The new option builds on the success of the app’s double date feature.
Tinder is looking to help singles (and perhaps budding Polycule members) who may not like the often intense spotlight of one-on-one first dates. The app has been offering double dates since last year and now it’s expanding with group hangouts around activities.
Around 90 percent of users who try double dates are under 30, according to Tinder, while those who match through this option have 35 percent more messages exchanged (which makes sense with twice as many people involved). It said that these factors suggested that younger users are looking for a lower pressure to meet new people with the help of friends. The first tests of group hangouts in Australia also went well, with 40 percent of invitations accepted.
To set up such a hangout, you must first create a group and select an activity before inviting friends to join. If you have three or more members, your group’s profile will open to discover other trios, quartets and so on. You can of course look at other groups. If you match, a group chat will start and you can find out if you all want to meet. You can leave your group or hangout chat whenever you want and all the usual security features are in place.
Group Hangouts will initially be available in the US and other select markets before Tinder makes it more widely available. Once the feature is live in your neck of the woods, you can view it from the top of the app’s home screen.