Tinder Review: Costs, Experiences, and Functions

You’ve definitely heard about the swipe life. Are you willing to join the tribe? Read our in-depth review of Tinder and see if it can change your dating life.

Tinder Homepage

With more than 30 million members all over the world, you can say that Tinder is now one of the most popular dating apps and sites today. Considered to be the pioneer of the swiping features, Tinder has now become a template and inspiration to new and small dating sites in the market.

Most members are under the GenX age group or those who are around 18-24 years old. Using Tinder requires more than the basic level of knowledge when it comes to using cellphones and computers. No wonder it attracted a lot of younger users than the older ones. Not far behind are the young adults or Millenials.

Sign-Up Process

Tinder Sign Up

In this fast-paced world that we’re living in, everything is instant. People easily get bored with tedious processes and tend to just stop in the middle of it.

Tinder, making it work in the instant lifestyle of the new generation, has a fast and simple registration process.

After downloading the app on your android/ iOS phone or going to its official website on the computer, you can directly proceed to the registration process.

Aside from being free, it just requires you to have a mobile number or a Facebook account for registration. You will be needing your email address for verification purposes.

For mobile number registration, you have to input your details manually. Every step requires you to input the following: your first name, gender (which you can hide on your profile), school (which you can skip), and at least one photo (up to 9 photos).

Profile

Profile information on the site/app is not too detailed. Only the username, age, location, and occupation can be seen when you view the profile page.

A user can also add a short narrative to give another member a hint of his or her personality and interests.

You can upload up to nine photos on your profile. Most members have multiple profile photos. Since you can only share a little information on your profile, profile visitors would expect at least one photo, or else, they might skip on your page and swipe left.

Photo Verification

Tinder allows its members to verify their profile with their profile photos. A verified member will have a checkmark on their profile. However, not all members give time to take the verification process; and since it’s still on the testing stage, it’s only available to select markets.

Banned Contents

Tinder keeps the experience pleasant for all its members. That’s why it set some guidelines for the community to follow. Once a member breaks the rule in uploading a photo or profile information, moderators may remove the said content. Be sure to avoid the following on your Tinder account:

Tinder Profile
  • Nudity
  • Harassment
  • Violence
  • Hate Speech
  • Private Information
  • Spam
  • Promotion
  • Prostitution
  • Scamming
  • Impersonation
  • Minors
  • Copyright Infringement
  • Illegal usage
  • Multiple Accounts
  • Unauthorized Third-Party Apps
  • Account Dormancy

Messaging and Other Functions

Unlike typical dating sites, Tinder limits the sending of messages to members who match (those who mutually like each other). More importantly, sending messages is free. You can also add songs from Spotify, GIF’s, and contact details on any of your accounts on the following social networking apps:

  • WeChat
  • Mobile Number
  • Snapchat
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • KakaoTalk
  • Line
  • Kik
  • VK
  • WhatsApp

Likes You

This feature gives you the chance to see your “likers” and save time from swiping to find a match. However, you may only use this function if you purchase a Tinder Gold Package.

Passport

Without premium membership, you can only see members near your area. Expand your reach by activation your Tinder Passport and connect with members from different parts of the world. It is also available when you subscribe to Tinder Gold.

Rewind

You might find uninteresting members on Tinder, but due to the force of habit of swiping left, you might accidentally miss a potential match. The app offers a rewind feature, which gives you another chance of checking out the member. Rewind is available both in Tinder Gold and Tinder Plus packages.

Super Boost

This feature is still limited to select markets with Tinder Gold or Tinder Plus membership. It’s like the simple boost (where your profile will be highlighted), but your profile will be boosted during peak hours and not only for 30 minutes.

Top Picks

This is one of the newest features of Tinder Gold. It highlights the profiles of the members who have the highest potential to get your right swipe.

Read Receipts

See if your match has read your messages or not. However, you and other members can adjust the privacy settings, which could disregard the effectiveness of this function.

Cost

Tinder Gold

Get to see members who liked your profile and instantly match with them, get access to top picks and unlimited swipes, like as much profile as you want by swiping right, get 1 free boost every month, show your profile only to members who you’ve liked, get your Tinder Passport and match with members from all over the world, show/hide your age and distance, get 5 super likes every day to increase your chances of getting a match, unlimited rewinds to avoid regretting your left swipes, and turn off advertisements.

