happn CEO Talks Potential Video Feature in New Interview

happn CEO Didier Rappaport has taken part in an interview with lifestyle website Female First, where he discussed the history of his dating app and what he thinks is coming next for the online dating industry.

He explained that he thought original dating apps were “too virtual” and that’s why he wanted to create a matching experience which focused on real-world interactions.

With happn’s hyper-location matching formula users can be sure that the people being suggested to them are nearby and potentially live or work in the area.

Rappaport also offered his opinion on the idea that the stigma around online dating has been lifted. He believes the negative views have “disappeared” and meeting online helps combat the issue of busy, professional singles struggling to find time to meet someone new.

Research from Stanford University last week found that 39% of heterosexual relationships that started in 2017 began online.

The happn CEO said that video is the next big thing in online dating and noted that several different brands are working on video implementation. 

By hearing someone’s voice and seeing their mannerisms, users can make a better judgement call about whether or not they’d be a good match

Rappaport told Female First: “We are working on developments that will allow the real-life around you to come out of your phone and make an impact directly on you. 

“This will be the next big enhancement to our service (…), with more video interaction, the ability to send a text and to bring people closer together more quickly.”

Speaking to GDI in June, he said that incoming product changes at happn would be industry-first innovations.

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