Tinder Review - Is One of the OGs Still Worth It? [2024]

What Is Tinder & What is Tinder Used For?

Girl, if you’re not familiar with Tinder yet, that means you’ve been blessed in your dating life and maybe this Tinder review isn’t for you. 😆 I’m kidding… kind of. Tinder is one of the OG dating apps that made “swipe right” a thing in pop culture.

But, is Tinder a hookup app? Like I said, Tinder was originally a hookup app for those who just wanted to find someone and have a one night stand with with no strings attached, but it’s really grown up to become an app that connected people on both a love and friendship level. Sure, it’s still a bit synonymous with casual hookups, but there are features for those looking for long-term love as well. I remember it being simple and intuitive, so let’s dive in and see if that’s still the case.

The TLDR; on Tinder

With its intuitive swipe-based system and large user base, Tinder provides a flexible and dynamic approach to dating. It caters to individuals unsure about committing to a long-term relationship but still desires meaningful connections and enjoyable experiences.

How to delete Tinder account: They make it way easier than certain other dating sites. Just head to your profile and tap “delete account” or use “manage my account” to do the same thing. This will get rid of all messages, images, etc so it’ll be like you never existed.

Does deleting Tinder account cancel subscription? No, and ask me how I know. 🙃The Tinder subscription will keep recurring, so you’re gonna have to cancel it from whatever device you’re using the app on (iOS, Android) or from the main website.

What is the Tinder ‘hide account’ feature? Pretty much what it sounds like. If you’re wondering how to hide Tinder for a bit, it’s super easy. I hid my account for a week or two because I was just getting way too many matches. Basically, using this will hide your account from being recommended but you can still be seen by those you liked and connected with. Woot.

Can you send pictures on Tinder? Nah, sorry… you can’t. Which is kinda nice because I couldn’t even TELL you how many dick pics I’ve gotten within 48 hours of signing up for a lot of dating sites that allow this. You can def move off Tinder messaging and into text messages where you’re free to do so.

Does Tinder notify screenshots being taken? No! Serial screenshot sharers, rejoice. I love sharing screenshots of chats with my girlfriends for a laugh or advice so this is nice.

Does Tinder Have an App?

You know it, bb! Who doesn’t nowadays? Tinder has a web version, and apps for iOS/Android.

What’s the Sign Up Process & How Does Tinder Work?

First of all, after I chose my signup method, I had to verify with a phone number. While it’s entirely possible to use a VOIP number for this, having that extra step could ward off those who aren’t serious, or aren’t comfortable verifying with a phone number.

Getting started on Tinder was quick and straightforward after I got over the whole phone number thing. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the registration process:

1. You can either download the app or sign up directly on their website. I used the site.

2. You’re given the option to create an account with your Google email, FB or phone number.

   

3. After that, you’re dropped into the section to start creating your profile.

   Their profile screen was actually really nice compared to some of the other dating apps. +1 for Tinder.

   

   As a side note, I also tried using a “fake” profile picture and account to see how high the bar for verification was set, and it got rejected – requiring me to send picture of myself doing poses that they sent over. So if you’re concerned about safety and catfishing, they’re taking some steps to prevent that.

4. Customize your profile by adding who you’re looking for, what gender you identify with, what your relationship intent is (this has emojis, which makes my heart sing), your passions, and sexual orientation.

   What I liked was their “passions” weren’t just sexual passions or interests, like the majority of hookup dating sites. These were actually centered around things like skin care, fishing, etc.

   There was also the ability to add pronouns and a number of gender options, which a lot of other dating sites lack.

   

   Depending on how much you want others to know about you, you can also connect your Instagram and Spotify account. If you’re an audiophile who connects over music, this could be perfect for you OR if you’re someone like me who judges people based on their music… it’s a nice way to rule out some dudes.

   Once that was finished up, it was onto the matches.

Hook Me Up! How Does Tinder Matching Work?

Searching and matching on Tinder is different than most dating sites. Instead of being able to actively search for hookups (or connections), you have Discovery settings for who you’d like to find, and then Tinder uses its “Powering Tinder” algorithm to serve you potential dates on a platter!

Since I’ve had search fatigue lately, I was all for Tinder playing algorithmic matchmaker. So this is what you can expect,

• Swipe Right: Tinder's iconic swipe feature works like this: You swipe right, they swipe right, boom. Connection.
• Location-Based Matching: Tinder also takes into account your location, which is typical.
• Discovery Preferences: Like I mentioned, Tinder uses your discovery preferences where you can customize who your potential matches could be based on specific criteria such as age range, gender, and distance.
• Your Past Swipes: Obvi they take into account your past swipes – who you like and didn’t like – to power up more matches for you.

There are also profile badges, so you’ll be able to see who is most likely to chat/reply, who is new, and who is within 6 miles of you.

My job was to just sign in and swipe.

Is Tinder Free? (Sorta)

Yep, there’s the normal free Tinder app that we all know and love. I was able to match with potential dates, chat with them and ‘meet’, but that’s about it. I was also served a ton of ads and limited on my Swipes.

Tinder’s Free Membership Features

We love a freebie where we can try things out before committing.

