Kristina Roberts
Bumble, the popular dating app known for allowing women to make the first move, has decided to let go of 30% of its global employees. This means around 240 people will lose their jobs as the company tries to adjust to the changing demands of the online dating market. The decision comes as dating apps face difficulties in keeping users engaged, especially younger ones, while also dealing with economic uncertainties.
The company shared this news along with an updated revenue forecast for the second quarter, which is now higher than what they had predicted earlier. This suggests that some of their recent changes to improve the app might be starting to work. Despite the layoffs, Bumble’s stock price went up by 19% after the announcement. However, the company’s overall value has dropped significantly compared to its peak in 2021 when it was worth around $15 billion. Today, it stands at just over $500 million.
Bumble’s rival, Match Group, which owns apps like Tinder and Hinge, also announced job cuts last month, reducing its workforce by 13%. This shows that the entire dating app industry is going through a tough phase. Companies are struggling to keep users interested and willing to pay for premium features. Younger users, especially from Generation Z, seem harder to retain, leading to major changes in how these companies operate.
The layoffs at Bumble are part of a new strategy to focus more on improving the user experience rather than just chasing revenue or rapid growth. The company’s CEO, Whitney Wolfe Herd, who returned to lead the company earlier this year, wants to make Bumble more efficient and innovative. Analysts believe these job cuts are meant to create a leaner, more agile company that can adapt quickly to market changes.
Bumble now expects its second-quarter revenue to be between $244 million and $249 million, up from its earlier estimate of $235 million to $243 million. While this is a positive sign, the company’s first-quarter revenue had still dropped by 7% compared to the previous year, even though it met Wall Street’s expectations.
The layoffs will cost Bumble between $13 million and $18 million, mostly in the second half of 2025. However, the company believes these cuts will help save about $40 million every year. These savings will be reinvested into developing new features and improving technology to make the app more appealing to users.
The dating app industry has seen a lot of changes recently, with companies trying new ways to attract and keep users. Many apps are introducing AI-powered features, video profiles, and better safety tools to stand out in a crowded market. Bumble, in particular, has been working on making its platform more user-friendly while ensuring that matches are meaningful rather than just based on quick swipes.
Whitney Wolfe Herd’s return as CEO was seen as a move to bring fresh energy into the company. She has promised to focus on improving the quality of matches rather than just increasing the number of users. This shift in strategy is crucial as dating apps face pressure from investors and users to deliver better experiences.
The challenges in the industry are not just about competition but also about changing user behavior. Many young people today are looking for more genuine connections rather than casual dating, which has forced apps to rethink their approach. Companies like Bumble and Match Group are now working harder to understand what users really want and how to keep them engaged for the long term.
While layoffs are never easy, Bumble’s decision reflects the tough choices companies must make to stay competitive. By cutting jobs, they hope to streamline operations and invest more in innovation. Only time will tell if this strategy pays off, but for now, the company is betting on a stronger, more focused future.
The dating app market is still growing, but companies must adapt quickly to survive. With new trends and technologies emerging, apps like Bumble will need to keep evolving to meet user expectations. The next few years will be critical in determining which platforms succeed and which ones fall behind. For now, Bumble is taking bold steps to ensure it remains a key player in the world of online dating.
