Hinge has announced an updated experience for users in India, introducing a set of features focused on safety, privacy and more intentional dating.
As part of the update, some new users will join the platform through a phased waitlist after creating their profiles. While waiting to begin matching, users can complete their profiles, add photos, respond to prompts and verify their accounts, allowing them to enter the platform with more context about who they are and what they are looking for.
The update also introduces Face Check, which helps verify that users are real, along with Block List at onboarding, allowing users to prevent their profiles from being shown to existing contacts such as colleagues, family members or former partners. Screenshot Protection will block screenshots of profiles and other surfaces containing personal identifiable information, while still allowing screenshots of conversations for reporting purposes.
"Love is deeply personal to each individual, and there is no singular path to finding it. At Hinge, we want to listen and learn from singles in India, so that we can adapt our app to meet their needs. We’re excited to help more people in India find meaningful relationships in a way that feels right for their lives,” said Jackie Jantos, Hinge’s Chief Executive Officer (she/her).
Hinge is also bringing tools designed to encourage more respectful interactions. Signals highlights users who demonstrate consistent and thoughtful engagement, while Comment Filter allows daters to filter unwanted words, phrases and emojis from incoming comments. Match Note lets users privately share details such as boundaries, values, faith or communication preferences with a match before a conversation begins.
“People are more open to connection when an experience feels safe and thoughtful. In India, we’ve designed Hinge around what helps daters feel comfortable signing up, expressing themselves and giving each other their full attention. As the community grows, we’ll continue evolving the experience so that singles can focus on getting to know one another,” said Ben Celebicic, Hinge’s Chief Product & Technology Officer (he/him).
The platform has also reiterated that users cannot send photos or videos directly to their matches. Its ‘Are You Sure?’ and ‘Did This Bother You?’ prompts encourage users to reconsider potentially hurtful messages and give recipients an opportunity to reflect on interactions.
With the expanded experience, Hinge is positioning its India offering around greater user control and meaningful connections, in line with its ‘Designed to be Deleted’ proposition, which defines success by helping users find relationships that ultimately take them off the app.
