Online matchmaking is an enormous industry. It is developing at a rapid pace thanks to the introduction of new technologies (Yoder par. 4). The size of the market has grown by 7,1% from 2013 to 2014 (Bercovici par. 3). There are always new opportunities for companies in this business. Many expected that smartphone dating applications would become very trendy. It is explained by the fact that people can use such services on the road or at home without leaving their comfort zones (Finkel et al. 50). It is necessary to understand the most important aspects of a successful online matchmaking system.
There are numerous competitors in this industry that focus on particular target markets.
Currently, Tinder is the most popular smartphone application. It matches users that are close to each other with the use of geolocation services. Once matched, one can swipe right or left depending on if he or she wants to communicate with a person or not. The biggest advantage of Tinder is that it is free to use. It is also liked by many for its privacy. One does not know about the interest of the other user unless they both like each other (Corpuz par. 2). It is also connected with a Facebook account and synchronizes personal information such as interests. There is also a paid service that provides a range of advantages.
However, it should be said that it has its disadvantages. One of the problems is that there is no official application for Windows Phone. Also, many dislike the paid service, and the fact that it is priced differently depending on age is also controversial.
Coffee Meets Bagel is a unique service because it finds only one match every day at a particular time (Davidson par. 5). If users like each other, the application allows them to communicate for a week. One of the biggest advantages is that its matchmaking algorithm is much more complex than those of competitors. A custom match that was generated with the use of Facebook information is a major factor that is liked by its users. However, this service also has its disadvantages. Many people prefer to have the option to choose with whom they want to communicate. It is also hard to get the first match without spending money, and it turns off many users
Tastebuds is a popular service that matches users according to their music taste (Wells par. 20). Users are matched if they like similar artists. This service also informs the customers if both sides want to communicate. This approach is rather innovative. One of its benefits is that the account can be connected to such services as Songkick and Last.fm, and it shows the events that a user visits. There is also an incognito mode for those who want to keep their privacy. One of the disadvantages is that it is only available for Apple devices. Also, it focuses only on those who are very interested in music. Nevertheless, it is expected to be a serious competitor.
In conclusion, there are many companies in this industry. Every smartphone application provides users with a range of unique services. Also, each one has its advantages and disadvantages. The new technologies are always developing, and it is important to keep track of trends and new strategies in this market.
Works Cited
Bercovici, Jeff. Love On The Run: The Next Revolution in Online Dating. 2014. Web.
Corpuz, John. 10 Smartphone Dating Apps. 2015. Web.
Davidson, Lauren. These New Dating Apps Want to Help Busy Professionals Find Love. 2015. Web.
Finkel, E. J., Paul W. Eastwick, Benjamin R. Karney, Harry T. Reis, and Susan Sprecher. “Online Dating: A Critical Analysis from the Perspective of Psychological Science.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest 13.1 (2012): 3-66. Print.
Yoder, Steve. “How Online Dating Became a $2 Billion Industry.” The Fiscal Times. 2015. Web.
Wells, Georgia. Five Dating Apps That Put a Twist on Matchmaking. 2015. Web.