# IRL Online Dating Brands merge online and in-person dating to create unique experiences. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Feb 16, 2018 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/irl-online-dating ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 17, 2016 to Feb 15, 2018 - Published: Feb 16, 2018 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the IRL Online Dating trend ### Blurred Reality Experiences Brands have been combining online and in-person activities to create unique dating experiences for guests. ### Augmented Reality Apps have begun incorporating AR to create a more immersive and dynamic dating atmosphere. ### Audio-Based Dating Dating apps utilizing voice recordings and introductions to help users get a better understanding of potential dates. ## What the IRL Online Dating trend means for industry ### For 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 for IRL Online Dating Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 57%, activity 44%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 57% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the IRL Online Dating trend 6 featured examples from Aug 17, 2016 to Feb 15, 2018. - [VR Blind Dating](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-blind-date-party): 'The League' is Hosting a VR Blind Date Party on Valentine's Day (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating virtual reality and exclusive features into online dating platforms to enhance user experiences and increase success rates. - [Online Dating Meet-Up Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-hive): 'The Hive' is a Physical Space for Online Daters to Meet Up (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The Hive's physical meet-up space presents an opportunity for dating apps to enhance their user experience and differentiate themselves from competitors. - [Anime Gamer Dating Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/singles-mixer): 'Pokémon Gokon' Runs Singles Mixers to Connect Pokémon Go Fans (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate augmented reality and niche interests into event planning and matchmaking services. - [Audio-Based Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/date-app): The 'Whisperr' Date App Lets Users Listen to Prospective Partners (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Online dating companies could explore adding audio as a feature to their platforms to differentiate themselves from competitors. - [AR Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flirtar-app): The 'FlirtAR' App Uses Augmented Reality to Help Users Find Love (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Dating app developers can integrate augmented reality and real-time matching features to enhance user experiences. - [Experiential Dating App Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/camp-meets-bagel): Camp Meets Bagel is Part of Coffee Meets Bagel's CMB Experiences (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing platforms that prioritize real-world interactions and go beyond the traditional boundaries of online dating. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)