Research shows that for finding true love online, users turn to mobile apps instead of dating websites.

Online dating users are beginning to dump dating websites in favor of mobile dating apps. The number of unique visitors to dating websites has fallen 39% from April 2015 to April 2016. Meanwhile, unique visitors to mobile dating apps increased 16%  in the same time period.

dating industry trends
Audience of online dating sites vs. mobile dating apps

With these growth trends, mobile apps can outpace dating websites in the online dating market within three years. Right now, there are already several mobile apps, but all of them are still able to build their own user base.

average daily time spent
Average time spent daily by users on mobile dating apps

Users of Grindr, for instance, give more than half an hour per day to use the app. Meanwhile, users of OKCupid, Match and Tinder devote 13 to 15 minutes of their day to find the best date. In Asia, Tinder is the most-loved app among users, followed by Badoo, Momo, Paktor, YYC, Heartbeep and iPair: Meet your Match.

Most downloaded dating Apps in AsiaMobile dating apps that attract users in Asia

With more users turning to mobile apps, the online dating market remains promising even if there are plenty of fish in the sea. Some dating websites have already realized the trend and are churning out mobile versions to stay afloat in the market.

Online dating website Firstmet has already rolled out a mobile version to appeal to more users. The Match Group and the infamous AshleyMadison website have also followed suit. Sparks network, which owns JDate and ChristianMingle.com, also released mobile apps of these sites in both Android and iOS platforms to continue serving Jewish and Christian singles.

This transition to mobile apps reflects the preference of users for mobile devices due to ease of use and convenience. For online dating sites, this means that they should move toward releasing a mobile app or a mobile version of their site to stay competitive in the market. After all, this will help ensure that their users remain faithful to them, and prevent them from being dumped out in the cold.

If you would like to learn more on how to better monetize dating app or website, contact us at bizdev@paymentwall.com.

Data provided by Courtland Brooks & Online Personals Watch.

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