Tinder has launched its annual 12 months in Swipe™ report, highlighting the largest courting developments in 2024… and never everybody was in search of a person in finance, belief fund, 6’5″.
Find it irresistible, or hate it, Tinder has been downloaded, deleted, and downloaded once more by hundreds of thousands of South Africans this yr. The 2024 Tinder courting developments don’t lie, cheat, or catfish.
South African singer and actuality star Christall Kay made headlines earlier this yr when she revealed she met her “summer time romance”, an Argentinian “bae” on Tinder.
In July this yr, an outdated Tinder profile of Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson went viral on social media.
In response to Statista, Tinder was downloaded greater than 6.1 million occasions in June 2024, making it essentially the most downloaded courting software on the planet, together with South Africa.
2024 TREND SHOWS SINGLES WANT A GENUINE CONNECTION
The Tinder 2024 pattern has shifted towards intentional courting, with singletons specializing in authenticity and significant connections.
Melissa Hobley, Tinder’s Chief Advertising Officer stated in 2024 daters acquired clear on what they needed and are heading into 2025 with unapologetic intentions.
“Singles are embracing intentionality of their courting lives—being upfront about what they need and refusing to settle. This shift has pushed three standout developments: Loud Trying, Kiss-met, and Nano-ships.
“These developments are all about empowering selection—whether or not it’s confidently stating your wants whereas Loud Trying, savouring serendipitous moments by Kiss-mets, or discovering that means in micro-connections with Nano-ships. Whereas final yr was targeted on ‘courting for the plot’ and casually exploring this yr, singles are stepping up, main with objective, and making their courting journeys actually their very own,” she stated.
DATING TRENDS FROM 2024 THAT WE TAKE INTO 2025
Loud LookingSingles said their needs upfront to keep away from guesswork. “On the lookout for…” was Tinder’s prime bio phrase in 2024, signalling a transfer away from uncertainty. With belief, attraction, and shared values as priorities, singles are setting clear boundaries and avoiding combined indicators.
Kiss-metInspired by “kismet” (future/ destiny), this pattern revolves round spontaneous, unscripted moments. Whether or not it’s a sweaty hike or a pottery class, 2024 daters leaned into actual, unplanned connections. In 2025, this pattern will develop as singles prioritise authenticity over inflexible courting guidelines.
Nano-shipsEven temporary interactions, like a passing smile or a every day textual content, turned significant. These “Nano-ships” mirror the worth of small romantic moments. In 2025, singles will proceed to embrace these micro-connections, specializing in positivity and pleasure whereas trying to find deeper relationships.
Courting as a Workforce SportFriends performed a significant function in courting choices, with many singles counting on their social circles for recommendation and pre-screening potential matches. Astrology additionally influenced courting, with Virgos, Leos, and Geminis main the likes on Tinder. In 2025, singles are anticipated to give attention to fewer, extra significant connections whereas contemplating compatibility past simply their dates.
Communication is kingClear and sincere communication turned a prime precedence. Singles sought companions who had been reliable, emotionally out there, and shared comparable values and pursuits. Golden Retriever sorts (loyal, optimistic, and pleasant) topped the want checklist, whereas unhealthy hygiene and extreme discuss exes had been main deal-breakers.
WHAT WAS HOT IN 2024
High Emojis in Bios:
🎀: Playful and mysterious.
☁: Acknowledging the ups and downs of courting.
🎒: Journey-seeking daters.
🖐: Honesty and transparency.
🦉: Late-night chats and deep connections.
Quickest Rising Pursuits:
Gaming, spa days, playlists, heavy steel, and new music had been prime developments, reflecting various pursuits.
Most Enticing Star Indicators:
For males: Gemini, Taurus, Virgo.
For ladies: Virgo, Leo, Gemini.
THE YEAR MAY BE OVER, BUT ONLINE DATING IS HERE TO STAY
Singles are getting into 2025 with objective, rejecting outdated courting norms and specializing in significant, intentional connections. With developments like ‘Loud Trying’ and ‘Kiss-mets’, the way forward for courting is all about embracing readability, spontaneity, and the small moments that make romance magical.
Carry on 2025 and get swiping.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE DID MORE (OR LESS) OF ON TINDER?
Tell us by clicking on the remark tab beneath this text or by emailing information@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can too comply with @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Fb for the newest information.