Tinder Launches AI Photo Selector to Enhance Dating Profiles

Tinder has officially introduced “Photo Selector,” a new feature that uses AI to help users choose the best photos for their dating profiles. Announced on Wednesday, this feature is now available to users in the U.S. and will be rolled out internationally later this summer.

The AI Photo Selector leverages advanced facial detection technology to streamline the photo selection process. Users upload a selfie to the Tinder app, which then generates a unique facial geometry to identify the user’s face and scan their camera roll for matching photos. This technology is similar to what is used by Google and Apple in their photo apps.

Once the AI identifies the relevant images, it curates a collection of 10 selfies that it predicts will perform well on the user’s profile. This selection is based on Tinder’s insights into what constitutes a good profile image, including factors like lighting and composition. The app also advises against using too many group photos, which can confuse potential matches.

“The AI was trained on a diverse dataset to ensure inclusivity and accuracy across various demographics, aligning with our DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) standards,” a Tinder spokesperson told TechCrunch. The AI is also designed to filter out images that violate guidelines, such as nudes.

The primary objective of this feature is to alleviate the hassle of manually sifting through galleries for the best selfies and to eliminate the uncertainty many users feel when choosing profile photos. According to a recent Tinder survey, 68% of participants said they would find an AI photo selection feature helpful, and 52% reported difficulties in selecting their profile images.

“Today, as hundreds of millions of people use AI daily, we are excited to leverage this technology to support our users in an area we’ve heard directly from them is one of the hardest parts of online dating,” said Tinder CEO Faye Iosotaluno. She emphasized that the feature is designed to assist users in making decisions rather than making decisions for them. “Our vision is to use AI as an enabler in the dating journey… Our commitment to our users is clear and equally applies to our view of AI: at Tinder, we use innovative technologies to create a safe space for people to make authentic connections,” Iosotaluno added.

Tinder’s parent company, Match, has significantly increased its investment in generative AI in recent years. At a Reuters event last year, Tinder’s CPO, Mark Van Ryswyk, hinted at future features where users could use generative AI to write their dating bios. In August 2023, Match appointed Zynga’s former head of growth, Mark Kantor, as vice president of innovation, to lead a team of engineers focused on generative AI solutions.

With the introduction of Photo Selector, Tinder continues to innovate and enhance the user experience by integrating cutting-edge AI technology, making the process of creating a compelling dating profile easier and more intuitive.