Tinder
Tinder is an online dating app that was first introduced as a social network dating site on college campuses in 2012. The app uses location data to connect local singles who anonymously review member profiles and decide whether they are interested. Members are only connected when both parties mutually swipe right to like each other. Like several other big-name online dating sites, Tinder's parent company is Match Group, the parent company of match.com.
Typical dating sites require no introduction or approval before another member can begin messaging you. Tinder uses a double opt-in to reduce feelings of rejection, albeit digital. Before a line of communication can start between two Tinder members, both must swipe right — expressing interest in one another and giving consent for messaging.
While Tinder does not release exact statistics about its popular dating app, here are a few key points for people to know:
- 340+ million downloads
- 190 countries
- 40+ languages
- 5.9 million paid subscribers
- 50% of members are ages 18–25
- 1.5 million dates per week
- 26 million matches per day
This app caters to people who want quick, easy connections. However, you can set up your online dating profile to look for all kinds of relationships.
Keep reading to learn more about how Tinder works, view pros and cons, or skip straight to user reviews.
How do you sign up for Tinder?
You can access and sign up for Tinder either online via the Tinder for Web platform or by downloading the mobile app on Android or iOS. In less than five minutes, you can have your account set up completed and already be swiping through local singles.
To set up your Tinder account, you need to provide the following things:
- Your first name
- Birthdate
- Profile photo
- Phone number or Facebook verification
Attention: Tinder user signup no longer requires a Facebook account.
Before August 2019, the app required a Facebook account to sign-up. Now, you have two options when you register your new account: either associate your account with Facebook or your phone number.
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- Straight
- Gay
- Lesbian
- Bisexual
- Asexual
- Demisexual
- Pansexual
- Queer
- Questioning
Users can choose whether or not to have their orientation displayed on their Tinder bio.
That's all it takes to set up a Tinder profile. Next, you can browse through dating profiles, and change your Discovery settings to vary your deck of potential matches. Discovery settings include the following:
- Your current location
- Maximum distance radius (1–100 miles)
- Gender (seeking)
- Age range
To return to your Tinder account, you can sign in with the following credential options:
- Phone number
What can you do for FREE on Tinder?
Tinder's dating platform allows members to do quite a bit for free. On this site, you can even send and receive messages with other members for free — no credit card or free trial signup needed. You won't be able to do the same on eHarmony or match.com.
For free, you can do the following on Tinder:
- Create a dating profile (up to 6 photos and 500 characters) and connect it with social media accounts
- Browse and swipe through your daily potential match deck
- Like up to 100 profiles every 12 hours
- Send and receive text messages with matches
- One Super Like per day
- One Tinder Pick per day
How do Tinder subscriptions work?
Although you can use the free version of the Tinder app to connect and message with local singles, upgrading to a paid subscription offers additional benefits. Subscription options include:
- Two subscription levels: Plus and Gold
- 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month subscription durations
Here are a few premium features that you should know about:
- Rewind — Undo your last Like or Nope.
- Super Like — Express extra interest in someone by tapping the blue star. When you come to the top of their deck, your profile will be highlighted in blue.
- Boost — Get bumped to the top of people's Discovery queue for 30 minutes, for more immediate matches.
- Passport — Check out singles in other cities and countries.
- Likes You — See a list of other members who have Liked your profile, before you swipe yes or no on their profile.
- Top Picks — Featured member profiles that are selected for you based on occupation, education, hobbies, and other interests.
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Free Tinder |
Tinder Plus |
Tinder Gold |
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Ads |
Ads |
Ad-Free |
Ad-Free |
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Likes |
100 per 12 Hours |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
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Rewind |
✔ |
✔ |
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Super Like |
5 per Day |
5 per Day |
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Boost |
1 per Month |
1 per Month |
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Passport |
✔ |
✔ |
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Likes You |
✔ |
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Top Picks |
1 per Day |
1 per Day |
4–10 Picks Daily |
Subscribing to Tinder Plus starts at about $9.99 per month for people under 30 and $19.99 per month for users over 30. Tinder Gold pricing starts at $14.99 per month and increases for users over 30 years old. Exact pricing for each membership varies based on your location and age. If you opt for the 6- or 12-month subscription terms, you get a per-month discount for paying up-front, so it will cost you less in the long run than a month-to-month subscription.
Keep reading for pros and cons of using this dating app or skip straight to Tinder reviews from real users.
