Map shows most popular dating apps in every state

Location plays a key role when it comes to online dating, as dating app preferences can vary greatly depending on where you live.

A recent study by Datingnews.com ranked the most popular dating apps in all 50 U.S. states, offering insight into regional trends and preferences. The rankings were based on a combination of Google Analytics, online surveys, and user recommendations.

Online dating has become widespread since online dating sites emerged in the mid-1990s. Match.com, founded in 1995, is often credited as one of the first platforms to connect singles over the internet.

These early services operated primarily on desktop computers, with users creating detailed profiles and being matched based on preferences and compatibility. Online dating continued to grow in popularity throughout the 2000s as more people gained access to the Internet and the social stigma around meeting partners online began to fade.

The shift toward mobile dating apps began in earnest with the launch of Tinder in 2012. Tinder revolutionized the industry by introducing swipe-based matching, which allowed users to quickly like or skip profiles based on photos.

This simplified, mobile-friendly approach to dating quickly caught on, with apps like Bumble and Hinge soon emerging, offering unique features like women making the first move (Bumble) or emphasizing meaningful connections over casual matches (Hinge).

In the mid-2000s, dating apps became the dominant method of meeting new partners, radically changing the way people date in the digital age.

The results show that dating app user preferences vary as much from coast to coast as the states themselves.

According to a Datingnews.com study, the three most popular dating apps in the US are:

• Tinder:Dominant in many states, including Arizona, Florida, and Ohio.
• ChristianMingle:Popular in religious states like Alabama, Indiana, and Kentucky.
• Spinning top:Preferred in states like Massachusetts, Missouri, and Oregon.

ChristianMingle, for example, dominates in more religious states like Alabama, Indiana, and Kentucky, where users are looking for faith-based connections. ChristianMingle’s 15 million member base makes it a popular choice for people whose dating priority is faith.

On the other hand, Tinder remains a powerhouse in several states, such as Arizona, Florida, and Ohio. Known for its wide reach and ease of use, Tinder has been downloaded more than 530 million times worldwide and facilitates about 1.5 million dates per week.

Such wide interest makes it a platform where singles looking for quick and casual acquaintances meet willingly, both in cities and in the countryside.

Specialized apps are also becoming increasingly popular, especially in states with specific cultural or social interests.

For example, FarmersOnly is a top app in agriculture-oriented states like Arkansas and Iowa, aimed at rural singles with the slogan, “City people just don’t get it.”

In California, apps like Coffee Meets Bagel offer users a slower, more thoughtful approach to dating, focusing on quality matches over quantity.

Have a story Newsweek should cover? Have questions about this story? Contact [email protected].