Today is the busiest day of the YEAR on dating apps


With Christmas over and ‘cuffing season‘ drawing to a close, happy couples who spent the end of 2022 snuggled around a fireplace may have finally had their day.

Singletons, therefore, are rising up, and today dating apps will see their busiest day of the year as swathes open them up for a swiping session.

This has historically been the first Sunday in January and, as New Year’s Day fell on a Sunday this year, this makes today the official ‘Dating Sunday’ of 2023.

Tinder has revealed that Dating Sunday sees 30 per cent more matches being made than usual on its app.

 Sundays in January are known to be particularly busy on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, as many singletons start to follow up on their New Year’s Resolutions (stock image)

Tinder is the world's most popular dating app, and has been downloaded more than 450 million times since launching back in 2012. It has revealed that Dating Sunday sees 30 per cent more matches being made than usual on its app

Tinder is the world’s most popular dating app, and has been downloaded more than 450 million times since launching back in 2012. It has revealed that Dating Sunday sees 30 per cent more matches being made than usual on its app

The rise of online dating

The first incarnation of a dating app can be traced back to 1995 when Match.com was first launched. The website allowed single people to upload a profile, a picture and chat to people online. 

eHarmony was then developed in 2000 and two years later Ashley Madison, a site dedicated to infidelity and cheating, was first launched.

A plethora of other dating sites with a unique target demographic were set up in the next 10-15 years including OKCupid (2004), Plenty of Fish (2006), Grindr (2009) and Happn (2013).

In 2012, Tinder was launched and was the first ‘swipe’ based dating platform. After its initial launch its usage snowballed and by March 2014 there were one billion matches a day.

Bumble, a dating app designed to empower women, was launched in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, Tinder co-founder.

The popularity of mobile dating apps is attributable to a growing amount of younger users with a busy schedule.

In the 1990s, there was a stigma attached to online dating as it was considered a last-ditch and desperate attempt to find love.

This belief has dissipated and now around one third of marriages are between couples who met online. 

The dating giant also sees 10 per cent more singletons than usual, as well as 35 per cent more Swipe activity.

Last year, Tinder was busiest between 7pm and 10pm, so this could be the best time to get swiping.

Laura Wilkinson-Rea, Senior Director of Communications for Northern Europe at Tinder, told MailOnline: ‘Dating Sunday tends to be the day the people have finished with the festivities and have some time for themselves. 

‘It’s a time of year where people are investing in themselves and deciding what the next 12 month will hold for them. 

‘For those that are single, they use this time to spruce up their dating app profile and actively look to get back out there and see where a swipe could lead.’

Sundays in January are known to be particularly busy on dating apps like Tinder, Bumble and Hinge, as many singletons start to follow up on their New Year’s Resolutions.

These could include promises to put themselves out there more, try out new things or make this year the year they get into a successful long term relationship.

This busy period is known to last up until around Valentine’s Day, as people prioritise dating in order to meet someone special.

Tinder also said that Sundays in January are the most popular days for members to edit their bios and add new photos.

In fact, Dating Sunday in 2022 saw an average 12 Tinder bios being edited and 25 new photos added every second around the world. 

To help make finding love this year even easier, Tinder is now rolling out its ‘Relationship Goals’ profile feature.

This lets members indicate exactly what they’re looking for from a match, whether that be a ‘long-term partner’, ‘short-term fun’ or ‘new friends’.

According to Tinder’s ‘Year In Swipe’ report for 2022, there was a 49 per cent rise in people adding the word ‘situationship’ to their bio for young users aged 18 to 25.

This is defined as more than a quick hook-up, but less than a committed relationship.

To help make finding love this year even easier, Tinder is now rolling out its 'Relationship Goals' profile feature

This lets members indicate exactly what they're looking for from a match, whether that be a 'long-term partner', 'short-term fun' or 'new friends'

To help make finding love this year even easier, Tinder is now rolling out its ‘Relationship Goals’ profile feature. This lets members indicate exactly what they’re looking for from a match, whether that be a ‘long-term partner’, ‘short-term fun’ or ‘new friends’

Kyle Miller, vice president of Core Product at Tinder, said: ‘This feature was developed in response to a shift we’ve seen among our members. 

