Match Group Q3 2026 Results: Hinge Growth and New Plans for Tinder
Match Group released its Q3 2026 results, reporting revenue of $891 million, down 3% year-over-year, while net income increased 8% to $174 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose 14% to $344 million. The company had 13.8 million paying users, down 5%, while average monthly revenue per payer increased 3% to $21.19.
Tinder generated $480 million in direct revenue, down 2%, while Hinge grew 19% to $220.6 million. Revenue from the E&E division, which includes Match, OurTime, BLK, Upward, HER and Pairs, declined 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 increased its paying users by 23%.
Hinge Tests Cheaper Subscription and Plans Japan Launch
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 have improved paid conversion among both men and women, with stronger results among women. The company expects to expand the offering during Q4.
Hinge is also preparing to launch in Japan in 2027, positioning itself between marriage-focused apps such as Pairs and more casual services such as 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 and sees potential for another one million monthly active users in the US, particularly among people aged 30 to 40 and in smaller cities.
Tinder Focuses on New Features and Monetisation
Tinder has been 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. Tinder is also expanding its Better with Friends strategy, including Double Date, which has generated 30 million matches, Events, and the recently launched Groups feature. Meanwhile, Missed Connections is being tested in Canada, suggesting potential matches based on places users have crossed paths. With these improvements underway, Tinder plans to turn more attention to monetisation in 2027.
Match Group Prioritises Selected Brands
Match Group is narrowing its focus within the E&E division. CEO Spencer Rascoff identified Upward, BLK, HER and Match, particularly for users aged 50 and over, as priority brands. OkCupid, Plenty of Fish and Salams will continue receiving 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 affect profitability next year. Apple’s EU in-app purchase fees increased to 26% in October, adding an estimated $20 million in costs in 2027. The expiration of its agreement with Google is also expected to increase Play Store fees from the second quarter of 2027.
