Tinder is a mobile app that allows individuals within close geographical proximity to connect.  The program gathers users basic data via Facebook and displays your mutual friends, shared likes, and geographical distance from your location. Essentially the app functions similarly to ‘hot or not’; however if both users approve of each other they are able to chat through the app.

There have been a wide variety of reviews on Tinder; some claim it’s going to put online dating out of business, others expect it to be a passing fad like Chatroulette; however, all critics agree that Tinder it has been a huge hit in the mobile app market. Since the app was released just over a year ago it has received well over 50 million downloads.

The question for successful app developers such as Tinder and Snapchat is how and when to implement a revenue stream.  Free-ad revenue streams for content-oriented entertainment apps have a reputation for wide target and high-initial traffic. This model includes 3rd party platforms, independent platforms, as well as Ad exchanges. Often times these smaller, less-familiar brands sell their company over to technological giants (i.e. Instagram acquired by Facebook). While these offers are often enticing for smaller companies who have operated revenue-free for multiple years this acquisition can also be seen as ‘selling your soul’, the social equivalent of selling your company to Proctor and Gamble.

Personally I would love to see a company like Tinder join forces with a company who lacks a social aspect – specifically a company like Netflix. I think it would be interesting to view Netflix favorites or recently viewed displayed in a similar way to mutual Facebook likes. Individual’s interest in TV and movies can say a lot about their personality, and a program like Netflix is growing in popularity among younger age groups who have an appreciation for efficiency and on-demand services.