Dating apps are here to stay, despite growing privacy concerns. If you doubt it, sample this: Match Group, Tinder's parent company, reported a revenue of $1.3 billion (Rs9,329 crore) from March to December 2018. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, here is a look at five niche dating platforms.
1. BRISTLR
The tagline—“Connecting those with beards to those who want to stroke beards”—is self-explanatory. Started as a joke in 2014 by John Kershaw from Manchester.
*Downloads: 1 lakh +
2. HATER
This app helps you meet someone who hates the same things. Former Goldman Sachs banker Brendan Alper thought of it as a comedy sketch idea.
Downloads: 1 lakh+
3. HIGH THERE!
Disclaimer: Only available in locations where cannabis is legal; all users must be 21 or older. For “weed enthusiasts” and “medical marijuana patients”.
Downloads: 1 lakh+
4. FEELD
An open-minded dating app for all gender identities, sexual orientations and sexual preferences. Earlier called 3nder, till Tinder took offence and filed a lawsuit.
Downloads: 5 lakh +
5. SMELL DATING (website)
Users are sent T-shirts to wear for three days and nights, without deodorant. Smell samples thus procured are sent for selection. Exchange of contact information is initiated only if two people like each other's smell. Scientific, or just plain weird!
*Number of downloads on Google Play Store only.