Match Group Q3 2026: Revenue Down 3% as Hinge Grows 19%, Tinder Prepares Monetisation

Match Group, the owner of Tinder and Hinge, has published its results for the third quarter of 2026. According to Global Dating Insights, revenue came in at $891 million, down 3% year over year, while net income rose 8% to $174 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased 14% to $344 million. The number of paying users fell 5% to 13.8 million, while average monthly revenue per payer rose 3% to $21.19.

Brand Performance

Tinder generated $480 million in direct revenue, down 2% from a year earlier. Hinge grew 19% to $220.6 million, and its paying users increased 23%. Revenue from the E&E division, which includes Match, OurTime, BLK, Upward, HER and Pairs, fell 20% to $176 million. Tinder's daily active users returned to year-over-year growth in September for the first time in three and a half years.

Hinge Tests a Cheaper Tier and Plans Japan Launch

According to the source, Hinge is testing a lower-priced subscription aimed particularly at women and price-sensitive users. The new tier includes additional filters and custom location boundaries. CFO Steve Bailey said early tests improved paid conversion among both men and women, with stronger results among women, and the company plans to expand the offering in Q4. Hinge is also set to launch in Japan in 2027, positioning itself between marriage-focused Pairs and the more casual Tinder. It has recently relaunched in India and expanded into Latin America. Match Group continues to target $1 billion in annual Hinge revenue in 2027.

Tinder Focuses on Features and Monetisation

Tinder is improving its matching algorithms and recommendation system, which the company credits with helping daily active users return to growth. A new real-time recommendation system is expected by the end of 2026. The company is also expanding its Better with Friends strategy, including Double Date, which has generated 30 million matches according to the company, as well as Events and the recently launched Groups. Missed Connections is being tested in Canada and suggests potential matches based on places users have crossed paths. Tinder plans to devote more attention to monetisation in 2027.

Match Group Narrows Its Brand Focus

Within the E&E division, Match Group is narrowing its focus. CEO Spencer Rascoff named Upward, BLK, HER and Match, the latter particularly for users aged 50 and over, as priority brands. OkCupid, Plenty of Fish and Salams will continue to receive improvements through shared technology teams rather than dedicated brand-level development.

Higher App Store Fees Expected in 2027

Match Group expects higher app store fees to weigh on profitability next year. Apple's fees on in-app purchases in the EU rose to 26% in October, which Match Group estimates will add about $20 million in costs in 2027. The expiration of its agreement with Google is also expected to raise Play Store fees starting in the second quarter of 2027.