Tinder is shaking up the dating game, and this time it’s not about finding “the one”—it’s about bringing your bestie along for the ride. The world’s most recognizable dating app has just unveiled Double Date, a feature that lets users team up with a friend and swipe as a duo, matching with other pairs for group dates and, perhaps, a little less awkwardness along the way.
A Fresh Take for Gen Z
This isn’t Tinder’s first flirtation with the idea. The company previously tested a similar feature back in 2017, but it fizzled out amid privacy questions and confusion over its intended audience. Now, with Gen Z making up more than half of Tinder’s global user base and loneliness statistics spiking among young adults, the timing feels right for a comeback. According to Pew Research, nearly a quarter of Americans aged 18 to 29 report feeling lonely, a stark contrast to older generations. The feature is particularly appealing to Gen Z users, who now comprise over half of Tinder's global user base. In early testing, nearly 90% of Double Date profiles were created by users under 29. This demographic's preference for shared experiences over traditional dating aligns with the feature's design, aiming to make dating more social and less intimidating.
How Double Date Works
The mechanics are simple and designed for maximum fun:
Tap the Double Date icon and invite up to three friends to join your “swipe squad.”
As a pair, browse and like profiles of other duos. Only one person in each pair needs to swipe right for a match to happen.
Once matched, all four users are dropped into a group chat, making it easy to break the ice and plan a casual meetup—no solo pressure, no awkward silences.
Tinder’s internal data shows the feature is already driving more engagement: women are three times more likely to like a Double Date pair than a solo profile, and messaging in group chats has jumped by 35%. In early trials, about 12% of those who accepted a Double Date invite were either new or returning users, hinting at its potential to revive interest in the app.
Why This Feature Matters Now
Tinder’s decision to roll out Double Date comes at a critical time for the online dating industry. Recent reports indicate that Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, saw a 5% decline in paying users in 2025, causing concern about its future growth. Factors such as inflation, a lack of new features, and growing dating fatigue have left users seeking fresh experiences. In response, Match Group’s new CEO, Spencer Rascoff, is betting on features like Double Date to reinvigorate the app, specifically targeting the social and connected nature that resonates with Gen Z.
By shifting the focus from individual connections to shared experiences, Tinder hopes to reduce the pressure of online dating, especially for younger users who often feel overwhelmed by the expectations of traditional dating apps.
A Global Rollout in the Works
Currently, Double Date is live in the U.S. and select international markets, but Tinder plans to expand the feature globally by July 2025. The company is hoping that this group-first approach will not only alleviate the anxiety often associated with online dating but also attract users back to the app. Tinder is redefining what dating can look like in 2025: a little less pressure, a lot more fun, and maybe, just maybe, a new way to fall in love together.
Whether it’s romance, friendship, or simply a memorable night out, Tinder’s Double Date feature is rewriting the rules of digital connection—one swipe and one squad at a time.
Summary:
Tinder’s Double Date feature offers a refreshing twist to the traditional dating app experience, making it easier and more enjoyable to connect with others in a relaxed, social environment. Whether you’re swiping with a friend or engaging in group chats, the feature encourages more interaction and less pressure. For users, this means a fun and comfortable way to meet new people, without the anxiety of going on solo dates. With increased engagement and a growing Gen Z user base, Tinder is evolving to meet the needs of today’s social-savvy generation. If you’re looking for a more dynamic and inclusive way to connect, the Double Date feature is worth exploring.