The principle of dating, to find a partner, remains the same.
However, the methods used in modern society are vastly different to those used one hundred, or even fifty years ago.
Today, we live in a digital age, it’s only natural to start looking for love online.
After all, online dating gives you access to a much bigger pool of people.
This potentially makes it easier to find that special someone.
Just five years ago, online dating was something that most people wouldn’t admit to trying.
Today, with the right approach, online dating is making anything possible.
If you haven’t tried it yet, a look at these online dating statistics may help you take the next step.
Key Online Dating Statistics
- 40% of Americans use online dating
- 52.4% of users are Male
- 53% of people adjust the truth on the dating profile
- 60% of women using Tinder are looking for something special
- 20% of relationships start online
- LGBTQ Adults are two times more likely to use a dating app
- The number of dating app users is increasing rapidly
- Dating Apps Earned $5.61 billion in 2021
Top Online Dating Statistics in 2025
1. 40% of Americans Use Online Dating
If you have any doubts regarding the increasing popularity of online dating then a study by Pew Research can help set your mind at rest.
A staggering 40% of Americans admit to using online dating.
Interestingly, this figure applies across the age range.
Online dating usage among young people has increased by 10% in ten years, 27% of adults in the 18-30 age range use online dating.
In contrast, the increase in usage for people over 50 is only 6%.
This proves the overall increase in use of online dating is being fuelled by young people.
It’s most likely a consequence of the increasing use of smartphones and the prevalence of dating apps on these phones.
(Pew Research)
2. 52.4% of Users Are Male
It’s interesting to note that more men use dating sites than women.
However, the difference is marginal, with dating sites split on average to 52.4% men and 47.6% women.
This statistic also reflects the increasing use of dating apps to find love, not just for quick hook-ups.
It’s worth noting that the exact balance between male and female users varies depending on where you are located and the site you choose to use.
(statisticbrain)
3. 53% of People Adjust the Truth on The Dating Profile
This isn’t a surprising fact, as anyone who has ever created a dating profile will know.
What’s interesting is what people lie about.
The most common truth adjustment is age, especially for women.
This could be because, according to research, a woman’s desirability starts to fade once they pass 21.
Men and women also lie about their height and weight.
The majority of people surveyed admitted to using an older photo of themselves, where they looked thinner and younger.
The study also showed that 40% of men lied about their job on their dating profile.
The aim was to phrase it or change the role and appear more successful than they are.
This statistic demonstrates the current attitude toward success and looks.
(Huffington Post)
4. 60% of Women Using Tinder Are Looking for Something Special
Dating apps were originally perceived as a great way to have a little fun, whether you were in a committed relationship or not.
Today, 60% of women on Tinder are looking for something more than just a one-night stand.
In fact, just 33% of women admit to having sex on the first date after meeting someone online.
In short, as online dating becomes increasingly mainstream it is establishing itself as the place to meet your soulmate.
You no longer need to worry that creating a profile means you’re looking for sex.
(Tinder)
5. 20% of Relationships Start Online
This is another statistic which shows how important or relevant online dating has become.
Online dating statistics demonstrate that 20% of relationships now start on the internet, specifically on dating apps.
That makes it worth trying, although 63% of couples met their partner through a friend.
That’s better than the 9% of women and 2% of men that find love at the bar or nightclub.
It’s worth noting that online dating is popular regardless of ethnicity or race. In fact, the percentages are surprisingly similar.
For example, 29% of white people use a dating app, compared to 31% of black people, and 28% of Hispanics.
(eHarmony)
6. LGBTQ Adults Are Two Times More Likely to Use a Dating App
A study by Pew Research showed that 55% of LGBTQ adults have used a dating app to find love.
In contrast, just 28% of straight adults claim to have used a dating app.
Equally, an impressive 21% of LGBTQ online daters have remained committed to someone they met online.
This figure drops to 11% for straight people.
Of course, LGBTQ daters tend to have more success on specialized sites, but that doesn’t change the fact that many LGBTQ people feel happier looking for love online.
(Pew Research)
7. The Number of Dating App Users Is Increasing Rapidly
Online dating apps have grown massively in popularity over the last 5-10 years.
Just five years ago there were approximately 240 million registered users of online dating apps.
Now that figure has increased to a staggering 366 million users.
