Prime Highlights
- Match Group forecast first-quarter revenue above market expectations, boosting investor confidence and lifting shares about 7% in extended trading.
- The company is revamping features across its dating apps to improve match quality and user trust, accepting near-term trade-offs for long-term growth.
Key Facts
- Match expects first-quarter revenue of $850 million to $860 million, compared with analysts’ average estimate of $853.3 million.
- Total paying users fell 5% year-on-year to 13.8 million in Q4, while Hinge outperformed with a 17% rise in paying users to 1.9 million.
Background
Match Group forecast first-quarter revenue above market expectations, signaling early progress in its ongoing turnaround efforts. The outlook lifted investor sentiment, sending the company’s shares up about 7% in extended trading.
The owner of Tinder, Hinge, and other dating apps projected revenue of $850 million to $860 million for the first quarter. The midpoint of this range is higher than the analysts’ average estimate of $853.3 million. For the fourth quarter, Match reported revenue of $878 million, beating expectations of $871.3 million.
The company is redesigning key features across its platforms to improve match quality and reduce bad user experiences. This move comes because younger users are more selective and quickly leave dating apps that don’t meet their expectations.
Despite the improved revenue outlook, Match continues to face pressure on its paying user base. Total paying users fell 5% year-on-year to 13.8 million in the fourth quarter. Tinder, the group’s largest app, saw paying users decline 8% to 8.8 million. The company said these trends reflect short-term pressure as it adjusts products to support better long-term results.
Chief Executive Officer Spencer Rascoff said Tinder’s year-on-year direct revenue declines in 2026 are expected to remain similar to 2025 levels. He added that the company is willing to accept near-term revenue trade-offs while it focuses on improving user trust and experience. Rascoff took charge about a year ago and has led a reset aimed at rebuilding confidence across Match’s apps.
Hinge remained a strong performer, with paying users rising 17% to 1.9 million. The company grew after expanding internationally, including launching in Mexico and Brazil in 2025.
Match has also introduced AI-powered tools to improve match quality, verify identities, and limit bad behavior. The company plans to expand Hinge further in Latin America and increase investment in fast-growing markets, including India, in 2026.