. Using success stories and word-of-mouth marketing, you’re not just promoting your app; you’re nurturing a community built on trust and success. After all, success in love is the best story of all!

Influencers: spreading the love & boosting dating app success

Let’s paint a scene together. You’re scrolling through Instagram, and one of your favorite influencers casually drops how they met their new partner on this cool new dating app. You’re curious. You trust their judgment, so why not give it a shot?

That’s the beauty of influencer marketing. You borrow some of that goodwill and credibility the influencer has with their followers. Pretty rad, right? Now, this might not feel like the first strategy that comes to mind when promoting a dating app, but trust me, it’s the best secret ingredient.

According to a survey from MediaKix, 89% of marketers say the return on investment from influencer marketing is comparable to, or even better than, other marketing channels. It’s not just about increasing visibility but also about adding an authentic voice endorsing your app.

So, while influencer marketing might be the road less traveled in the dating app sphere, it’s definitely a path worth exploring. Who knows, you might find your perfect match for an audience out there!

Learn more about influencer marketing: Influencer Marketing 101

Key takeaway: Leverage influencers for your dating app marketing strategy in 2024. 

Changes and challenges come at the speed of light. It might feel like you’re stepping onto a rollercoaster, but guess what? If you’re ready to learn, adapt, and evolve, you’ve got a front-row seat to an amazing ride ahead. Consider partnering with influencers to level up your dating app marketing strategy in 2024 and beyond. It’s sure to be a match made in heaven. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Dating apps are marketed using a variety of tactics, both digital and traditional. This often includes social media advertising, content marketing, influencer marketing, sponsored content, and event sponsorships—mark them all! The secret sauce for many dating apps includes showcasing success stories, fostering a sense of community, and highlighting their unique selling points, like unique matching algorithms or safety features.

Tinder’s marketing strategy is a mixed bag of smart techniques. It dabbles in social media advertising, influencer collaborations, and event sponsorships and also explores territories like launching a reactive video series on its platform. Tinder places a lot of emphasis on user success stories, ensuring it’s a safe and inclusive space for everyone. Let’s not forget the Swipe Life campaign highlighting the fun of single life, which positions the brand as a lifestyle go-to rather than just a dating app.

To create a popular dating app, first, get to know what your audience wants and what they are concerned about when they think of online dating. Then, mix these insights with smart marketing strategies, such as social media marketing, influencer marketing, SEO, and content marketing. Work on creating a unique and engaging user experience and back it up with real success stories to create a positive word-of-mouth cycle. A cherry on top? A referral program encourages users to get their friends on board.

The target market for dating apps is diverse, from young adults in their early 20s to vibrant individuals in their 50s and beyond. A lot depends on the relationship type the app promotes (long-term, casual, etc.). Many dating apps cater to specific niches, such as different sexual orientations, religious affiliations, or interests. But the main thread running through all is typically single individuals keen to connect with others for romance or simple social networking.

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Written by GRIN Contributor

GRIN is the pioneer behind the world’s first Creator Management platform built to support every brand’s journey to connecting with consumers through authentic creator relationships. Thousands of the world’s fastest-growing brands—including SKIMS, Warby Parker, Allbirds, Mejuri, and MVMT—use GRIN to make creators feel like trusted, empowered partners and work with them to build their brands into household names.

© Grin Technologies Inc. 2024. All rights reserved.

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