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Tinder's US daily active users return to growth in October as Match ramps up AI efforts

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In short

Match Group Chief Financial Officer Steve Bailey linked the recent platform engagement gains to AI-supported algorithmic updates that improve user compatibility. While Tinder's global daily active users contracted by 1 percent during the third quarter, this showed marked stabilization compared to the 10 percent plunge recorded a year prior. To sustain this momentum, the parent company intends to allocate roughly $10 million toward AI tools in 2026. Management plans to manage these advanced technology costs by curbing hiring speeds instead of executing workforce layoffs.

Key points

  • Match Group plans to invest approximately $10 million into artificial intelligence techno…: Match Group plans to invest approximately $10 million into artificial intelligence technologies in 2026 to revive user interest.
  • The company is actively controlling development expenses by reducing hiring rates rather…: The company is actively controlling development expenses by reducing hiring rates rather than executing employee layoffs.
  • Modernized algorithms analyzing unstructured data are helping dating applications deliver…: Modernized algorithms analyzing unstructured data are helping dating applications deliver better matches to counter swipe fatigue among younger demographics.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Nov 2 : Tinder's daily active users in the US returned to annual growth in October, parent Match Group's chief financial officer told Reuters on Monday, a key milestone in the dating app's turnaround efforts.

Improvements in DAU were largely driven by better algorithms, helped by the use of AI to analyze unstructured data and identify more compatible users, finance chief Steve Bailey said, without disclosing the monthly numbers.

Tinder's global DAU had returned to year-over-year growth in September for the first time in three and a half years.

Dating apps have turned to AI as younger Gen Z users' growing disillusionment with endless swiping fuels weaker user engagement.

Last month, rival Bumble struck a $1.3 billion deal with Ithaca Holdings to go private after struggling for years to revive growth.

Match Group reported a 1 per cent drop in Tinder's global DAU for the third quarter, compared with a 10 per cent decline a year earlier.

The company expects to spend around $10 million on AI tools in 2026. Match Group is slowing hiring to offset rising AI costs…

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