Digest: Australia’s Rural ‘Howdy’ App | Dating Apps Hit $6.18B Revenue

Global dating app revenues topped $6.18 billion in 2024 with projections to reach $8.9 billion by 2030. North America drives half the revenue despite declining downloads, proving users stick with apps longer. Tinder still dominates with 30% market share, while Hinge surged 38% to $550M revenue.
​https://www.businessofapps.com/news/dating-app-revenues-exceeded-6bn-north-america-drove-50-percent

New Australian dating app “Howdy” targets rural singles addressing the notorious “man drought” in country towns. The platform matches farmers, ranchers, and rural workers who struggle with city-focused dating apps. Finally, an app where “knows how to milk a cow” is actually a desirable skill rather than weird hobby.
​https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/victoria/mia-ryans-new-dating-app-howdy-aims-to-tackle-rural-man-drought/news-story/20e5e46e3f7e77c0a41037a58c9399d8

AI-only dating app becomes hit with married men according to reports showing unusual engagement patterns. The platform features exclusively AI-generated women, raising questions about authenticity in digital relationships. Apparently some guys prefer conversations that can’t lead to actual dates – commitment issues much?
​https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/dating-app-with-only-ai-women-becomes-a-hit-with-married-men-3244419

MillionaireMatch cracks down on AI-generated profile photos as deepfake technology infiltrates high-end dating platforms. The crackdown highlights authenticity concerns in luxury matchmaking where wealth verification matters as much as actual appearance. When even rich people can’t tell what’s real anymore, you know we’ve hit peak fake it ’til you make it.
​https://www.einpresswire.com/article/842077322/millionairematch-cracks-down-on-ai-generated-photos-to-keep-trust-in-millionaire-dating

Trans-inclusive features boost engagement on niche platforms according to new industry data. Dating apps adding comprehensive gender identity options see higher user retention and longer session times. Progress tastes like better metrics.
​https://www.globaldatinginsights.com/featured/trans-inclusive-features-drive-engagement-on-niche-dating-platforms

India’s traditional matchmaking industry adapts to changing expectations as younger users demand progressive features while parents maintain conservative preferences. The tension creates opportunities for culturally adaptive dating software solutions that bridge generational gaps. Nothing says modern romance like navigating arranged marriage apps with your progressive values intact.
​https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/08/08/from-matchmakers-to-market-makers-why-the-marriage-industry-must-evolve/

Pure dating app launches major rebranding campaign using programmatic Connected TV advertising to escape its “anonymous hookup” reputation. The company scored placements on Roku, Sling, and YouTube after Hulu and Netflix declined their ads (ouch). Their “Pleasure is Power” campaign targets Gen Z city dwellers because apparently nothing says authentic connection like buying programmatic TV ads.
​https://www.globaldatinginsights.com/featured/pure-dating-app-turns-to-programmatic-ctv-in-major-rebrand-push

Hinge CEO Justin McLeod unleashed on Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg for suggesting AI chatbots could replace real friendships, calling the idea “junk food” for lonely people. McLeod argued that dating AI is “playing with fire” and won’t solve the loneliness epidemic since young people already spend 70% less time with friends IRL than 20 years ago. Apparently even dating app CEOs think we need to touch grass more often.
​https://www.aol.com/junk-food-hinge-ceo-calls-133347732.html

Grindr’s Q3 revenue hit $104.2M, up 27% year-over-year with CEO George Arison declaring 2025 “about accelerating execution.” The company’s building “gAI” (pronounced “gay-eye”), a foundational AI model trained on queer-specific language and cultural norms. Finally, artificial intelligence that understands the nuance of “masc4masc.”
​https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250731480736/en/Grindr-Announces-CFO-Transition