Category
Tech
Delegated Interfaces
Trend cluster
Category
IRL Online
Dating
Brands merge online and in-person dating to create unique experiences.
3.6
Trend score
Trend
What is the IRL Online Dating trend?
IRL Online Dating: Brands that facilitate online gamified communication in various forms, particularly those that specialize in dating, are creating branded in-person events that blur the lines between online interactions and in-person ones. The increased focus on blending the digital sphere with real-world experiences in this realm caters to not only those who enjoy virtual dating, but those who have become disillusioned by it.
Trend themes
Themes within the IRL Online Dating trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Blurred Reality Experiences
Brands have been combining online and in-person activities to create unique dating experiences for guests.
02
Augmented Reality
Apps have begun incorporating AR to create a more immersive and dynamic dating atmosphere.
03
Audio-Based Dating
Dating apps utilizing voice recordings and introductions to help users get a better understanding of potential dates.
Industry implications
What the IRL Online Dating trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Technology
Incorporating technology into dating apps has led to greater innovation in user experiences
For
Hospitality
Hotels are capitalizing on app-created opportunities to attract customers outside of traditional vacation stays.
For
Branding/Marketing
Creating unique experiences expands outreach, attracts new users, and creates a larger, more diverse customer base.
Workshop question
How can your brand curate experiences that cater to both its most enthusiastic, and its most weary customers?
Trend signals
Trend signals for IRL Online Dating
Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 44%, freshness 8%.
Popularity57%
Activity44%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the IRL Online Dating trend
6 featured examples from Aug 17, 2016 to Feb 15, 2018CategoryLifestyle
VR Blind Dating
'The League' is Hosting a VR Blind Date Party on Valentine's Day
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating virtual reality and exclusive features into online dating platforms to enhance user experiences and increase success rates.
CategoryLifestyle
Online Dating Meet-Up Spaces
'The Hive' is a Physical Space for Online Daters to Meet Up
The Hive's physical meet-up space presents an opportunity for dating apps to enhance their user experience and differentiate themselves from competitors.
CategoryTech
Anime Gamer Dating Events
'Pokémon Gokon' Runs Singles Mixers to Connect Pokémon Go Fans
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate augmented reality and niche interests into event planning and matchmaking services.
CategoryLifestyle
Audio-Based Dating Apps
The 'Whisperr' Date App Lets Users Listen to Prospective Partners
Online dating companies could explore adding audio as a feature to their platforms to differentiate themselves from competitors.
CategoryLifestyle
AR Dating Apps
The 'FlirtAR' App Uses Augmented Reality to Help Users Find Love
Dating app developers can integrate augmented reality and real-time matching features to enhance user experiences.
CategoryLifestyle
Experiential Dating App Events
Camp Meets Bagel is Part of Coffee Meets Bagel's CMB Experiences
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing platforms that prioritize real-world interactions and go beyond the traditional boundaries of online dating.