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The Good
- Easy to Use
- Location-Based Matching
- Tinder U
- Only Message Mutual Matches
- Free Messaging
- Large Pool of Users
- Tinder Top Picks
- Safety Measures
Easy to Use
Tinder is an extremely easy-to-use dating app with a game-style approach to matching online daters.
Customer Review: Seth from Dallas, Texas
"Great way to meet new people, make some friends, and help you get back in the dating life. Very easy to use and great for you to get back in the social life."
Each member sets their interests (in men or women) then swipes (scrolling left to right) through local Tinder member profiles. Profiles display multiple photos and a brief introduction or pick-up lines. Users swipe right to like another user's profile and swipe left to reject profiles.
Tinder U
If you are a college student in the United States, Tinder U can help you connect with other single students at your school. It's available at four-year accredited college and university campuses.
You must log in to Tinder while you are on campus and verify your profile with your .edu email address, for an added level of security.
Location-Based Matching
Tinder helps you quickly contact local users. Matches are based on your location and GPS data. This helps to combat one of the most significant issues that users have with online dating sites: long-distance connections. If you want more than a pen pal, Tinder helps users find someone that they could reasonably connect with IRL.
Adding GPS location data to Tinder's emphasis on profile pics adds to its reputation as a hookup app. However, users state what type of relationship they are looking for. While it is useful for local hookups, you can also find a large pool of local daters looking for all kinds of relationships.
If you travel a lot, the new Tinder Passport feature lets members get access to more singles.
Only Message Mutual Matches
Tinder keeps things fair for daters by only allowing communication to members who have already "swiped" or shared an interest in each other. This is helpful for people that don't want to be harassed or approached by every member of the site. Basically, swiping right on someone gives your consent for them to message you.
The double-opt-in saves you from rejection. You only connect after mutual interest is expressed.
Free Messaging
Most online dating sites require you to be a paid member to send and receive text messages. Though you can only message people that you have matched with, this is one of the online dating options that allows you to interact with other people without paying for a subscription.
Large Pool of Users
Tinder is the most popular online dating app in the United States, with an audience of more than 7 million users, varying across several age groups. Additionally, it is the most popular dating app in 27 states. A 2020 survey found that the dating platform is popular among city and country-dwellers. Six percent of rural adults, seventeen percent of suburban adults, and eleven percent of urban adults were currently using Tinder.
Many people view the popular dating app as a hookup app, but Tinder's website displays stories of relationships and marriages coming from the online dating social network. Tinder can be used for whatever type of romantic relationship you're looking for: "Friends, dates, relationships, and everything in between."
Tinder Top Picks
Tinder's newest update offers improved recommendations. Now, instead of users coming up randomly in your area, Tinder will try to show you matches that they think you will like (based on previous swiping history and what you have in common).
Safety Measures
When it comes to dating online, many services leave safety to the individual user. However, Tinder has a few safety features that users can take advantage of, including the following:
- Photo Verification — Verify your profile by copying a selfie pose. The photo is verified by human and facial recognition technology. Verified profiles are confirmed with a checkmark. This new feature is being rolled in stages and isn't available to all users yet.
- Noonlight — In the United States, Tinder has partnered with Noonlight, a personal safety/panic-button app. When you plan to meet someone IRL, you can add details about your date to your Timeline. If you don't feel safe, you can discreetly request emergency services to your location.
The Bad
- No Phone Support
- Gender Disparity
- Refund Policy
- No Matching Algorithm
- Swipe Limits
- Age-Based Pay Scale
- User Motives
No Phone Support
You can't call Tinder customer support on the phone. Requests can be submitted online or through your account. This is certainly not unique when it comes to online dating sites, but it can still be inconvenient for some users who prefer to call and speak to someone for assistance.
Gender Disparity
In the United States, 32 percent of men and 28 percent of women have ever used a dating site or app; however, male Tinder users make up the majority — over 75 percent are men. People seeking to match with women may find it a bit more competitive than other online dating sites.
Refund Policy
In-app purchases are nonrefundable. If your subscription auto-renews, you have 14 days from the transaction date to request a refund.
No Matching Algorithm
This dating service can seem exceptionally superficial. Members rate other daters purely on their photos and a short one-liner. There's not much depth in actually getting to know the daters until both members have matched, where they may have a conversation. This may leave out potential matches that could work out for a long-term relationship.
Generally, personalities can be easily overlooked because this app focuses on an all or nothing approach to rating each new person's profile pictures.
