Tinder to use AI to get to know users, tap into their Camera Roll photos

Tinder is betting big on artificial intelligence to revive its slowing growth. After reporting nine consecutive quarters of declining paid subscribers, the dating app’s parent company, Match Group, announced that it is testing a new AI-driven feature called “Chemistry.” The tool aims to get to know users through interactive questions and — with their permission — analyze photos from their Camera Roll to better understand their personalities and interests.

Currently being piloted in New Zealand and Australia, Chemistry is expected to become a “major pillar” of Tinder’s 2026 product experience, according to Match Group CEO Spencer Rascoff. By analyzing photos, Tinder hopes to create more meaningful matches — for instance, pairing a user who loves hiking with someone who shares the same passion for the outdoors.

The move follows a broader trend among tech companies integrating AI into user experiences. Meta recently launched a similar feature that uses AI to scan photos on users’ phones to suggest image edits — even for pictures not yet shared. However, many users remain skeptical, questioning the privacy trade-offs of granting apps deeper access to their personal photo libraries.

Despite the buzz around AI, Match Group’s short-term financial outlook shows some strain. The company revealed that Tinder’s product tests would cause a $14 million dip in fourth-quarter revenue, lowering projections to between $865 million and $875 million, below analyst expectations of $884.2 million. The app’s revenue dropped 3% year-over-year, while paying users fell 7% in the third quarter.

To reignite engagement, Tinder is also rolling out new features such as dating “modes,” double dates, facial verification, and redesigned profiles featuring bio details on the first photo card. The app even uses AI to help users choose their best photos and prevent offensive messages by asking, “Are you sure?” before sending. But with younger users increasingly favoring real-world connections over dating apps, Tinder’s AI experiment could determine whether technology can truly spark better digital chemistry.

source: Techcrunch