Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Realistic
Romance
Users search for authentic connections in the online dating world.
4.0
Trend score
Trend
What is the Realistic Romance trend?
Realistic Romance: As online dating continues to grow in popularity, users are pushing back against the superficiality of so-called hot-or-not services. Instead, users are transitioning to what they perceive as more authentic romantic platforms that privilege genuine human connections over attractive images alone. Brands that can create authentic connections are able to counter the real-world isolation sometimes felt as a result of consumers living much of their lives online.
Trend themes
Themes within the Realistic Romance trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Authentic Connections
Users are transitioning to more authentic romantic platforms, privileging genuine human connections over attractive images, creating opportunities for brands that can provide genuine human connection.
02
Emphasis on Personalities and Conversations
Dating apps that prioritize personalities and conversations over appearance are gaining traction, providing opportunities for brands to develop new products that focus on these aspects beyond traditional hot-or-not services.
03
Audio and Video Dating Apps
Audio and video dating apps are growing in popularity as a way for singles to determine if there is a connection, providing opportunities for brands to create innovative, new products in this field.
Industry implications
What the Realistic Romance trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Online Dating
The online dating industry is seeing a shift towards more authentic and personal connections, prompting opportunities for companies to provide new and innovative dating solutions.
For
Communication
As audio and video-based dating apps gain popularity, opportunities exist for companies to develop new communication technologies that allow individuals to connect more genuinely and personally.
For
Personal Development
Dating apps that prioritize authentic human connections and conversations may inspire greater interest in personal development, providing opportunities for companies to provide support services in this field.
Workshop question
How could your brand establish an authentic connection with consumers?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Realistic Romance
Trend score 4.0 out of 10, from popularity 68%, activity 44%, freshness 8%.
Popularity68%
Activity44%
Freshness8%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha (not a primary audience)
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Evidence
Examples of the Realistic Romance trend
7 featured examples from Feb 14 to Nov 7, 2017CategoryLifestyle
Chat-First Dating Apps
The Taffy App Puts Personality Before Looks
Transform the online dating industry by establishing relationship platforms that shift the focus from superficial visuals to personality-first interactions.
CategoryLifestyle
Date-Based Social Apps
The First Dating App Sets People Up for Dates Rather Than Endless Texts
The dating app industry can benefit from disruptive innovation by adopting date-based social apps that prioritize actual dates and user satisfaction.
CategoryLifestyle
Story-Focused Dating Apps
The 'Attrct' Dating App Lets Users Share Their Experiences
Companies in the online dating industry can innovate by incorporating unique features that emphasize storytelling, connecting users with compatible partners based on shared experi…
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.
CategoryTech
Pixelated Dating Apps
The Vibes Dating App Hides Users' Looks in Order to Stoke Real Conversation
The Vibes app is seeking to challenge the dominance of apps such as Tinder or Bumble.
CategoryLifestyle
Call-Based Dating Apps
Matches on the Hotline App Connect Via a Telephone Call
Call-based dating apps have the potential to disrupt the online dating industry by offering a new level of personal connection.
CategoryTech
Video Dating Apps
'Ohi' Lets Users Craft Video Profiles and Conduct Video Chats
Industry: Video dating apps are disrupting the online dating industry by offering a more immersive and personal experience.
