Given the technological advancements in social media in recent years, dating apps are taking new and exciting new approaches to bring singles together in 2023. As TikTok and Instagram continue to drive online traffic, many dating apps have begun using similar photo filtering and video-based content for like-minded singles to find common ground, develop a romance, and share similar interests.
For singles sick of swiping right and left and want to try a new dating app that bucks tradition and aspires to use new matchmaking methods, the most inventive ones in 2023 have a little something for everyone.
Bumble
While Bumble retains the trampled swiping formula, it's hard to ignore the shifted power dynamic that has given women much more agency in the online dating space that the innovative app has provided. A dating tool for women designed by women, Bumble puts the power in their hands by allowing them to make the first move, a major technological shakeup that leaves the predatory nature of online male courtship behind.
While Bumble is designed to empower women, it's important to note that same-sex relationships do not require any gender to make the first move. The app also has networking and friendship functions that reduce the pressure of finding a date and eliminates matches once a spark fades, allowing true romances to develop naturally.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Billed as an app for busy daters, Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) does away with the stale swiping selection mechanism altogether. Rather than scrolling through a Rolodex of photos, the app sends a list of potential matches each day at noon, using an intelligent algorithm that curates specific matches for every user based on their preferences. The idea is to forge a long, meaningful romance than a quick short-term fling.
Once the app sends a list of potential matches, aka "Bagels," an 8-day window is marked on the app's calendar to encourage both users to join the conversation and go from there. A great, highly-reviewed dating app geared for those with limited time and busy schedules but still want to make meaningful relationships, CMB is a worthy option in 2023.
Feeld
In 2023, few things are more important than being comfortable in one's own skin. Billed as being "on a mission to open up the future of human connection through normalising sexual desire," Feeld is an innovative dating app for singles and curious couples alike. Also doing away with the tired swiping format, Feeld allows people to be open and honest with their sexual desires and similar-minded matches to help rid the stigma and become as comfortable as possible.
With its unique "Digital For Play" feature, Feeld enables singles to chat using floating bubble-like avatars that are much more fun and engaging than simple swiping apps. Avatars can tap to tease matches, bounce, make sounds, flirt, tickle, touch, poke, and squeeze their matches, giving a playfully immersive aspect to rival the best photo editing and sharing apps.
Happn
Essentially the Waze of dating, Happn is a location-based dating app that allows users to pursue those heart-crushing missed connections in public or on vacation, allowing users to find their real-life crush online ASAP. Anyone who's ever made eye contact with a passing single and regretted not making a move, Happn is here to prevent such squandered chances.
With over 100 million members, the famous French app does not rely on simply scanning through countless digital headshots in hopes of finding an attractive match. Instead, the app gives users the impetus and agency to locate a person they physically crossed paths with, giving the unique app a sense of romantic kismet that is more charming than most.
Hily
Short for "Hey I Like You," Hily is an acclaimed new dating app that encourages users to attract each other by posting personal videos, stories, likes, and comments, all of which are analyzed and used to match romantic partners accurately. For TikTokers especially, Hily is a breath of fresh air and a trend sure to continue as video becomes the preferred media tool in 2023.
The idea behind Hily is to get singles to push past the pressure of beginning the first conversation through its innovative Icebreakers, Compatibility Matches, and video-based Environment that encourages users to create fun, engaging videos, meet up during live streams, and enjoy safe private video dates.
Kippo
Built specifically for gamers and VR enthusiasts, Kippo is a mobile-only dating app that allows gamers from all over the world to come together, find common ground, and romantically bond through the mutual love of video games. With a stylish and unique UI, customizable profiles, and an immersive arcade-like digital realm, Kippo also uses chat-only communication, which is far different from most dating apps in 2023.
Although the dating app may seem like a gimmicky novelty, according to PC Mag, "Kippo is a slick and capable service that gives you lots of room for uniquely nerdy expression." As such, shy gamers that are used to hiding behind a screen can be themselves and find like-minded partners.
Lex
Most dating apps prioritize physical appearance as the main attractor to meet matches. For LGBTQ+ singles that want to make deeper connections first, Lex (short for Lexicon) is a text-based dating app that allows users to text first and send selfies second, a refreshing formula that bucks most industry trends and allows for honest connections that go beyond the superficiality of skin-deep looks.
Lex also actively works to delete hate speech of any kind, including transphobia, racism, fatphobia, ableism, and more to ensure the most positive and loving environment for queer singles to find their matches and start a happy romance. A great app also designed to help de-stress from typical dating services, Lex is hard to beat.
Nuit
For those who prefer leaving their romantic fate to the stars, Nuit is a one-of-a-kind dating app that pairs matches based on their zodiac sign and unique astrological traits. Singles will no longer hope to avoid a doomed Cancer/Ares or Taurus/Aquarius union, as Nuit will do the work and save them a lot of time, energy, and unwanted heartbreak.
According to the Nuit website, the app "merges Western astrology with technology by introducing a new method of Matching, Meeting, and Connecting that uses a unique algorithm based on Natal Chart Synastry." Rather than swiping, the app generates accurate matches using four key Cosmic Connection Insights: Romance, Magnetism, Business, and Friendship, allowing starry-eyed romantics to find their soulmates and instantly set up expectations for a first date.
Raya
Arguably the VIP of dating apps, Raya is a high-end, ultra-exclusive service that requires a referral membership from a current user. Geared for the rich and famous, those who want the full experience may want to apply for membership, although getting approved may be more difficult than most.
In order to set up a Raya profile, users must link their account to their Instagram and create a photo montage set to music. The app fosters a FOMO secret-society vibe and also disallows the use of screenshots of famous individuals, separating itself from most ordinary swipe-based dating apps like Tinder and its underrated features in 2023.
Thursday
The fatigue and pressure of using dating apps every day can be overwhelming and lead to low morale. Thankfully, Thursday remedies the repetition by functioning one day a week (every Thursday), allowing singles to enjoy their daily lives without the hassle of remaining on their phone or computers for unhealthy amounts of time.
Marketed as "the offline dating app," Thursday lies dormant all week until the titular weekday arrives, at which point exclusive events are thrown to help singles meet, flirt, chat, and arrange real-life dates. The members-only app is best used in big cities like London and New York but is also expanding to more areas in 2023 for everyone to try out.