That’s a staggering 150% increase in users. At this rate the number of users will exceed one billion by 2035.
(statistica)
8. Dating Apps Earned $5.61 billion in 2021
There’s a good reason why dating apps are so successful and popular, the app providers make a lot of money from these dating sites.
Figures show that online dating revenue across the globe totaled $5.61 billion in 2021.
Nearly a quarter of this, $1.29 billion, is revenue generated in the US.
(statistica)
Why Online Dating Has Become So Popular
The most obvious reason for the surge in online dating popularity is the ease of access.
Smartphones are now everywhere with 3.5 billion smartphone users in the world.
That’s nearly half the global population.
Interestingly, 98% of Generation Z have a smartphone.
The possibility of earning large sums of money has driven individuals and businesses to create new dating apps.
The result is an overload of apps with something to cater for every taste.
They are all accessible on a smartphone, allowing users to chat with potential partners regardless of where either of them is located.
Of course, the increased reliance on digital technology and the fast pace of modern lives make it harder to meet people through conventional means.
In short, for many, online dating is the only sensible solution.
Naturally, looking for a partner online is easier in some ways.
You’ll be able to look for people with similar interests and see if there is a connection before you even meet them.
This is especially relevant if your ‘type’ is rare and you may otherwise struggle to meet them.
Signing Up
Signing up is surprisingly simple. The first step is to choose your preferred dating site.
It’s possible to post your profile on several different dating sites. All you have to do is choose the one that is most likely to find you a partner.
The simplest way to decide this is to think about your interests and whether they will be matched on a popular dating site or a niche version.
You’ll then need to create an account. This is simple, most dating sites will allow you to login with Google, Facebook, or a phone number.
Doing it this way means your personal information can be completed for you.
All you have to do is add the extras, a good picture, and your hobbies/interests.
Once you’ve completed your profile you can hit the option to go live and wait to see who gets in touch.
This can be the most agonizing and even frustrating time.
But it can also be a lot of fun, and you never know who you’re going to start chatting with.
FAQs
Check out the following answers to the most commonly asked questions on online dating statistics.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Online Dating?
Unfortunately, looking for love isn’t always plain sailing. You need to be careful on any online dating site.
There are plenty of scammers looking to take your money or your personal information.
In addition, you run the risk that the person you meet is nothing like the person in the profile.
There may even be physical dangers when you meet for the first time.
Alongside this, potential partners may lie about their financial position or appearance and interests.
In addition, if you strike a long-distance connection with someone, it can quickly become a costly matter.
However, the biggest risk with online dating is that you end up being attacked, harassed, or stalked by your online date.
It’s not very likely to happen but it is the reason you should have a friend nearby: to help you out if needed;
Is It a Good Idea to Lie on Your Profile?
It’s understandable to think that a few small lies, such as weight, height, and perhaps age, can make a big difference to your attractiveness online.
However, if you are seriously looking for love then lying isn’t going to help you. At some point you’re going to need to come clean.
It’s not a good starting point for any relationship and could even damage the partnership before it’s really had a chance to shine.
Can I Get Help with My Profile?
Yes! Even if you’re trying to avoid lying or exaggerating in your profile, the entire process can still be daunting.
Approximately 22% of people seek assistance when creating a profile.
The most common source of help is a friend, usually one that has already tried the online dating scene.
They can help you fill out the right boxes and get your profile live as soon as possible.
Just remember, if you’re looking for something serious the best approach is to be honest on your profile.
Can Anyone Try Online Dating?
The short answer is yes. The statistics show that online dating is becoming increasingly popular.
It’s said that there is someone for everyone. However, the world is a big place and it can be hard to find the perfect someone.
Online dating makes it easier and more likely that you’ll connect with that special person.
The secret is to choose the right online dating site.
You need one that has a good track record for your age range and any specific passions you have.
It’s worth looking at a few and even creating a profile on several different ones.
Summing Up
Online dating statistics confirm what most people already know, it’s an increasingly popular and practical way to meet a new partner.
The key, when looking for love, is to keep your profile honest, even if that limits the pool of respondents.
At least anyone that does respond will be responding to the person you are, not the person you’re pretending to be.
Alongside this, the statistics tell you that online dating usage will increase.
That means, regardless of what your profile says, you’re likely to find someone. In short, it’s time to try it for yourself.
