As of 2025, about 364 million people worldwide use dating apps. Most of this activity happens on mobile devices. The United States is one of the main markets, with three in ten adults having tried online dating. Use is more common among men (34%) than women (27%). It is also much higher in the LGB community, where 51% report having used dating platforms, compared to 28% of straight adults.
Tinder remains the most downloaded dating app in the U.S. and Europe. In 2023, it had 10.4 million subscribers and generated $1.91 billion in revenue. Bumble, another leading app, brings in 94,000 new users daily and facilitates 23 million matches weekly. Match.com has the most users in the 30 to 49 age group, making up nearly half of their platform’s base.
Young Users Dominate the Space
People between the ages of 18 and 29 make up the bulk of app users. About 79% of them have used Tinder. This figure drops to 44% for users aged 30 to 49, 17% for those aged 50 to 64, and only 1% for those over 65. In terms of money, the dating app market made $6.18 billion in revenue in 2024, with Match Group alone accounting for $3.5 billion.
More Options, More Definitions
Modern dating apps let people explore different relationship setups without needing to explain or justify their choices. Some are looking for long-term commitment, and others are looking for short-term companionship. It’s more common now to see people using apps for non-traditional arrangements, such as open relationships, platonic dating, or age-gap pairings.
Among these choices, some users explore situations like polyamory or mentorship-style pairings. There are even app users specifically looking for a sugar daddy in the UK or people open to casual bonds guided by set expectations. The point is not the label but how clearly both people understand what they want.
Safety and Concerns from Users
Although dating apps are common, many users identify problems. Around half report negative experiences, including harassment or threats. Among women under 50, more than 50% say they’ve received unwanted explicit pictures or messages. In general, only 48% of adults in the U.S. think online dating is at least somewhat safe.
Privacy concerns also come up often. A review of studies from 2016 to 2020 found that loneliness increases users’ concerns about both social and institutional privacy. Different reasons for using Tinder, such as seeking approval or casual fun, also influence how people think about their privacy.
Why People Use Dating Apps
Research shows that users are not all looking for the same thing. Reasons include finding a romantic partner, hooking up, making friends, or finding travel partners. Some use these apps for self-esteem and mood boosts, and some for entertainment. Men and younger users are more likely to download dating apps. Being open to new experiences is connected with more frequent use.
Fast-Growing Markets
Looking at regional markets, the Asia-Pacific region is growing faster than other areas. Forecasts show an annual growth rate of 8.5% between 2023 and 2030. Countries like China and India play a large role in this trend.
Current Dating Styles
Three trends stand out in 2025. The first is called “Loud Looking,” where people state their goals, preferences, and non-negotiables upfront. This is seen in about 70% of users who say they want something serious.
The second trend is interest-based dating. Many connect through shared hobbies and passions to form stronger early connections. Gen Z users are more attracted to this type of matching. The third is “Micro-mance,” where people meet in small, niche groups or attend in-person events organized around specific subjects.
Are These Connections Working?
About one in ten partnered adults in the U.S. say they met their partner online. That number is 40% for partnered adults aged 18 to 29. Among partnered LGB adults, 28% also say they met online. Despite mixed feedback, this shows a steady use of dating apps for forming real relationships.
Mental Health and Dating Profiles
Mental health plays a growing role in how people present themselves. On OkCupid, there was a 21% increase in profile mentions of therapy and mental wellness over several months. Men who discuss these topics get more responses, with 49% more matches and 74% more likes.
Summary
Dating through apps is now common in many age groups and regions. The match-making industry is growing in both usage and revenue. As people look for different types of relationships, apps offer many tools and filters to help them define their goals. Still, safety, mental health, and purpose remain key concerns for users looking to connect online.
