LOS ANGELES, July 17, 2024 — Tinder, the dating app that revolutionised how people meet, announces the release of ‘Photo Selector’— an AI-powered feature that empowers users to effortlessly choose their profile pictures from a curated selection of photos retrieved directly from their devices.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Authenticity plays a crucial role in attracting the right match on Tinder. In a recent survey1, 85% of singles say that their dating app profiles are important to represent their true selves, 52% say it is hard to select a profile image, and 68% report that an AI feature for photo selection assistance would be helpful1.

At the same time, most single women prefer men’s profiles with at least four images that genuinely reflect their personalities.2 Men who include more than one face photo in their profiles increase their likelihood of matching with women by 71%. With Photo Selector, Tinder offers a digital companion that curates a diverse selection of photos from users’ camera roll optimised to help users find a match. 

Making it easier to focus on real connections

Singles aged 18-24 report spending an average of 33 minutes selecting the right profile photo for their dating app.

By alleviating the burden of photo selection, Photo Selector empowers users to focus more on making meaningful connections rather than spending excessive time on photo selection. This AI innovation promises to inject more spontaneity into the online dating experience.  

The advent of smartphones and handheld cameras has introduced a new challenge in the digital age: the paradox of choice amidst a plethora of options - a challenge being addressed with the aid of AI technology. 

“We’re proud to be the first dating app to roll out an AI tool that can make the profile-building experience significantly easier -- an area we know is one of the hardest parts of dating. As the category leader, we're pushing ourselves to define the industry's best use cases for meaningful consumer AI integrations,” said Faye Iosotaluno, CEO of Tinder. “As demonstrated by our Photo Selector feature, we’re developing AI tech to assist you in making decisions, not to make them for you. Our commitment to our users is clear and equally applies to our view of AI: at Tinder, we develop innovative technologies to create a safer space for people to make authentic connections.”

Using Photo Selector is effortless

Simply snap a selfie for facial recognition, grant access to your camera roll, and let our AI tech curate a selection of images for your review. You decide which pictures you want to select and add to your profile. Though Photo Selector is here to simplify the process of selecting profile photos, there are still ‘tried and true’ ways to present your best self as a first impression.

Capturing the ideal images from your smartphone

Tinder’s local dating expert and founder of Sideswiped, Sera Bozza, offers her tips on taking and choosing profile photos that truly reflect your personality. 

“Let’s be real - choosing up to nine pictures that could determine your entire romantic future? Daunting doesn’t even cover it” says Sera Bozza.

“Remember, our brains race through images 60,000 times faster than text³. Your pictures aren’t just placeholders; they're your pitch! You need shots that show you, not just show off. Close-ups, action shots and your hobbies in full display—these pictures build trust and kickstart conversations! Every photo on your profile should work hard to get you that match. Tinder’s Photo Selector lets you tap into what Tinder knows about nailing the perfect profile pic while still giving you ultimate control over your selection.”

• Find your light: You’re the lead of your profile, and great lighting isn’t just nice; it’s essential. Harness natural light like a pro: find a shaded spot on a sunny day, ditch the sunnies and hat, and snap away until golden hour. Shoot multiple options because having choices is having control.

• Cut the extras: Your match is here to see you, not your entire crew. If you’re including a group pic, make it count: place yourself front and centre, with one or two friends, max. Position it strategically at the bottom of your profile to add context to your life, not confusion.

• Clean that lens: A quick wipe of your camera lens, yep, even with your T-shirt, can instantly upgrade your photo quality. Crisp, clear images show you’re not just detail-oriented; you’re detail-obsessed. And in the dating game, it’s these details that can make or break matches.

• Live your best life: Your profile isn’t just a profile; it’s a teaser of your awesome life and an open invitation for your match to join it. Show what you do every day, not just on holiday. Mix in a compelling headshot, an action shot of you in your element, a social pic, and candid shots that reveal the real you.

• Mix it up: Think of your profile like your favourite playlist— always better when it’s fresh! Update your photos regularly to showcase your life and your interests. It keeps your profile feeling new and exciting, captures attention and shows you're fully engaged in making every moment count.

Photo Selector will be available in Australia over the next few weeks.  

1 Online Opinium survey of 7000 18-25-year-olds who are single and use dating apps (1000 UK, 1000 USA, 1000 Canada, 1000 Australia, 1000 France, 1000 Germany, and 1000 Japan) commissioned on behalf of Tinder in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 21/6/2024 and 2/7/2024.

2 Internal Tinder data from Tinder profiles on the number of profile photos and the correlation with Matches. Data was pulled on 21 June.

3 International Forum of Visual Practitioners, 2021

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About Tinder:

Launched in 2012, Tinder® revolutionized how people meet, growing from 1 match to one billion matches in just two years. This rapid growth demonstrates its ability to fulfill a fundamental human need: real connection. Today, the app has been downloaded over 630 million times, leading to over 97 billion matches, serving approximately 50 million users per month in 190 countries and 45+ languages -  a scale unmatched by any other app in the category. In 2024, Tinder won four Effie Awards for its first-ever global brand campaign, "It Starts with a Swipe™.

Tinder is a registered trademark of Tinder LLC.

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