Swipe Limits
Without a paid membership, users are limited to 100 Likes (right swipes) every 12 hours. Upgraded users on either subscription get access to unlimited Likes.
Age-Based Pay Scale and Issues
Tinder has an age-based pay scale, so if you’re over thirty years old, upgrading will cost you more. Younger (under 30ish) users can subscribe starting at $9.99 per month; it can be up to double for people over 30.
Pricing is based on your location and age. The exception is the state of California, where the company agreed to a 2019 settlement.
User Motives
When it comes to online dating companies, many reviews mention poor intentions of other members, scammers, fake profiles, and bots. Tinder doesn't escape this criticism.
Customer Review: Remington from Pleasant Grove, Utah
"This app is an absolute joke. Too many people don't take this seriously they don't try to match they just try to hook up. I'm honestly disappointed just a waste of my time."
However, as with many dating apps, a serious relationship is possible, but you may have to kiss a few frogs. With over 190 reviews collected, only a few people mention meeting a wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, or partner.
Customer Review: Mckinsey from Logan, Utah
"This is how I met my husband! The service and people on the app can be sketchy but that doesn’t have anything to do with the company."
The Bottom Line
Tinder is a very popular and easy to use online dating service. Interested consumers can download the app from iTunes or Google Play or access the site with their browser.
This watershed online dating app lets users swipe through photos and profiles of local singles based on your device's location data. Once a mutual match is made, members can message each other for free. Paid subscriptions are available for those who want more options, but Tinder Gold and Tinder Plus pricing is not set in stone and users in their thirties will be paying more than younger users.
Although Tinder has a reputation for facilitating hookup dates over long-term relationships, results vary based on what you are looking for and the intentions of other users. Some members have started successful relationships from the app.
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User Reviews
Star Rating
197 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Gaelynn Varney
Almost every man that I met online initially, were only interested in getting ,well, you know. When I did meet someone in person, twice, he was a total liar and user. He was also cheating on his wife! Bad news! Got rid of site immediately after.
Verified Customer
Sondra Menthers
Absolutely horrible. Very low class men on there just looking for hookups.
AJ Wakefield
The app's software is very user friendly. Unfortunately, the other users on the app were trashy and vulgar the majority of the time.
tayloralexis
Hated it. Met some of the weirdest people on here. Now I will never date online again
Haley Nemmers
Tinder is a dark place honestly, filled with a lot of not great men. I did find my sort of boyfriend though so that's great.
Amalia AMLU5848
A great app if you do not want to be in a serious relationship and just enjoy going on random dates. You can also use Tinder to make friends if you're new to an area.
Theodore Niemann
Tinder is a good place to meet new people, but if you're looking for an actual relationship, then you should probably just try to meet people in person somewhere else. Most people are just looking to hook up or just use the app when they're bored.
Hunter Brister
Tinder is a very accessible app. I have used Tinder before and in the past and have found positive results in finding a partner.
Austin Stelmach
Tinder is a useful app, especially if you are new to an area and are looking to meet new people your age. I used this app extensively when I moved to Spain and it massively helped me to meet new people from all over the world, friends that I still have to this day. I highly recommend!
Corey Smith
It is very too easy to get your account hacked. I myself have had my account hacked on several occasions.
Karen Torino
Tinder is not the place to truly find relationships but it can be used for other reasons. The app is fairly simple to use, I just dont like the premium prices to essentially find someone for a little time. Overall it is an app I see growing, especially in this time and age.
Kathy Faustin
This is a fun app to use if your single and ready to mingle. I wish you were allowed to swipe back though.
Rocio Diaz
Not a real app for finding a long term relationship. Only used for hookups and finding short term relationships.
Ellie
I met my husband on here!! Tinder has options for everyone and what they are looking for! It’s super helpful in finding what you’d like and making you feel safe throughout the whole process. I highly recommend for anyone looking for anything.
Shaina Cohen
Tinder is really easy to use and feels like a game when you're swiping left and right. They should review what people say before the message is sent because I've received inappropriate messages that should have been blocked before I got them. I know you can pay for extra services but I would not recommend that since it is expensive and I know from others that it is not worth it.
Josh Harold
The person I went out with lied about their info and I ended up with someone just looking to mess around.
Trey Farner
using tinder is really fun. I’m able to find someone I might be interested in and just meet new people in my local area. The matches sometimes aren’t all that great but it’s still a very nice app. Everything within the app is easy accessible and there’s no issue navigating anything at all.
