In the present digital era, dating has taken a new turn with the advent of dating applications. These platforms, designed to match individuals based on shared interests, have morphed from generic platforms like Tinder and Bumble to more niche-centric platforms. But are these dating apps becoming too specialized? Let’s dive into this intriguing trend.
The Emergence of Niche Dating Apps
The conventional wisdom in dating circles is to seek out individuals with similar interests or lifestyles. From music tastes to hobbies, shared interests form the foundation of many successful relationships. The digital dating scene, however, has become increasingly complex and sometimes overwhelming. A study conducted in 2022 revealed that about 80 percent of online daters experience burnout or fatigue.
Zachary Zane, a sex columnist and relationship expert for Fun Factory, explains that even platforms marketed as dating apps sometimes serve as venues for casual hookups rather than serious relationships. This has driven love-seekers to embrace their unique interests and venture into the world of niche dating apps.
The Allure of Specialized Dating Apps
Niche dating apps cater to a myriad of specific shared interests. From vegans and farmers to Disney enthusiasts, dog lovers, and even specific music genres, there seems to be a dating app for any interest under the sun. But the real question is, are these specialized apps truly successful?
Kendra*, a 36-year-old devout vegan, swears by this approach. After months of unsuccessful attempts on Hinge, Kendra switched to Veggly, a dating app for vegans and vegetarians. This switch, she says, felt like a breath of fresh air. There was no more guessing about someone’s dietary preferences, and everyone on the platform shared the same mindset.
Shared Interests: A Critical Component
A recent study by Healthy Framework revealed that 61 percent of daters use dating apps to meet people with common interests. Similarly, a study from the Pew Research Center found that 64 percent of married Americans believe shared interests are very important for a successful marriage.
In Kendra’s case, her vegan lifestyle is of “utmost importance,” and finding a partner with the same diet was crucial. Within a week of using Veggly, she met Dave, her partner of three years. Kendra believes that the decision to switch to a niche dating app was one of the best she ever made.
The Argument for Quality Over Quantity
Alex Felipelli, founder of Similar Souls, a company that creates niche dating apps, argues that these platforms offer users a higher chance of finding a compatible match. He believes that while the pool of potential partners may be smaller, the quality of matches is significantly higher.
Felipelli’s company runs Veggly and Lefty, a dating app for progressives. Veggly, which was launched in 2019, boasts a user base of 1.2 million people worldwide. Their website is filled with success stories from around the globe, indicating that these niche apps have indeed found some measure of success.
Jessica Alderson, co-founder and relationship expert at So Syncd, a personality-type dating app, believes that the crowded dating app market provides an opportunity for niche dating apps to flourish.
The Pitfalls of Too-Specific Niches
While some niche dating apps have found success, others have struggled. Tabby, a dating app for cat lovers, and its sibling app, Dig for dog lovers, both shut down after a short run. Felipelli theorizes that these niches didn’t succeed because being a cat or dog lover isn’t necessarily a deeply-held value for many people.
The Future of Niche Dating Apps
Despite the failure of some niche apps, the success of others shows that there is a market for these specialized platforms. Zane argues that there’s no such thing as “too niche” when it comes to dating. If an app is helping people connect, then it’s working.
But have we exhausted all possible dating niches? Zane believes we might have, while Felipelli is currently researching potential new niches for Similar Souls to explore. Only time will tell what the future holds for the world of niche dating apps.
