Tinder explores a redesign, dating ‘modes,’ and college-specific features to boost engagement

Tinder is taking bold steps to rejuvenate user engagement as it grapples with a decline in paying users. The platform reported a 7% decrease in subscriptions, while its parent company, Match Group, experienced a 5% dip in Q2 2025 across all its dating services, including Hinge and Match.com. In a bid to reverse this trend, Tinder is launching several new initiatives. During the recent earnings call, Match Group CEO Spencer Raskoff announced a groundbreaking feature called "modes," allowing users to toggle between different dating objectives in real-time. This new functionality builds on a past feature that let users display their relationship intentions on their profiles. In addition, Tinder is planning a comprehensive redesign and introducing features specifically tailored for college students, aiming to capture the attention of Gen Z users. One of the standout features in the pipeline is the ability for users to like specific elements of a profile, encouraging conversations based on those interactions—similar to features found on Match’s Hinge app. Despite a mixed financial report showing flat year-over-year revenue of $864 million and a drop in earnings from $133.3 million to $122.5 million, the company’s forecast for Q3 appears more optimistic with expected revenues between $910 and $920 million, leading to a positive stock reaction. Raskoff also mentioned that the company plans to invest $50 million in product development to enhance user experience and connectivity with younger audiences. "We’re set to initiate our UI refresh in Q3, aiming for a sleeker, faster, and more modern app interface," Raskoff stated, outlining plans to test a revamped "see who likes you" tab this fall. This is designed not only to facilitate better matches but also to boost revenue. Additionally, Tinder is experimenting with AI-driven matching, which debuted in New Zealand earlier this year. This feature curates matches based on user profiles, answers to questions, and optionally, insights from photos in their camera roll. The company intends to expand this AI feature to additional regions, appealing specifically to users under 30—those who prefer a more interactive experience rather than being judged solely on appearance. Further enhancements may include college-focused features, allowing users to search within their own college communities. Tinder also provided updates on its recently launched Double Date feature, which lets users pair with a friend to match with another couple. This feature has found favor with younger users, with 92% of its users being under 30. This marks Raskoff's first full quarter leading Match Group after taking over from Faye Iosotaluno, who stepped down in July. The company had previously laid off 13% of its workforce and closed open positions in May, as it seeks to streamline operations and focus on innovation.