Bumble, the dating app company, is expanding into generative AI with a new AI assistant called “Bee.” Announced during their Q4 earnings, Bee aims to act as a personal matchmaker, learning about users’ values, relationship goals, communication style, lifestyle, and dating intentions via private chats to find better matches.
Currently in pilot testing internally, Bee will soon enter beta, said founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. Bumble’s vision is to gather more detailed information about users to enhance its app’s capabilities, setting it apart from competitors like Tinder, which recently updated to attract Gen Z users.
Bee will interact with users like other AI chatbots, through conversation. Initially, Bee will support “Dates,” recommending matches and, later, offering date suggestions and requesting feedback. In “Dates,” Bee learns from an initial chat and pairs users with shared values and goals, notifying them about the reasons for their compatibility.
This feature is part of Bumble’s tech and AI-driven revamp, maintaining its appeal to women with features like “women message first.” Bumble aims to rejuvenate growth and appeal to Gen Z, moving away from swipe mechanics and testing new profile formats.
Wolfe Herd noted upcoming features to increase user engagement and focus on real-life connections, rather than “dead-end chat zones.” Bumble also considers group socializing formats preferred by Gen Z.
Bumble has been integrating AI into its app, offering AI photo selection and safety features, and upgrading backend infrastructure. Recently, Bumble reported better-than-expected Q4 earnings, with revenue of $224.2 million and a 7.9% increase in average revenue per paying user, leading to a 40% increase in stock.