Drybaby Taps into “Sober Curious” Dating Market

Drybaby, a new dating app designed for sober singles or those working on reducing their alcohol consumption, is aiming to break into a growing market of non-drinkers. Despite drinking being a common part of many social events, the push to cut back on alcohol usage has seen a rise among Gen-Z Americans, with other countries undergoing similar shifts in recent years.

A key feature of Drybaby is its community-focused approach. The app not only facilitates connections between users but also provides a hub for alcohol-free events. Partnerships with New York City-based organizations like Reading Rhythms and The Feels offer users access to sober gatherings, reading parties, and mindfulness events.

From a business perspective, this shift toward experience-driven, sober dating opens new opportunities for the platform. Having a specific app for those who want to avoid drinking alcohol can make it easier for them to match with others that are also committed to staying sober, making it easier to arrange in-person dates or hookups where alcohol won’t be involved.

Other apps in the sober dating space, such as CASL and Loosid, reflect a similar trend, but Drybaby’s broader inclusivity – welcoming everyone from the “California sober” and complete teetotalers to mindful drinkers and those who save alcohol for special occasions – offers a more flexible entry point for users. The team behind Drybaby includes former employees of Meta, SNap and Airbnb, as well as support from a former Bumble CMO.

Drybaby is currently preparing for an Android launch, and has been gradually building up a strong user base in a number of major American cities.