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Hey there! As always, Skadate is staying on top of the dating industry and eager to explore the latest trends. Today, we’ll take a closer look at some newly launched dating startups and analyze the emerging trends shaping the industry. We hope this roundup keeps you informed and inspired, offering fresh ideas for your current or future dating ventures.
Some of these startups have already hit the market, while others are just beginning to gain traction. In this article, we’ve compiled a diverse selection of dating platforms that have emerged this summer season.
Flipped: Chat and Dating AI app
The AI virus keeps spreading its sophisticated machine-learning algorithms throughout all industries, including dating. The services where users can chat with AI characters are on the rise.
Flipped combines the interest in artificial girlfriends with general dating, allowing users to interact with each other by creating AI characters. Unlike traditional dating apps, Flipped is more about expressing fantasies and engaging in imaginative role-play. Users can create the best version of themselves, reflecting their deepest fantasies. In Flipped, you don’t just make an avatar but an "AI soul" tailored to your preferences.
With the free version, you can only interact with a ready-made character created by another user who won’t see these conversations. However, to create a custom AI character, the paid version is required. Premium members can design their avatars and generate their profile selfies through AI prompts. They can also set preferences, including sexual orientation, character type, location, fetishes, and roleplays. The paid version also allows matching via the classic Tinder swiping game or by filtering.
Speaking of metrics. Based on Sensor Tower data, Flipped's revenue is estimated to be around $60,000, with around 20,000 downloads in the App Store and 10,000 in the Play Market.
Though game dating has existed since the 2010s, AI elevates this experience to new heights. Users can let their imaginations run wild without being confined to preset clothes and features.
The platform is currently available on the Apple and Google Play Store.
Key Features:
- Chat with AI characters made by other users to receive instant responses
- Create and chat with your own AI characters
- Generate AI selfies, sexual preferences, fetishes, location, and other attributes for your characters’ dating profiles
- Real-time voice calls with other users
- Tinder-like swiping game to match
Pricing:
- Flipped Plus 1 Month$9.99
- Flipped Plus Yearly$39.99
- App Purchases from $0.99 to $49.99
Radarious
The next startup on our list is Radarius - a location-based app for finding nearby dates here and now. The platform's key feature is the ability to switch between two modes: the one that shows the user’s exact location and the one that hides it and displays only the distance from the match. The rest of the functionality resembles other casual dating apps: users can browse and like photos, send messages without needing a match, and see who has interacted with their profile. Users can also vote for others, with the most popular profiles rising to the top of the browsing page.
The app and its basic functionality is free. However, you can buy a VIP membership to get some extra gems.
Features for VIP Membership:
- View people on the radar anonymously by hiding your location;
- Unlimited chats with all users;
- Chat without waiting for a mutual match;
- Browse profiles secretly;
- Enhance the avatar to be more noticeable on the radar map.
Pricing:
- 1 Week VIP Membership$4.99
- Subscription VIP member 1month$9.99
- App Purchases from $0.99 to $4.99
All in all, Radarious was freshly launched to the market: it was released at the end of June on PlayStore. Let’s wish the guys good luck in their endeavors and jump to the next app.
I’m Lonely
I’m Lonely is a brand-new startup from Houston that aims to end one of the most significant issues of our days - loneliness. As its descriptive name suggests, the app targets people searching for real-life connections rather than one-night stands or virtual texting.
The company is driven by transparency (no additional costs), equality, and security. But great values require a serious and considerate approach. The founders promise a background check and thorough verification to keep the community authentic.
Instead of focusing solely on dating, the platform welcomes everyone looking for like-minded people and potential friends around their area. Users could create hangouts for groups of people and participate in local events. Thus, I’m Lonely wants to strengthen the community and engage with local businesses by offering them partnerships.
The app will be available on Android and iOS devices from 1 August 2024.
Key features:
- Background pre-check
- Group Hangouts Creation
- Interests-based matching
Pricing: Free
One more dating app for people who are fed up with the shallow and superficial nature of modern online dating. With the slogan “Because you deserve more than just a match,” the After the app is inspired by the idea of finding “the one and only.”
As any progressive startup for innovators, it’s not just a dating app but rather a wellness platform equipped with some special features like anti-ghosting and empowering mantras.
To find a one-of-a-kind person, you need a one-of-a-kind app. After can rightly brag about its distinctive style and unique approach. However, the platform is still under development, so you can only sign up for a waiting list. By the way, one of the founders - Katie Dissanayake, was a Director of Communications for the Hud dating app. Let’s keep an eye on them and wait for the launch!
Key features:
- Anti-ghosting
- Everyday mental-health check-ins
- Empowering mantras and dating guides
- Flexible profile-building features to express personality and preferences to the fullest
Pricing: ?
My True Date
One of the reasons some people feel disappointed in online dating is the growing number of fake profiles and fraud. Besides, plenty of mortifying stories in the media only increase the public’s suspicion of dating apps. With the approach “security comes first,” MyTrueDate decided to focus on safety measures as its main app concept.
Every potential member must undergo ID video verification and background checks for violent and harmful convictions. Moreover, an AI-based moderation system will monitor the exchanged content and remove harmful ones immediately. And it’s not mere words. The company uses technologies like Vouched, ActiveFence, and TesseraData to make this all happen.
The app hasn’t been launched yet, however, the company is looking for beta testers. If you share MyTrueDate’s values or are just curious about the project, you can sign up on their website and be the first to try it.
Key Features:
- Video Selfie ID Verification
- ID verification with Vouched tecnology
- Background Screening via Tessera Data
- Content Moderation with the help of ActiveFence
Pricing: ?
Club Pillar
When it comes to social interactions, being a teetotaler can be challenging in certain situations. This is especially true in cultures where a glass of a fancy cocktail or fine wine is considered essential to a romantic dinner. To avoid situations where you constantly need to explain your sober position, Jessie Urvater created Club Pillar - the “first sober private members community”. Together with fashion designer & TV star Leah McSweeney, the founders aim to break the stigma and judgment surrounding non-drinkers and promote the idea “sober is sexy”.
As a closed community, Club Pillar is very selective to its members. To join the sobriety club, you have to pass a thorough application process. But once it’s done, you can get either a Basic or Diamond Membership. The Basic guarantees you five curated swipes per day, while the Diamond one has more in-app perks and also provides access to exclusive IRL events.
The app has already been launched and is available in the Apple Store.
Key Features:
- Membership-Based Access
- In-Person Events
- Social Media Integration
- User Verification and Security
- Intuitive Interface and Customization
Pricing:
- Monthly Standard Membership$29.99
- Monthly Diamond Membership$49.99
Final Words
If we were to judge the dating market's demands by emerging startups, it’s evident that online dating is gravitating towards two distinct paths based on user needs. For those seeking genuine connections and long-term relationships, the focus is on heightened security, sophisticated user experiences, and wellness. Meanwhile, for those looking for purely online communication or casual interactions, AI has much to offer. That said, it's clear that the dating industry is moving toward a future where everyone can find what truly suits them.