‘Young singles, who make up a majority of Tinder, are increasingly becoming more intentional with who they spend their time with. 

‘In fact, 72 per cent of Tinder members said they’re looking for someone who knows what they want.’

A similar feature was also rolled out on Hinge earlier this year, which is owned by the same company as Tinder, Match Group.

In November, the ‘Relationship Type’ feature was added to Hinge that lets daters specify if they’re looking for monogamous or polyamorous partners.

Most singletons want monogamous relationships, in which they only have one partner. 

However, research has shown that about five per cent of relationships are openly non-monogamous, or polyamorous.

In November, the 'Relationship Type' feature was added to Hinge that lets daters specify if they're looking for monogamous or polyamorous partners

In November, the ‘Relationship Type’ feature was added to Hinge that lets daters specify if they’re looking for monogamous or polyamorous partners  

Polyamory means ‘many loves’, and refers to people who have multiple romantic relationships at the same time.

Michelle Parsons, Chief Product Officer at Hinge, said: ‘With the launch of Relationship Type, we are empowering users to openly share what kind of relationship they are looking for, and as a result, have a new way to know if someone’s dating goals match theirs from the moment they look at their profile.’

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TINDER’S TIPS FOR SUCCESS ON DATING SUNDAY 

1. Set your relationship goals 

Being clear about what you’re looking for is very attractive. It also helps to avoid that awkward romance killer Q ‘So, what are you here for?’ So whether you’re starting the year looking for a long term partner or just a friend, let potential matches know.

2. Having a bio will get you better matches

Profiles with bios attract more matches. Avoid being immediately beige flagged by including a quick and witty statement that shows off the best of you, while also leaving them wanting more.

TINDER TIP: Try to stay away from the basic line: ‘Here for a good time, not a long time.’ Trust us, it does not help your chances.

3. In search of… 

No one has time to waste — select between 1-3 lifestyle tags to ensure you’re setting yourself up to make authentic connections with people who match your vibe.

4. Work hard, match more 

Looking for someone who shares your school spirit? Maybe a creative looking for your muse? Adding your school and job title is a great way to find your potential ride or die, or in this case, narrow down on who might not be the best fit for you.

TINDER TIP: We know the urge to say you went to ‘School of Hard Knocks’ is strong, but resist it. Your potential matches will thank you.

5. Set a location

Don’t leave potential matches guessing — set your location to meet people nearby, especially if a LDR isn’t something you’re into. And while we’re on the subject: We understand Edinburgh to London is considered long-distance to some, so set your radius to meet people in your neighborhood or that next one over. And if you’re feeling international, expand your horizons with Tinder’s Passport feature to meet a cutie in Croatia (or literally anywhere on the globe).

6. Four is the magic number for photos

Your pics are a great way to show who you are, what you’re into, and get the convo started. We actually know that four is the perfect number of photos to have in your lineup. Also, make sure your first pic gives a clear view of your gorgeous face — that’s how you reel them in.

TINDER TIP: Give your profile some edge by connecting your IG, so new pics will automatically upload as you post them on your grid – work smarter, not harder.

7. Add your interests 

Finding common ground is one of the easiest ways to hit it off with someone. Your interests are what make you unique, so lead with them to show your most authentic, real self and, in turn, match with people who are more likely to match your energy.

8. Unverified profiles are a red flag 

Photo verify your profile to help your matches know you’re the real deal. Try to stick to matching with only verified profiles to avoid getting catfished.

TINDER TIP: Profiles with the blue check are more likely to receive more matches.

9. Music is the 6th love language

Can we all agree that music compatibility is crucial to a solid relationship? Make sure you connect with people who are on your wavelength by adding your song — your life’s soundtrack — to your profile via Spotify anthems.

TINDER TIP: 40 per cent of members between the ages of 18-25 have their anthem on their profile and experienced nearly a 10 per cent increase in matches.

10. Flex your convo skills

The more active you are on the app, the more you’ll get shown and be seen by other members. There’s no adrenaline rush quite like matching and immediately starting a convo with someone who may or may not be your new crush, so don’t be afraid to message first. Chances are better that you’ll get a message back, as 75 per cent of Gen Z members reply in 30 minutes or less.



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