Tinder is introducing Modes, different ways of seeing (and hopefully matching with) potential connections. At launch, there are three “modes”: For You Mode, Double Date Mode, and College Mode.
For You Mode (wonder where Tinder got that name from) is described as the “classic Tinder experience” in a press release shared with Mashable — basically, it’s everyone you can swipe on.
Double Date Mode is the evolution of the Double Date feature that the app launched this summer. It allows users to invite friends and pair up for dates. The mode will now be a dedicated space in the app to see other pairs. In a Tinder test run this month, Double Date Mode led to a 10 percent increase in the feature’s adoption globally.
Meanwhile, College Mode jumps off of Tinder U, a feature for college students. It compiles other users in college into one place, and those enrolled in university can switch to College Mode and see college-specific aspects of their profile, like where they attend school and their major.
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The Modes navigation bar will be at the top of Tinder’s home screen. It is available globally, as is Double Date Mode. College Mode will start coming to eligible U.S. users this fall on Apple and Android.
Tinder Modes
Credit: Tinder
Tinder also plans to release more Modes in the future. At first glance, the purpose of the feature seems reminiscent of the Tinder Explore page, which also sought to somewhat tailored matches.
“Gen Z has been craving easier, low-pressure ways to connect, because what you’re into and how you want to connect can change from day to day,” head of product at Tinder, Mark Kantor, stated in the press release. “We’ve heard our users loud and clear, and they’re looking for better matches, not just more of them. Modes is part of our ongoing effort to create products that lead to more meaningful connections.”
Modes is the latest release from Tinder since its new CEO, Spencer Rascoff, took the reins back in July. Rascoff, also the CEO of Tinder’s parent company Match Group, wants Tinder to shed its hookup reputation and draw in more Gen Z users. One of his seven new product principles for Tinder is speed and urgency, which may explain the quickness of new releases.
Given that the number of people paying for Tinder declined in the second quarter, we’ll see if Modes draws them back.
