Collective Hits 100K Members as Demand for Queer Spaces Grows

A UK-based social platform called Collective is attracting attention for how it aims to serve the LGBTQ+ community not just as a dating app, but as a space for friendship, creativity, and safety. The app positions itself explicitly as “Meet New People” – whether seeking romance or companionship – with features designed to promote authenticity over popularity combat the ongoing loneliness epidemic.

According to a privately-released press note, the past few weeks have seen Collective surpass 100,000 total members and – as of writing this article – hit the #70 spot in the download rankings for the Social Networking category and a peak at #90 in the Top Charts. This places it higher than a number of other notable platforms, from social site Mastodon to gay dating and chat app Scruff.

One of the central differentiators of Collective is that it does not limit membership to queer individuals. Allies and those exploring their identity are also welcomed, although in times of high demand priority may be given to LGBTQ+ members. The platform asserts that while dating is possible, that is not its singular focus; instead, it aims to foster broad social connections, which may have contributed to its steady growth. Even as recently as March of last year, the site was reaching its 350,000 post milestone, and saw a spike in activity from the beginning of this year onwards.

The app may be resonating strongly with users who are dissatisfied with existing social/dating platforms, or who feel limited by changes in moderation on other platforms. Callum Smith, the founder of Collective, stated in a press email that “this surge is a direct result of LGBTQ+ people actively seeking safer, more authentic alternatives to mainstream social and dating apps.”