India has long been known for arranged marriages, but the arrival of dating apps has shaken things up. Online dating is still fairly new here, kicking off with Tinder’s launch in 2014, but it has grown massively since. The Indian dating scene is packed with options, featuring 10 big platforms and plenty of smaller ones. Over the last years, user sign-ups have increased and are likely to grow by another 1.5 times by 2027. More people are turning to these apps, with user penetration expected to rise, making it one of the fastest-growing industries in terms of new users.
But dating apps in India are not just about romance. They are also used for making friends, career networking, and keeping in touch with people. However, they are still very male-dominated, with men making up around 67% of the 31 million users (Lingutla & Kumar, 2022). Despite this, these platforms have changed the way first impressions work, removing the barriers of location and time.
Why Are Dating Apps So Popular in India?
A few key reasons explain why dating apps are booming in India. More young adults are staying single for longer, choosing to focus on their careers before settling down. Changing attitudes towards dating, greater internet access, and the need for social interaction—especially after COVID—have all played a role. Many users are now more particular, considering things like career, age, and hobbies rather than just physical looks.
“I joined a dating app to find a boyfriend. I was not able to find one the traditional way. This was a lot easier.”
Harshita, Ph.D student, Rourkela
Key psychological factors driving their success include:
- Apps like Tinder simplify the dating process, making it intuitive and accessible, which appeals to users seeking an extension of real-world dating.
- Users are motivated not only to find partners but also to understand how others perceive them, satisfying intellectual curiosity.
- Common patterns across apps, such as swiping, ease the learning curve and increase adoption rates.
- The act of swiping and matching releases dopamine, reinforcing the idea that meeting more people increases the chances of finding the right partner.
- Users feel more comfortable finding partners on apps compared to traditional dating, where they might feel observed.
While dating apps have introduced new ways to meet people in a society traditionally dominated by arranged marriages, they come with challenges too.
Major Pain Points for Indian Dating App Users
- People using misleading pictures that look nothing like them.
- Time wasted on bad dates.
- Unclear dating intentions, leading to confusion and frustration.
- Catfishing and spam profiles.
- Being ghosted without any explanation.
- Safety concerns, especially for women.
- False information about age, career, or relationship status.
How Dating Apps Influence Self-Esteem and Confidence
Dating apps have a mixed impact on self-esteem. On the one hand, they offer a boost when someone matches with interesting people, but they also create anxiety about appearance. The swiping culture means quick judgments, which can make users feel like they are being valued only for their looks.
The pressure to create the perfect profile can be overwhelming. Many people feel the need to present a highly polished version of themselves, leading to worries about how they measure up to others. In India, where beauty standards are often unrealistic, this can be even worse. In societies like India, where unrealistic beauty standards are pervasive, these challenges are amplified. Media and societal norms equate physical attractiveness with success and desirability, creating relentless pressure to conform. For young adults navigating online dating, this can lead to social isolation and hesitation to engage due to fear of rejection.
However, there is a positive side. For those who find traditional dating nerve-wracking, dating apps can be a confidence booster. They allow users to get comfortable with interactions before meeting in person. Some platforms, like Rematch, are making an effort to shift the focus from just looks to shared interests and deeper connections. This is especially useful for those with introvert tendencies which we have explained in a previous article.
The Changing Dating Culture in India
Tinder and Bumble lead the Indian dating market, taking up over 70% of users. Homegrown apps like Aisle and Truly Madly are also making their mark, appealing to people looking for more serious connections. Despite cultural taboos, dating apps have become more widely accepted.
“I found it easier to use Bumble. Moreover, Bumble has better options, especially the option to become friends, instead of moving straight to boyfriend/girlfriend status.”
Harini, Supply Chain Analyst, Cuttack
Tinder changed everything with its swipe feature, making dating feel more like a game. Studies indicate that Bumble is particularly popular among Indian users, likely due to its “women first” policy, which attracts women and, in turn, men. Indian apps have tried to bring in elements of trust, such as compatibility tests and profile verification, but concerns about safety and honesty still persist.
How Indian Women and Men Use Dating Apps
Women generally have clear goals when using dating apps and are less likely to switch between platforms, whereas men use them for less defined reasons, such as curiosity or as a pastime, and are more likely to explore multiple apps. Men over 25, in particular, tend to skip bios and swipe through more profiles daily, reflecting a shift toward seeking serious relationships as they age. Women, however, are more selective and less likely to swipe through as many profiles. Many women noted that pictures often dominate profiles, leading them to make decisions based primarily on appearance. This is one of the ways Rematch is different, where other aspects of matchmaking are given equal importance.
The Future of Online Dating in India
With increasing smartphone use and changing social norms, online dating is only going to grow. The challenge now is to move beyond superficial connections and create meaningful relationships. Users are looking for platforms that prioritise safety, authenticity, and real compatibility over endless swiping.
If you are tired of the usual dating apps and want something that helps you build a long-term, meaningful relationship, give Rematch, the relationship app, a try. Also, read our blog on dating etiquette while you are at it.
Unlike other platforms, it is designed for people who are serious about their future, not just casual flings. Download Rematch today and find connections that actually last.
References
Chakravarty, R., G. Jagota, and S. Sahoo. “Impact of Online Dating on the Adolescent Population: A Brief Review of the Literature with Special Reference to the Indian Scenario.” Consortium Psychiatricum 4, no. 3 (2023).
Lingutla, Alekhya, and Vinay Kumar. “Evolution of Online Dating: Analysis of Dating Preferences, User Psychology, and Pain Points in Context to Indian Market.” International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering, Technology and Science 4, no. 11 (November 2022): 784. https://www.irjmets.com.
