Tinder Tests AI Tool to Scan Photos for Better Matches

Tinder, the popular dating app owned by Match Group, has begun testing a new artificial intelligence feature called Chemistry. The tool aims to cut down on endless swiping by suggesting fewer but better matches. It works by looking at users' phone photos and asking questions about their interests. The tests are happening now in New Zealand and Australia as part of plans for a big update in 2026. Tinder hopes this will help bring back users tired of bad matches and declining paid accounts.

Background

Dating apps like Tinder changed how people meet. Users swipe right or left on profiles to find dates. But many now feel worn out from swiping through hundreds of options without good results. Tinder calls this swipe fatigue. The company has seen paying users drop for nine straight quarters. In the last reported three months, revenue fell 3 percent from the year before, and paying users dropped 7 percent. Match Group, which runs Tinder, Hinge, and others, saw its total revenue rise just 2 percent to $914.2 million.

Tinder faces more pressure. Some young people say they prefer meeting dates in real life. Others spend less money on apps. Match Group expects Tinder's revenue to drop another $14 million this quarter because of these tests. The company cut its full quarter forecast to $865 million to $875 million, below what experts predicted. Still, leaders see AI as a way to fix these problems and make the app more useful.

The push for AI comes after other changes. Tinder added dating modes, double date options, better profile designs, and tools to start talks. These aim to make the app feel more real and less like a game of chance.

Key Details

How Chemistry Works

Chemistry starts with permission from users. It looks at photos in the phone's camera roll. The AI spots clues about what people like. A picture of hiking might mean the user enjoys outdoors. Photos from concerts could point to music fans. It also asks simple questions to learn more about personalities and hobbies.

Instead of showing endless profiles, Chemistry picks a few strong matches each day. The idea is to create real connections based on shared activities, not just looks. Match Group says this leads to more meaningful dates.

Other AI Tools in Testing

Tinder is adding more AI help. One tool checks messages before sending. It asks, "Are you sure?" if something might offend. Another picks the best photos for profiles. These small changes aim to make the app safer and easier to use.

Face Check is another feature. It uses AI to verify faces match profile photos. This fights fake accounts. It's now required for new users in California after good results in places like Canada, India, Australia, and Colombia. Early data shows a 60 percent drop in bad actors, 40 percent fewer reports of fakes, and higher trust scores.

The Chemistry tests are limited to New Zealand and Australia right now. Tinder plans to roll it out wider in 2026. Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff called it a major part of the app's future.

"Chemistry will be a major pillar of Tinder’s upcoming 2026 product experience." – Spencer Rascoff, Match Group CEO

What This Means

For users, Chemistry could mean less time swiping and more time on good dates. People tired of bad matches might stick around longer. The app could feel more personal, like a friend setting you up based on real life, not just a quick photo glance.

Match Group bets big on this. They think AI will turn free users into paying ones by making matches better. Paying features like boosts or super likes could see more use if people trust the app more.

Privacy is a big question. Users must agree to let AI see private photos. Some worry this gives too much access, even if optional. Other apps like Meta have similar tools, but not everyone likes handing over personal pictures.

Rivals are doing the same. Bumble uses AI to spot fakes and suggest kind messages. Hinge ranks matches by past likes and chats. Grindr checks for bad language. OkCupid makes quizzes smarter. The whole industry shifts to AI for safer, smarter dating.

Tinder's changes signal a bigger move. Apps want to blend online swipes with real-life feel. Double dates and prompts make it social. Verification builds trust. If Chemistry works, it could slow user losses and lift revenue. Short-term hits from tests are expected, but long-term gains might follow.

Experts watch how users react in test markets. Will they share photos? Do matches improve? Tinder tracks engagement, chats started, and dates made. Positive signs could speed up the rollout.

Match Group keeps investing despite costs. They see AI as key to staying ahead. As dating apps evolve, tools like Chemistry aim to predict sparks before they happen. This could redefine how millions find love through screens.