Global – Tinder’s 2024 Year in Swipe report offers a snapshot of modern dating in the US, the UK, Australia and Canada, showcasing how singles are planning to meet their black cat girlfriend, golden retriever boyfriend and cinnamon rolls. Among the many trends mentioned, such as having a brain rot romance, love potioning and cherry bombing, a prominent one is the friends-to-lovers pipeline, which highlights a shift towards deeper emotional connections. According to the report, 25% of singles surveyed now prioritise friendship as the foundation for romantic relationships, reflecting a desire for long-term compatibility.
In addition, running club relationships, where fitness intersects with romance, are also emerging. More singles are joining running groups and intramural sports to bond over shared interests, with 28% of survey respondents listing shared passions as their top must-have for potential partners in 2025.
Technology plays a growing role in modern matchmaking with D-AI-ting, where AI tools assist in crafting profiles, selecting photos and boosting communication confidence. A remarkable 68% of those surveyed said they would welcome AI assistance in photo selection.
For more insights on the social behaviours of Gen Z, check out our Gen Z Dating Futures report.
Strategic opportunity
Consider how you can foster a safe and inviting environment for singles to harness organic platonic and romantic relationships. Create slower-paced dating alternatives like book clubs, hobby meet-ups or creative workshops to cater for the friends-to-lovers pipeline