Owning a dating and relationships blog, I’ve written extensively about dating apps over the past decade.

Some pieces have been organic; about apps I’ve used and loved. Other features have been collaborations. Yet one post stands out as the most viewed dating app post: a review of the dating app, Thursday. I first wrote it in March 2022 and updated it in September 2024 in line with the latest version.

Today, the Co-founders of Thursday announced the end of the app. Citing “rapidly declining consumer interest in dating apps”, Thursday’s new focus is on IRL meetings via Thursday Events. It’s an app where users can buy tickets to hundreds of events across the globe, including ski trips, singles festivals and cruises.

True to its name, Evntful is another dating app that will launch imminently. Designed to ditch the small talk and match singles based on shared interest, it’s clear that dating apps need to evolve or they’ll become obsolete.

In 2025, we may see the closure of mainstream dating apps – or a drastic pivot of big players. What will come in their place for busy or introverted singles looking for love?

Image credit: Thursday