It looks like that lil’ saying, “Love don’t cost a thing,” doesn’t apply when it comes to Tinder. The app-based dating platform announced a new plan for its users that’ll cost those interested $499 monthly.
Users with access will be able to message people they have not matched with up to twice a week — a complete swerve away from one of their most-known features. Those using regular Tinder can only message those who have “matched” with them.
The new subscription tier will also allow users to be seen more frequently, particularly by people on the “most sought-after” list.
And Tinder is also offering a solution to users looking to be more discreet about their pricey search for love. The new subscription tier will give users the option to display or hide their Select badge on their profile.
Here’s How Tinder Select Works
But Tinder Select is exclusive. The company has made it invite-only, per The Verge and Bloomberg. It is reportedly only offering the premium plan to less than one percent of users right now, and that’s for those most active in the app.
Users get invited, fill out an application, and undergo a five-point screening process. At a minimum, a user’s profile must have a verified picture, a biography, five interests, four images, and details about what they seek to gain from using Tinder. Hypebeast reports that Tinder Select users must show “relationship intent.”
However, that application will only be available on a “rolling basis,” per Verge.
Tinder’s chief product officer, Mark Van Ryswyk, spoke about the development:
“We know that there is a subset of highly engaged and active users who prioritize more effective and efficient ways to find connections,” Ryswyk said. “So we engaged in extensive tests and feedback with this audience over the past several months to develop a completely new offering.”
For context, the dating app already offers different tiers, with some starting at $24.99. The point of Tinder Select is piling on more features across three plans.
This new launch comes after Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, reportedly bought the invite-only dating app, The League. On that platform, searching for love (with the assistance of human matchmakers vs. algorithm) costs users about $1,000 a week.
It seems like Match Group is now trying to tap into that ready-to-pay market with Tinder.
Roomies, would you apply if offered?
