Tinder

Probably the dating app most synonymous with the term, Tinder is a household name. Launched in 2012 by Sean Rad, Justin Mateen, Jonathan Badeen, Joe Munoz, Whitney Wolfe Herd, and Chris Gylczynski before merging with Match Group in 2017, Tinder put swiping on the map. Here's everything you need to know about the app Tinder says 50 million people use each month.

Table of Contents

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tinder logo with robotic hand looming above
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The Tinder app logo on a black background
Silhouette of a hand holding a smartphone displaying the Tinder app.
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Features Editor and author Rachel Thompson
Features Editor

Rachel Thompson is the Features Editor at Mashable. A leading sex and dating writer in the UK, Rachel has written for GQ, The Guardian, The Sunday Times Style, The Telegraph, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Stylist, ELLE, The i Paper, Refinery29, and many more. Rachel is the author of two non-fiction books, both published by Penguin Random House. Her second non-fiction book The Love Fix: Reclaiming Intimacy in a Disconnected World is out now.

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Associate Editor, Features
 

Anna Iovine is the associate editor of features at Mashable. Previously, as the sex and relationships reporter, she covered topics ranging from dating apps to pelvic pain. Before Mashable, Anna was a social editor at VICE and freelanced for publications such as Slate and the Columbia Journalism Review. Follow her on Bluesky.

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Editor, General Assignments
 

Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable, covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.

In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and greatly enjoys Detroit sports. If you have any tips or want to talk shop about the Lions, you can reach out to him on Bluesky @offbrandchance.bsky.social, by email at [email protected], or on Signal at 224-417-6628.

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Freelance Writer

Tabitha Britt is an award-winning freelance journalist, editor, and SEO/AEO strategist. Aside from reviewing dating apps and sex toys for Mashable, Tabitha is also the founding editor-in-chief of DO YOU ENDO — a digital magazine by individuals with endometriosis, for individuals with endometriosis. She has a Master's degree in Creative Publishing and Critical Journalism from The New School for Social Research and is a grad of Sextech School. You can find more of her work in various online publications, including National Geographic, Glamour, Better Homes & Gardens, and Everyday Health.

Tinder

News

More Tinder

The best gay dating apps of 2026: Grindr is still king (even if we sometimes wish it wasn't)
illustration of two men on a date

The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt
illustration of hookup app icons on a phone screen


Tinder and Hinge recommended serial rapist to women, lawsuit claims
man using smartphone at night in bed

The 9 best dating apps for men who are tired of being alone
illustration of man looking at dating app screens

Tinder is testing an AI matching feature called Chemistry
A finger points at Tinder logo on a smartphone screen.

Tinder to require facial recognition scans for new U.S. users
screenshots of tinder face check

Two senators pen letter to Match CEO about romance scams
Tinder and Match Group logo displayed on a phone screen

Tinder evolves Double Date and Tinder U into 'Modes'
Tinder logo appears on a smartphone screen and as the background on a laptop computer screen

Match Group to pay millions in FTC settlement over fake ads
match website seen on a laptop

As Tinder struggles to attract paid users, one dating app is gaining popularity
woman lying on couch looking at smartphone

Dating apps to add age checks in the UK
bottom half of a woman's face as she uses a cellphone

Tinder to require facial recognition scan for new California users
Tinder on App Store displayed on a phone screen

Tinder launches Double Date feature to swipe with your BFF
screenshots of tinder's double date feature

Tinder is testing a height preference, putting an end to short king spring
tinder on app store displayed on smart phone

Tinder's new CEO wants to shed its hookup rep for Gen Z
 Spencer Rascoff speaks onstage during WSJ's Future of Everything 2025.


Should you be using AI in your dating life?
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Is Tinder's AI photo feature safe?
tinder logo displayed on smart phone

Report: Match Group dating apps conceal assault cases
A woman using smartphone at night under colorful LED lights

Tinder now allows you to search by what you're looking for
screenshots of tinder explore page

The only dating apps worth downloading in December 2024
illustration of two women meeting at a bar

Women are using ChatGPT to catch men lying about their height
Picutre of a man in backwards cap looking off to side. Imposed on the image is binary code and measuring tape

Tinder announces AI tool to help select your profile pic
Tinder logo seen displayed on a smartphone with an Artificial intelligence (AI) chip and symbol in the background

Men found a surprising new way to lie on dating apps
A diverse group of six people is gathered around a table, engaged in a serious discussion or planning session. The table is covered with maps, papers, and coffee cups. The background is shaded in red, giving a sense of urgency or intensity. The individuals vary in attire, from casual to formal, and display focused and contemplative expressions.

Dating predictions for the rest of 2024
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