In a recent study conducted by Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, Grindr emerged as the most popular dating app among users aged 54 and above. The study, which delved into the online lives of UK adults, including their use of dating apps, provided interesting insights into user preferences and engagement.
According to the study, over 10% of UK adults are using online dating services, including popular apps like Tinder, Hinge, Bumble, Grindr, Match.com, Plenty of Fish, and OkCupid. Tinder topped the list as the highest-reaching app among UK online adults, with 2.5 million users (5%). It was followed by Bumble Inc, the parent company of Bumble and Badoo, with 1.7 million users (4%).
While Tinder had a high reach, the time users spent on the app was relatively low, with visitors spending just over an hour on it in May 2023. In contrast, Grindr boasted the longest average time spent per visitor, with users spending nearly seven hours browsing profiles and sending messages during the same month.
Grindr’s popularity extended across various age groups, with the app proving to be the most popular among adults aged 54 and over. It performed exceptionally well across age categories, except for the 18-24 age group, where it had 14% of users compared to Tinder’s 24% and Hinge’s 28%. Grindr had a 37% share of users in the 25-34 age group, putting it on par with Tinder and just slightly behind Hinge and Bumble.
Ofcom’s research also highlighted Grindr’s growing user base, with an increase of 134,000 visitors in 2023, bringing its total reach among UK adults to approximately 924,000, equivalent to nearly 1.9% of the UK adult population.
In addition to dating app trends, the study explored other aspects of online behavior, revealing that 29% of UK adults accessed porn in 2023, with a notable gender difference—10.1 million identified as men, compared to 3.7 million as women. It also examined online gaming habits, with 38% of UK adults and 57% of UK children playing games online. The top-reaching games app among adults was Candy Crush Saga, with 2.54 million users.
Furthermore, the study addressed the issue of online harm, revealing that a significant percentage of women, people from minority ethnic groups, gay individuals, and bisexual individuals are subject to online harm, highlighting the need for continued efforts to ensure online safety and inclusivity.