# Socially Designed Dating Platforms The Ship Dating App Lets Users Friends Search for Matches By Daniel Johnson | Published 2019-08-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ship-dating-app References: [engadget](https://www.engadget.com/2019/08/15/the-dating-app-ship-lets-friends-find-your-matches/) & [getshipped](https://www.getshipped.com/) The Ship dating app is a platform where matches are created using a person's friends. The Ship dating app was created by the [Match Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/men-dating-app) as well as Betches Media, and the two organizations have now released the app to Android users. The iOS version of the app was previously released in January. On the platform, users are able to invite friends, and after that, friend networks are able to swipe on other users' profiles. Friend networks are also able to use a group chat feature as they use the platform. The Ship app takes a different approach from other conventional dating apps. Where other apps see match finding as a solo effort, Ship looks to make that process more social. Image Credit: The Match Group ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Mobile](https://www.trendhunter.com/mobile) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Friend-based Matchmaking:** Creating dating platforms that utilize a person's network of friends to find matches. - **Group Chat Dating:** Integrating group chat functionalities into dating apps for a more interactive and social experience. - **Social Dating Apps:** Developing dating apps that emphasize a social approach to finding matches. ### Who This Affects Most - **Online Dating:** Opportunity for online dating platforms to incorporate friend-based matchmaking and group chat functionalities. - **Social Networking:** Leveraging social networking platforms to create social dating apps with unique features. - **App Development:** Demand for app developers to create innovative dating platforms that disrupt traditional match finding methods. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Social Dating App Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinder-3.md) - [Data-Comparing Social Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutually-app.md) - [Standalone Friend-Finding Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bumble-for-friends.md) - [In-App Recommendation Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recommend-to-a-friend.md) - [Couple Friendship-Focused Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/doubles-social.md) - [Hybrid Dating Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/when-we-first.md) - [Meme-Based Dating Sites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/schmooze.md) - [Interest-Based Matchmaker Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matchmaker-apps.md) - [Double Dating App Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinder-double-date.md)