Tinder is experimenting with a new artificial intelligence–driven feature aimed at addressing one of online dating’s most persistent complaints: swipe fatigue.
The feature, called Chemistry, was introduced last quarter and is currently being tested in Australia. Designed to reduce the need for endless profile swiping, Chemistry uses AI to learn about users through interactive questions and, with explicit permission, by analyzing photos from their phone’s camera roll to better understand interests and personality traits.
During Match Group’s fourth-quarter 2026 earnings call, an analyst from Morgan Stanley asked for an update on the product’s performance. Match CEO Spencer Rascoff said the feature remains in early testing but described it as a new “AI-native” way for users to engage with Tinder.
Rather than swiping through dozens of profiles, Rascoff explained, users can answer prompts that allow the system to surface a limited number of highly targeted matches. “The idea is to get one or two meaningful options instead of scrolling endlessly,” he said, positioning the feature as a direct response to user fatigue.
Chemistry currently combines conversational Q&A with optional photo analysis, but Match indicated that the underlying AI could be applied more broadly across the app in the future. The core goal, according to the company, is to reduce the cognitive load users experience when faced with an overwhelming number of profiles.
The push toward AI comes as Tinder and other dating platforms grapple with slowing growth. In the fourth quarter, Tinder’s new user registrations declined 5% year over year, while monthly active users fell 9%. Match said those figures represent modest improvements compared to earlier quarters, crediting AI-driven changes such as reordering profile recommendations for women and other product experiments.
Looking ahead, Match says it is focusing on Gen Z concerns, including relevance, authenticity, and trust. Tinder is redesigning its discovery experience to feel less repetitive and expanding the use of safety tools like Face Check, a facial verification system that the company says has cut interactions with bad actors by more than half.
Tinder’s gradual shift away from its signature swipe mechanic could mark a meaningful change for the app that popularized the format. While swiping creates the sense of unlimited choice, successful matches still depend on mutual interest, often leading to frustration rather than connection. More curated, AI-driven recommendations could reshape how users engage with the platform.
Financially, Match reported a stronger-than-expected quarter, posting revenue of $878 million and earnings per share of 83 cents, exceeding Wall Street estimates. However, softer forward guidance initially pushed the stock lower before it rebounded in premarket trading.
Alongside product changes, Match plans to step up marketing efforts. The company has committed $50 million to promoting Tinder this year, including creator-led campaigns on TikTok and Instagram meant to reposition the app as culturally relevant again. As Rascoff put it, the message will be simple: Tinder is “cool again.”
