The online dating market has continued to experience strong growth over the last five years. The influx and popularity of dating apps, such as Tinder, Grindr and Hinge, have had a significant impact, opening up online dating to new users. Going forward, how successfully free dating apps can monetise their products will be very important for industry growth.

Further challenges include tackling market problems in regards to safety, information protection, false profiles and scamming. Abuse directed towards women online has gained more prominence in recent years and if unchecked could be a potentially very damaging issue for the industry. With much of the earlier stigma surrounding online dating gone, the principle challenges are around ensuring the experience offered is fulfilling for users.

This report assesses the current status of the online dating industry in the UK, including the value of the market and trends and other factors likely to impact growth during the next five years. Mintel’s research also analyses consumers’ motivations for using online dating websites, as well as the remaining barriers for those who have not looked to find a partner online.

The report covers the online dating industry, including both straight and same-sex sites. However, it does not include ‘adult’ sites (such as adultfriendfinder.com), which are not included in the profiles or in the market figures.

Appearance-based and location-based matchmaking sites such as Tinder and Grindr are included within the scope of this report.

Mintel last reported on this market in Online Dating – UK, April 2009.