Tinder launches 'Group Hangouts' for social, real-world dating

Dating app Tinder is rolling out a new feature called 'Group Hangouts,' aiming to tap into a growing demand for more social and real-world dating experiences. The feature allows groups of friends to discover and match with other groups based on shared interests and activities.

Users can initiate a 'Group Hangout' by selecting an activity and inviting at least two friends to join. Once a group reaches a minimum of three members, its profile becomes visible in Tinder's main card stack for other groups to discover. Each group can have a maximum of 15 participants.

Groups can then browse other profiles and express interest. If mutual interest is confirmed between two groups, they are connected in a shared chat, facilitating the planning of joint meetups. Tinder is also incorporating user controls, allowing individuals to leave conversations without exiting their friend group and to block or report other users.

The feature is accessible from the top of Tinder's main home screen and is currently being deployed in phases in the U.S. and select international markets, with broader availability planned for the future. This move follows Tinder's previous attempts to integrate group dynamics into its platform, such as the 'Double Date' feature.