• Profile Creation: As a free member, you can create a profile, add photos or videos, and write a bio representing your personality.
• Swipe Right: You can swipe right on profiles that interest you and initiate matches if the other person also swipes right on your profile.
• Limited Swipes: Free members have a limited number of swipes daily, so you have to be a wee bit selective with your swipes.
• “Face to Face”: This was introduced a few years ago and allows you to video chat with matches if both people have it enabled. As you probably know by now, I’m not particularly shy when it comes to video chats so this was a major plus for me.

The free membership is great to get your toes wet, and I was able to find some decent connections. I did end up upgrading to try the different subscriptions however, so I could have a little less limitation.

Tinder+, Tinder Gold & Tinder Platinum Subscriptions:

The Tinder dating app has quite a few levels for paid memberships. Here’s an image and TLDR; directly from Tinder since it’s easier than me trying to explain all the nuances to you…

The names of Tinder’s paid subscriptions are,

• Tinder+
• Tinder Gold
• Tinder Platinum

So is Tinder Gold or Tinder Platinum worth it? If you’re unsure which one you want to use, you can always try the lower one and then upgrade (which is what I did). You’ll be able to get features like…

• Unlimited Likes: Any tier gives you access to like as many hunks as possible.
• Passport: Another feature of any tier, Passport lets you change your location when you’re on the road and ready to meet some hotties in your area. Heading out to visit your parents? SWIPE. Roped into a business trip? SWIPE.
• Boosts and Super Likes: This feature is available in Gold and Platinum. You can make your profile appear at the top and your like will be top priority. For me, it feels a little desperate, let’s be honest. Just cause I see you more, doesn’t mean I wanna meet you.
• Message Before Matching: Don’t want to match with someone? Bypass the tape through this Platinum exclusive feature.
• The “Rewind” Feature: Don’t rush to Craig List’s “missed connections” section just yet! If you accidentally (or purposely, and then felt immediate regret) swiped past someone, you're able to rewind back to that profile if you’re a paid subscriber.

From what I tried out when upgrading and downgrading, I was totally ok with Tinder+. If you’re really trying to connect with as many people as possible and want maximum usage out of the app, Tinder Gold or Tinder Platinum makes sense, but I was pretty happy with what Tinder+ offered me.

What Sets Tinder Apart?

Tinder stands out among dating apps for several reasons:

1. Deeper Profiles: The user base seems a lot more “real” than some other hookup or casual dating apps. With their intense verification process for photos, the percentage of people on Tinder that are catfishing is likely much, much lower than other dating apps.
2. Integration of Social Media: Tinder allows users to link their Instagram and Spotify accounts to their profiles, giving potential matches a deeper glimpse into their interests, hobbies, and music preferences.
3. The Passport Feature: If you’re going to be traveling for work or hitting the road, it’s nice to be able to cast a line out before you arrive.
4. The “AI Bio” Feature: This isn’t fully rolled out to everyone so I’m not sure if this is going to be free or one of the paid subscriptions, but since I heard of it I checked to see if I had it yet. Since creating profile bios (especially when using multiple dating sites) can feel grueling, I’m hopeful this can help lighten the load and make me sound less robotic than it does when I create my own. 😅
5. Community Events Like Swipe Night: Swipe Night is an interactive series, and it looks like they’re releasing their second “season” in the fall of 2023. Even though there’s a long time in-between them, it still creates more of a “community” feel around the Tinder dating app.
6. Swipe Party: This doesn’t seem like it fully rolled out yet but I wanted to point it out, because I saw documentation when poking around. Wanna let your girlfriends (or guy friends!) swipe with you? If this fully releases and allows guests to come in and virtually swipe with you, it could be a game-changer in terms of dating. The question is, do you trust your friends? Lol.

The Good and Bad of Tinder

Even though Tinder is everyone, it’s not PERFECT. So what did I like and what could I have done without?

The Good Stuff

There’s a reason this app is still going! Here are some reasons why I vibe with it:

• Large User Base: As much as those niche dating apps are great, it sucks when there’s no one in your town. I don’t really have that issue in the city, but I’d imagine for al limited dating site with only tens of thousands of users, you’re not gonna connect with people if you’re in a smaller town or a non-metro area.
• Simple and Clean: Installing, signing up, and using the app isn’t complicated. Tinder was the OG in revolutionizing this and still is.
• Built on Mutual Interest: Tinder makes both parties match with each other before messaging. No having to deal with unsolicited messages from gross guys!

The Bad Stuff

There wasn’t much I disliked about Tinder but…

• It’s Superficial: They say you can’t judge a book by its cover… but people will swipe left if you ain’t looking your best.
• Too Many Intentions: Tinder is considered both a place for casual flings and for true love. It’s possible that you’re looking for fun and the other is looking to put a ring on it, which can get awkward.
• Paid Tier After Paid Tier: I know every app has a paid tier system, but Tinder has a whopping three tiers, with some of them going against the vibe of the site itself. Like Platinum users can message you even if you swipe left. Ew.

So, is Tinder a Good Dating App?

Tinder is still one of the GOATs of dating, and it’s easy to see why. It has so many users, and is the right balance between superficial flings and maybe something more. It’s kinda like a Swiss Army Knife where it has a little bit of everything, and while there may be better sites depending on your dating needs, everyone has tried it for a reason!

I’m gonna stay on there for a little bit longer and exercise my swipe hand.

Visit Tinder.com