Tinder boss: We don't get distracted by the competition

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Swipe rightImage source, Thinkstock

The boss of Tinder has said he isn't "distracted by the competition" of the thousands of other dating apps on the market.

Speaking to Newsbeat ahead of the launch of a new feature which integrates music tastes, Sean Rad said: "We're really focussed on our users.

"We're focused on being our own competition and re-imagining what Tinder could look like in the future.

"We can lead the next wave in how people meet."

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Tinder's CEO, Sean Rad, said his profile's theme song would be These Are the Days by Van Morrisson

With the introduction of Anthem, users will be able to link their accounts to Spotify and list their favourite artists on their profile.

They'll then be able to swipe and find matches with people who share their taste in music.

"Music really helps us express who we are," explained Sean.

"It says a lot about our personality and does a lot to signal similarities in our personalities.

"It helps a user express themselves in a very simple way and put out a song that represents them in the moment or is a theme song for their profile."

Image source, Tinder
Image caption,
Tinder's latest feature lets users link their account to Spotify

He admitted Tinder "absolutely" could do more to make it easier to find better matches and suggested getting data from people's music tastes will help.

"There's a lot that we do behind the scenes.

"We spend a lot of time thinking about what information we have about people and how we can algorithmically prioritise like-minded individuals.

Image source, PA

Sean also discussed how Tinder "doesn't judge" users for how they use the app, which has gained a reputation as being an app used to arrange hook ups rather than long-term relationships.

"We're focused on making introductions and we've made 11 billion introductions.

"Everyone has different desires based on what phase they're at in their lives.

He suggested the app has created millions of marriages, friendships and short-term relationships.

"It really is up to the user in what they want and where they take a conversation.

"We look at ourselves as a platform for making introductions, and a platform that doesn't judge."

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