Curiouzz Launches With “Vault of Curiozzity” Model to Counter Swipe Fatigue

A new player has entered the online dating market, positioning itself as an antidote to swipe-driven apps. Curiouzz, founded by Ian D’Ornellas, officially launched this summer with a format designed to reduce superficial matching and encourage more intentional connections.

Instead of relying on profile photos as the primary entry point, Curiouzz introduces the “Vault of Curiozzity,” a gamified discovery tool that gradually unlocks aspects of a match. Users start by answering thought-provoking prompts, and only after progressing through these steps do they gain access to photos and direct chat. The design aims to shift focus away from instant judgments and toward personality-driven interactions.

“Built to get you off the app and into real-world connections,” D’Ornellas explained in a launch announcement, emphasizing that the platform’s mission is to move beyond endless swiping and deliver authentic engagement.

The app’s timing reflects broader industry trends. A growing share of users – particularly among Gen Z and younger millennials – have expressed fatigue with traditional swipe mechanics, which critics say encourage short attention spans and commodify profiles. Platforms across the sector are experimenting with ways to introduce more meaningful engagement, whether through interest-based communities, AI-driven matchmaking, or interactive icebreakers.

Curiouzz hopes its Vault model will resonate with this shift by creating a layered experience. According to the company, the gradual unlocking process adds an element of curiosity and playfulness, while also slowing down the pace of decision-making. The startup has rolled out its landing page and waitlist and is preparing its first round of marketing campaigns across major social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.