# Cross-Category Matchmaking Digital assistants & apps help create matches in areas beyond romance. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Jun 6, 2019 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/crosscategory-matchmaking ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Cross-Category Matchmaking trend? **Cross-Category Matchmaking:** Matchmaking apps and assistants are perpetuating areas beyond just romance and dating to offer guidance in various consumer categories. Offering assistance in areas like food consumption, travel and even entertainment, these branded matchmaking apps bring together likeminded individuals with personalized services. ## The consumer insight behind the Cross-Category Matchmaking trend In a digitized world, consumers often make connections with others via social platforms. In this over-saturated market, they're turning to brands to provide personalized services that target their specific interests. With a plethora of options in connecting with people virtually, consumers are opting for simple tools that provide hyper-personalized services directed towards their needs. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 15, 2018 to May 16, 2019 - Published: Jun 6, 2019 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Cross-Category Matchmaking trend ### Branded matchmaking apps Brands are offering assistance in various consumer categories with matchmaking apps that bring together likeminded individuals with personalized services. Opportunity: Brands can create more branded matchmaking apps in specific categories to offer personalized services for consumers. ### Hyper-personalized services Consumers are opting for simple tools that provide hyper-personalized services directed towards their needs. Opportunity: Businesses can create tools that provide hyper-personalized services that target specific interests for consumers. ### Integrated online dating coaches Matchmaking apps are integrating online dating coaches to assist users in navigating the modern dating world. Opportunity: Other dating apps can integrate human dating coaches to assist users in making better connections. ## What the Cross-Category Matchmaking trend means for industry ### For Food and Beverage Domino's launched a 'Dom Juan' bot on Tinder that provided pizza-themed pickup lines. Opportunity: Food and Beverage companies can collaborate with matchmaking apps to offer personalized services or targeted experiences for consumers. ### For Education Cleftune is a platform that provides music teachers a streamlined platform for listing their private instruction. Opportunity: Educational institutions can create matchmaking apps for instructors and students for personalized services directed towards their needs. ### For Travel The 'Kolu' app aims to help travelers find the best person to show them around. Opportunity: Matchmaking apps can create more travel guides for consumers and bring together likeminded individuals for personalized guides or tours. ## Workshop question How can you better assist or guide your consumers through the product experience? ## Trend signals for Cross-Category Matchmaking Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 43%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Cross-Category Matchmaking trend 4 featured examples from Feb 15, 2018 to May 16, 2019. - [Matchmaking Pizza Bots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-for-valentines-day): Domino's 'Dom Juan' Bot on Tinder Provides Pizza-Themed Pickup Lines (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Fast food and quick-service restaurants like Domino's can benefit from integrating with dating apps. - [Music Teacher Matchmaking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/find-a-music-teacher): Find a Music Teacher with a New Filterable and Informative Platform (Category: World) Implication: Cleftune’s matchmaking platform could be applied to other types of private instruction, disrupting traditional education and training programs. - [Integrated Online Dating Coaches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-dating-coach): Match Launched "AskMatch" as an Online Dating Coaches for Users (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The online dating industry can improve user engagement and differentiate themselves by offering value-added services that help users navigate the complexities of modern dating. - [Guide Matchmaking Travel Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kolu-app): The 'Kolu' App Finds Travelers the Best Person to Show Them Around (Category: World) Implication: The travel and tourism industry can utilize personalized tour experiences to enhance customer satisfaction and differentiate their offerings. ## Recent trend clusters - [Embedded Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/embedded-intelligence) (Tech) - [Snap Utility](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/snap-utility) (Tech) - [Power Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/power-convergence) (Tech) - [Visual Verification](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/visual-verification) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Variable Aperture Smartphone Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iphone-18) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)