Viral “Pop the Balloon” Creators Launch Intentional Dating App

The husband-and-wife team behind YouTube’s massively popular “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” series has transformed their dating experiment into a dedicated mobile app. Luv or Pop, launched in February 2026 by Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundi, shifts the focus from viral entertainment to real-world, intentional matchmaking – particularly celebrating Black relationships.

The original YouTube show, which debuted in 2023 and now boasts nearly 1.5 million subscribers, became a cultural phenomenon by having singles decide whether to “pop the balloon” (reject) or pursue a connection based on conversation. Luv or Pop brings that core mechanic to mobile. Users collect balloons for people they’re interested in and pop those they’re not. When mutual interest forms, the app’s “Match Lock” feature pauses conversations with other matches, encouraging users to focus on one connection at a time.

“The main keyword we want people to remember when they hop onto Luv or Pop is ‘intentional,’” Amuli told AfroTech. “If you’re choosing somebody and saying, ‘I really like our conversations, let’s lock in and see where this goes,’ that shows how serious you are.” Matundi added, “We want this to be for real people finding real people.”

While open to users of any background, Luv or Pop emphasizes Black excellence and representation. “Our success stories are proving that there is still hope for the Black community in finding Black love,” Amuli said. The app avoids the endless swipe model common on legacy platforms, instead promoting deeper conversations and commitment.