Why basic features in dating apps are so expensive

Dating apps are free to use, but you have to pay big to find out who likes you. This is why dating apps like Tinder are so expensive.

Dating apps like Tinder expensive: here’s why

Dating apps like Tinder are free to download and use. You download the app, create a profile and before you know it you’re swiping other people left (nope) or right (yes!). Still, it doesn’t take long for the app to ask if you want to pay for a subscription.

Only with that subscription will you get the extra basic features you would expect as standard from a dating app. Take Tinder as an example. Only if you pay can you see who likes you and swipe to the right unlimitedly. In addition, swipes can only be undone for people who pay.

Those prices are not cheap, by the way. Tinder is even quite expensive, because you pay 16.49 euros per month for a Tinder Plus subscription. And you can even go for a Tinder Platinum subscription, but that will cost you even more: 32.99 euros per month. Why is Tinder so expensive?

1. When dating apps work, use them briefly

When a dating app works well, users leave quickly. Of course, there are dating apps that revolve around casual contacts, but most of them use apps like Tinder to find a partner. Once they find it, they delete the app again.

When these apps immediately give users all the functions, there is a greater chance that they will leave faster. As a result, these users also see fewer advertisements and the app makers receive less income. It’s a tricky balance because you want to keep users happy with fun people and fun conversations, but you don’t want to lose them too quickly.

A subscription is an attempt to solve that problem: if users leave quickly, they will have paid at least for a month. It feels unfair, but app makers are not charities. These companies also just want to make a profit.

2. It’s largely the same company

But now you may think: such a company can’t go too crazy, because otherwise users will go to another app. That’s not much use since many dating apps are from the same company. Apps like Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, Lexa, and Meetic all come from Match.com.

There are alternatives, for example, the company Bumble has the apps Bumble, Badoo and Fruitz. Apps such as Parship, EliteDating, Grindr and E-matching are also not from Match.com. Still, most apps today offer similar plans. Partly for the reason described above, but also because it has become the standard on the market.

3. The ratio of women and men is unbalanced

The fact that people are happy to pay for these dating apps despite the high amounts is partly because the dating market is strongly out of balance. There are far more men than women on these apps. Hetero men therefore have it extra difficult.

Women have so much choice, they can be picky. Not surprising, because online dating is much more dangerous for women than for men. Men have to do their best to stand out, because there are always men left without a match. It can help if you at least know who likes you.

Are Dating Apps Worth Paying For?

Dating apps are great free to use. You will then see advertisements between the people, which you can swipe to the left. If you notice that you have not been getting many matches for a long time, it may pay off to pay. You can then see who might like you in each one.

Just don’t fall for it too quickly if an app tells you within a day that several likes are ready. There is a chance that this is a lure. Also keep in mind that dating apps like Tinder are quite expensive, especially when you take the most expensive subscription.

More on dating apps

We list the best dating apps for you. In our guide we then tell you everything about how to create a good profile and how to ensure a safe date. We also teach you how to recognize fake profiles on dating apps.

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