Tinder Tests Height Preference Feature: A Step Towards Superficiality or Intentional Connections?
Tinder is testing a new feature that allows paying subscribers to set height preferences on their profiles, sparking debate about superficiality in dating apps. The feature, discovered by a Reddit user and confirmed by a Tinder spokesperson to TechCrunch, is currently being rolled out as a global test.
Only Tinder Gold and Premium subscribers will have access to the height preference setting. According to Tinder, this feature will function as a preference rather than a strict filter. It influences recommendations without outright blocking profiles.
Phil Price Fry, VP Comms at Tinder, stated, “We’re always listening to what matters most to our Tinder users — and testing the paid height preference is a great example of how we’re building with urgency, clarity, and focus. This is part of a broader effort to help people connect more intentionally on Tinder.” He further added that this initiative aligns with their product principles of prioritizing user outcomes, moving fast, and learning quickly.
The introduction of a height preference raises concerns about the emphasis on physical attributes in online dating. Dating apps, including Tinder, have been criticized for prioritizing superficial factors such as looks and size.
Online dating has amplified the focus on physicality, often leading to biases such as the preference for taller men. This trend has been previously mocked by Tinder, including an April Fool’s Day announcement about a height verification feature [ announcement ] that many users found unfunny.
Tinder may be aiming to attract more female users by introducing this feature. Data suggests that Tinder’s user base is predominantly male in both the U.S. and internationally.
This test launch coincides with Tinder parent Match Group reporting a 5% decline in paying users. Match Group is also undergoing a CEO transition, with Match CEO Spencer Rascoff set to take over Tinder later this summer.
