Bumble Changes Messaging Rules

Bumble is shifting away from its notable policy that required women to initiate the first message with their matches. This rule set Bumble apart from many other dating apps, but recent research indicates that over two-thirds of women prefer that men take this step instead.

This week, Bumble announced that men are now allowed to send the first messages, effectively ending a key feature that has been part of the app since it launched in 2014. The update takes effect immediately, as stated in a company news release.

Additionally, Bumble has extended the response time for users to reply to initial messages from 24 hours to 72 hours.

“Although our ‘Women First’ concept was innovative, it didn’t mean we should limit the ways people can connect,” said Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble’s founder and CEO. “Our users want more flexibility and less pressure. This new approach aims to foster real, meaningful connections.”

Surveys conducted by the company revealed that nearly two-thirds of women on Bumble favor receiving their first messages from men. More than half of those surveyed also expressed a desire for additional time to respond to these initial messages.

“This change represents our commitment to reducing pressure and enhancing user experience, based on extensive member feedback,” the company noted in its announcement. “It also acknowledges the realities of modern dating, where busy schedules can lead to missed opportunities for connection, often due to timing rather than a lack of interest.”

For gay men and lesbians using the app, the ability to send the first message has always been unrestricted.

This adjustment comes as Bumble faces a slowdown in growth within the online dating market. The company has reportedly considered a sale and cut 30% of its workforce last year. Both Bumble and its competitor Tinder, under Match Group, have seen declines in paid users and revenue, with stock prices falling in recent years.