Tinder introduces AI-powered flirting game to boost engagement

Tinder, the popular dating app owned by Match Group Inc., has launched a new in-app game that lets users flirt with AI-powered chatbots. The interactive feature is designed to increase user engagement and reinvigorate the platform’s growth.

The free voice-based game, which is both a marketing experiment and a proof-of-concept, leverages OpenAI's GPT-40 and GPT-40 Mini models to create exaggerated romantic comedy scenarios. Users might find themselves in classic meet-cute moments, such as reaching for the same grocery basket as a stranger or discovering that their luggage was mistakenly swapped at an airport baggage claim.

Each game session begins with the AI initiating a scene, and players engage in conversation to navigate the scenario. Users can earn points for warmth and curiosity, receiving real-time feedback on their responses. The ultimate goal? Convincing the AI character to agree to a date.

To maintain exclusivity and encourage daily interaction, Tinder has placed limits on gameplay. Users can only participate in five sessions per day, each lasting approximately three minutes.

For now, the feature is only available for iOS users in the U.S. and is being introduced as a limited-time offering. While it remains to be seen whether this AI-driven feature will become a permanent part of Tinder’s platform, the experiment reflects a growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence into digital dating experiences.

With this innovative approach, Tinder aims to re-engage users, offering a fresh and playful way to spark connections—one AI-driven flirtation at a time.