Tinder Plus

Enjoy unlimited right swipes, skip the line with every boost, skip the line and be the top profile for half an hour, control profiles that shows on your cards (balanced recommendations or recently active), control who can see your profile (standard or exclusive to people who you liked), get your Tinder passport and match with members from all over the world, show or hide your age and distance, get 5 extra super likes every day, rewind your last swipe for unintentional left swipes, and hide advertisements.

Aside from the membership packages above, you may also purchase the boosters individually:

Boost: 1 boost: 4.99 USD, 5 boosts: 22.50 USD, 10 boosts: 36 USD

This function lets you be the top profile in your location for 30minutes. It gives you more chances of getting matches and the attention of other users.

Super Like: 5 super likes: 7 USD; 25 super likes: 27 USD; 60 super likes: 54 USD

Multiply your chances of getting a match by three times when you click and use the super like function.

Note: Deleting your Tinder account doesn’t necessarily cancel your subscription for membership. Make sure to cancel your subscription first before you delete your profile.

App

Tinder is more popular and generally more convenient to use in the app. Data show that most members prefer using it than the desktop version.

It has an inviting layout and design. However, members who are not very technical might need some time to get used to all the features that the app can offer. Several icons need to be memorized because you cannot take back a wrong click.

What makes the app better is it makes the swiping experience more convenient and literally just on the tip of your finger. Unlike when using the desktop, you will still need to navigate using the mouse or mousepad. It’s a little less appealing.

Connecting your social media accounts is much easier using the app when you are already logged in on your mobile.

During testing, no crash or glitch was observed.

You may download the app for free using the Apple Store or Google Play Store.

Tinder is the first dating app that I’ve tried. I was so excited to use it and bought the gold membership right away. It’s fun, but you might need to add more patience if you are looking for a long-term relationship. Most of the matches I got just like flings. –Yanna, 24

I met my girlfriend on Tinder. I did not expect it, but we’re happy that we’ve matched. We’ll be celebrating our anniversary soon. I didn’t even have to buy any booster! -Mark, 27

This app is not for me. I don’t really understand how it works. I always click on the wrong icon, wasting the additional boosters which I’ve bought. Maybe, it’s time for me to find a much simpler dating site.Troy, 41

Conclusion

Tinder gave the world the hype and brought online dating to a new level. It became so popular all over the world because of its “swipe” feature. However, the lack of profile information and lenient verification process makes it less appealing, especially for people who are very conscious about their safety. Nonetheless, Tinder is a legitimate site and app for people wanting to meet other members who meet their expectations, at least for the physical appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Facts

What is Tinder?

A matchmaking site that highlights it’s “swipe feature.”

Who owns Tinder?

Match Group Inc., owns and operates the site. Its headquarters is located at 8750 North Central Expressway, Suite 1400 Dallas, TX 75231, USA.

What is Tinder Hot Picks?

Top picks refer to the members who you will most probably like based on your interest.

What does the blue star mean on Tinder?

The blue star means that the member super likes you.

Is Tinder a hook-up app?

It can be considered as a hook-up app since reports show that members use it for flings and one-night stands.

Usability

How to start a conversation on Tinder?

You have to be matched with a member before you can send a message. Once you meet your match, the conversation box will show up in your inbox.

How to get more matches on Tinder?

Get some boosters or purchase the gold or plus memberships.

How to cancel Tinder?

Scroll down to the bottom of the settings page and press “Delete Account.” You will be asked if you prefer to just pause your account or end everything there.

How does Tinder matching work?

Tinder uses its algorithms to match members based on the available data and profile pictures. You cannot manually choose members to contact.

Can I manually search for members on Tinder?

No. You can only view the random members shown to you. Tinder has nos searching feature.

Do you need Facebook for Tinder?

You can sign-up using your Facebook account. However, it is not necessary to have it since you have other options in signing up.

Membership and Fees

What is the difference between Tinder Gold and Tinder Plus?

Tinder Gold ad Tinder Plus offers almost the same features. However, Gold has more features like “Likes You,” “Passport,” and “Top Picks.”

How to cancel Tinder Gold/ Tinder Plus subscription?

Go to the “Subscription Page” and click on “Cancel Subscription.”

Is Tinder free?

You can use it for free. However, to maximize the use of its features, you can purchase any membership package or boosters.

How to pay for Tinder membership subscription?

You can pay using your credit card or debit card when using the desktop version. You have the option to pay to Apple Store or Google Play Store if you are using the app.

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