it has the advantage of coming out in January? Not at all. The first month of the year is a general chatter. The main problem (in love terms) is that thanks to an excess of drunken swiping in December, we’ve now exhausted all our options. Is there a sadder notification to receive than the one telling you that there are no more singles in your area?
The only point of joy is the sheer volume of fresh chum pumped into the digital meat grinder. According to Bumble, one in five new users joined after ending a committed relationship as a result of the pandemic. Add to that the post-Christmas breakup season and it’s likely that even if you’re done with all the dating apps in December, there’s going to be a crop of new faces (read: gym selfies) popping up on your feeds. day to day. . (Don’t get me wrong, we’re not happy for people to break up – schadenfreude is so unchic – we’re just saying it would be nice if we weren’t haunted by people we’ve rejected five times already).
And in 2022, it seems more daters equal more dating apps. A whole new culture has emerged recently. There’s a dual dating app Jungle that promises to be a fun new (and safer) alternative to Hinge, while voice note app String was launched last year as a way to make dating more personal. during lockdown.
Everyone’s talking about Victoria, the exclusive club for new dating app members, video dating app Snack just launched an anti-ghosting feature, and The Sauce just announced it’ll be planting a tree for every match. (so can be added to New Year’s resolution list as your way to do a good thing for humanity each week). Read on to find out which app to commit to.
Jungle
USP: Double Dating “Without Cinging” (Does It Really Exist, Yet?)
Happy Days. You no longer have to choose between hanging out with friends and hanging out with friends – Jungle lets you do both at the same time. The app’s makers say they’ve noticed an increase in duplicate date requests with Hinge, Tinder and Bumble. So they decided to create a platform that does all the work for you. The benefits of doubling? At least you’re guaranteed to have a fun night with your wingman (and have a story to laugh about afterwards).
Bonus feature: For a small fee, you can have your profiles rated by dating experts.
Say… So what did the experts say about each person’s profile?
Do not say… quartet?
Victoria the app
USP: If Soho House made dating apps
Victoria the App describes itself as “a private global community centered around curated experiences” (no, not orgies…we’re guessing). The idea is that you’ll meet other creatives (lol) and get along (if you don’t, it could be good networking).
Like Soho House, membership doesn’t come cheap – subscriptions start at £74.99 – but you’ll also be invited to IRL events with ‘like-minded people’. Victoria says her values are kindness, acceptance and positivity, but basically, as long as you have good taste, good manners and lots of money, you’ll get in.
Say… Want to discover the new Leigh Bowery exhibition?
Do not say… I’m only here to find a hot musician
Nibble
USP: Video-flirting
Tinder meets TikTok. Snack promises to rid your feed of outdated selfies and misleading prompts – its app is based on how Gen Z really connect in 2022, via video. Upload clips from your camera roll or answer a selection of video prompts from Snack (My childhood dream job was…and my current profession is…), then let Snack’s algorithm do the matchmaking.
Instead of swiping left or right, profiles of potential matches will be displayed in a feed. Like or reply to their videos to start the conversation – and beware of ghosting. Snack’s latest feature means users will be flagged and ‘deprioritized’ if they ghost too often, an offer to ‘bring basic manners and decency to the dating game’. It was time too.
Say… I like your bob 😛
Do not say… Who is PinkPantheress?
So synchronized
USP: Find your ideal personality type
It’s the age-old dating question – do opposites attract or is it better to go for someone like you? Syncd therefore believes it is a combination of the two and claims to have found a compatibility formula that works, with proven results (see its catalog of success stories).
The science-driven app is based on the 16 personality type theory, using a five-minute test to determine your personality type, then matching couples who have enough similarities to understand each other and enough differences to create a spark. Your type might surprise you.
Say… My celebrity personality match is Jean Milburn from Sex Education. Who is yours?
Do not say… Oh, my exes have always been blondes
The sauce
USP: Sustained scan
Here’s an incentive that will make Greta proud: video dating app The Sauce is now planting a tree for every match, a major step towards its mission to become a carbon-neutral company.
This isn’t The Sauce’s only USP. The app says it’s on a mission to do away with “dry dating” by offering video profiles, so you feel like you’ve met someone before you do. The profiles feature short video clips so you can get a sense of each person’s energy – their voice, their laughter, the way they dance – basically all of the intangible qualities that create attraction in real life. The developers say Wednesday is the most popular day on the app.
Say… Apparently 95% of The Sauce’s first dates lead to a second date – want to test the algorithm?
Do not say… Have a good day bump 😉
POM
USP: For music lovers (NB: not indie sleazebags)
Match according to your musical taste – POM stands for Power of Music. The app uses an emotional algorithm to create a users profile from their imported music library, like Apple or Spotify. As well as asking you six seemingly random questions, it will then analyze your data, including the type of music you listen to, when you listen to it, your reaction when you listen to music, and what it says about your character.
The app was founded by 22-year-old Vihan Patel, who first made the connection between dating and music when he accidentally sent a playlist to the wrong girl at school. After bonding over the playlist, they then dated for a few years. Think about it, you could be next.
Say… Dinner at my place? You bring the playlist.
Do not say… I’m not really a fan of Billie Eilish but I have a thing for goths
String of characters
USP: Talk, don’t text
String was launched last year as a way to make dating during self-isolation more personal. Rather than sending chains of robotic one-liners, the app lets you give your match a voice by sending you voice notes. No texting is allowed: react with an emoji or a voice note.
Say… Hey, I heard this is the only app where you can start a conversation with “hey”.
Do not say… Sorry I can’t believe I’ve been talking for 12 minutes now
Feeling
USP: A sense of (sexual) adventure
This one is for singles and couples and it’s more about helping you find your next connection than anything too serious. You might also learn more about your own sexual identity — users say Feeld has helped them discover polyamory, meet best friends through threesomes, and change their perception of gender. Choose from over 20 sexualities and gender identities to find a partner interested in the same sexual experiences as you. You can associate profiles with a partner if you are already in a relationship or create group chats.
Say… My partner and I like the look of your profile, we are free on Fridays.
Do not say… I’m not very good at all that casual stuff
Taimi
USP: Sexual diversity
Taimi is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ social platform, with nearly nine million users and social features ranging from chat-based networking to video streaming. It’s all about making users feel safe: the app uses multiple layers of verification, 24/7 profile moderation, live support, and PIN/fingerprint/Face ID so that your interactions are in good hands.
Say… I loved your livestream yesterday. Are you looking for something serious, casual or just friendship?
Do not say… What is your address? Ditch the drinks part
Traditional dating club
USP: Personalized Feedback
Traditional Dating Club does not believe in algorithms or computer matching. Founder Dennie Smith runs her site the old-fashioned way, with a small team of five, vetting each profile, sending out dating advice and emailing you if she thinks you should edit your profile. A real life-Cupid.
Say… I would love to show you my favorite sight in London, are you free for a walk tomorrow?
Do not say… Sorry for the radio silence, work has been very busy