Logan Hudson
Tinder has been an awful experience with trying to match with others. I feel like the selection does not accurately match my interests. There is not much interaction from a customer service stance either
cb
I love Tinder! It’s so easy to make your account and get connected with people. I’ve matched with over 100+ and even found my partner on Tinder!
Anita pea
Tinder has been am amazing help and has helped me find my amazing husband. The app is easy and the online service is phenomenal
Benjamin LeBlanc
Tinder is by far the most streamlined online dating experience on the market. It is extremely easy to use on mobile devices and the Swipe to match system creates mashes with other people quickly. The only problem at hand is, yes, it is online dating and catfishes are sadly part of the Internet.
jkenny90
I have met all sorts of people through this app and it really is the most simplified and straightforward dating apps out there. I've used the subscription for a period of time and I like the boosts and ability to see who swiped right on you.
Luis Diaz
Tinder is the best dating service out. It is such an easy app to use. User friendly and tries to help you find love. Customer service is great
Ashley Roberts
Amazing company and I love the service. Really fun and easy to use and when my account got hacked the support team was great.
Alyssa Hansel
Tinder is super fun! There are always super cool people on the app and the app always provides the distance from others, which is super helpful when setting up dates! Perfect for singles!
Daisy Ramos
I actually met my current partner on Tinder. It sucks that you have to pay to get more access, but a fun app to kill time.
Janie Dennis
Its great to meet new friends and causal arrangements! I loved it for those reasons only. I found my best friend on there! Many people use it so that means that its a great app! As for dating, it is not good. People don’t want anything serious like dating so I haven’t been successful in that aspect.
Thomas Andersen
I have had great experiences using Tinder in college. The app is easy to use and it's fun to interact with others on the app.
Leah Cantrelle
Tinder lets me meet new people in my area and fulfill my needs for instant attention
Natalia Correa MDTribe
Tinder is entertaining and all but they don't screen the people on there so be careful!
Jackson Barousse
easy to use layout and profile maker. allows you to connect with people up to 100 miles away so i have a great variety of people to talk to!
hmarashi
I used tinder for a few months and was satisfied with the experience. The UI is intuitive and the premium features are good.
Jennifer Donnelly
I always go back to this app because it is entertaining. You might find some men not worth your time but there are also countless number of men that are sweet. Sometimes you can just meet someone on there and you can become friends.
Emily
It is easy to use, and it's nice to get a little attention but if you actually want to meet people I don't recommend it. It's mostly used for hookups rather than real relationships.
Dwhoush
I met my wife on Tinder. The app is very easy to use. It’s great to meet people on. I used to use it all the time.
Cade Boudreaux
Tinder is my go to dating app. I’ve been using Tinder for over a year now and am very pleased with how easy it is to meet with people in my area.
Seth Boudoin
Great way to meet new people, make some friends, and help you get back in the dating life. Very easy to use and great for you to get back in the social life.
Rebecca
I don’t like Tinder. It feels like a game and doesn’t help me meet anyone. It’s mainly just for hook ups.
Alexa Pitre
It’s alright but there’s too many creepy men on there. It can be extremely unsafe.
Holly Brown
loved swiping, but the people on the app were lackluster and really just not in it for the long run
Brayden Ibert
Tinder is the best dating service out. It is such an easy app to use. User friendly and truly tries to help you find love.
David T
Tinder is a good company to try and find someone. I like the swiping feature where only 2 people interested are connected up. Easy to use.
Erin Glendening
The app is well constructed. I use it for my business and seem to get a lot of matches.
Mykahla Nelson
I did not like tinder. The boys on this site were super creepy . I would not recommend !
Kellen
It was interesting. I feel like it is kind of hard to have a real relationship on it but love will prevail!
Aimee Mortensen
Tinder is known for its hookups and I’d say that’s an accurate representation. But if that’s what you’re looking for, it’s great!
Stephanie Love
I’ve used tinder off and on over the years. I really do like how easy and self explanatory the app is. It’s very user friendly. I didn’t have a lot of success on the app, I think I was just looking for different things than the majority of the people on the app, but it was a very easy app to use.
Audrey Mitchell
Tinder had a good trial part where I got to see if I wanted to purchase the app. It has worked for lots of my friend when finding a quality person.
Nesha Leonard
It’s cool. Where I met my current boyfriend. Wish it showed more about what people were actually looking for, like bumble
Caleb Moore
so easy to find people that are actually looking for a relationship on here! it was very user friendly!