Hinge introduces 'Friend's Take' to validate dating profiles with external testimonials
The new global feature, excluding India, lets users request written, photo, or video testimonials via an expiring link, addressing a gap where many users desire help but do not actively seek it.
Hinge has launched a new global profile feature called 'Friend's Take', which enables users to include testimonials from friends, family, or colleagues on their dating profiles. The initiative aims to enhance profile authenticity and interest by incorporating perspectives from individuals who know the user best. The feature is available worldwide, with the exception of India.
The function allows users to generate a unique invitation link via the 'Edit Profile' tab within the Hinge app. This link can be shared with potential contributors who do not need to be Hinge members. Recipients select a prompt to answer, providing feedback in the form of written blurbs, photos, or video and voice messages.
To manage the volume of submissions, the invitation link expires after three days or once ten testimonials have been received, whichever occurs first. Users can then curate their profile by displaying up to three selected responses. These testimonials can be updated or swapped out at any time.
Hinge reports that 71 per cent of its users desire assistance with their profiles, yet only 46 per cent actively seek it. The company suggests that having testimonials from loved ones may make profiles appear more authentic and engaging. However, the source material notes that testimonials from friends and family may inherently contain positive bias, which could influence how the feature impacts user trust and match quality.
The long-term impact of this feature on user behaviour and platform metrics remains to be established. The internal statistics cited by Hinge regarding user desire for assistance are company-specific and may not reflect broader industry trends.
