Key Takeaways
- “Taken on Grindr” authenticates the user’s identity by adding a watermark and timestamp to photos taken in the app.
- The new feature enhances user authentication, safety, and peace of mind, and could even lead to more matches.
- Other apps, like Tinder and Bumble, have introduced similar selfie-identification features in an effort to combat catfish, romance scams, and bots.
In the industry-wide quest for authenticity, Grindr just gained some speed.
The app’s newest feature, “Taken on Grindr,” gives users the option to add a watermark and timestamp to photos that are taken with Grindr’s in-app camera.
“Trust and authenticity are essential when connecting with others online,” Grindr noted in a blog post promoting the new feature. “At Grindr, we understand how important it is for you to know that the person you’re chatting with is just that — the person you’re chatting with —- and that the photos you see are real and recent.”
“Taken on Grindr” is Grindr’s effort to combat catfish, romance scams, and bots by allowing users to fully authenticate their identities. It’s all about enhancing peace of mind, Grindr says — something many dating app users crave, especially when it comes to sharing personal images.
“Once sent or posted, your photo will appear with the watermark and timestamp available. Anyone viewing it can immediately see that it was taken in-app and learn how recently it was taken, confirming its authenticity,” Grindr explained.
Dating App Users Want to Know Who They’re Connecting With
ID verification is a hot-button issue in the dating app industry.
When Tinder issued passport-scanning ID checks for UK users in 2024, verified accounts received a 67% increase in matches compared to unverified accounts. Bumble recently announced its own foray into ID verification, signaling an industry-wide commitment to user safety.
The Europe-based DNS Research Federation reported that 67% of dating app users believed that apps could do more to keep people safe.
With “Taken on Grindr,” Grindr is attempting to do just that. This doesn’t mean that Grindr users are forced to comply, however.
Grindr emphasizes how the watermark and timestamp features are not mandatory. Each Grindr user can decide for themselves whether to take advantage of the verification feature or not.
By giving users the choice to verify their identities, Grindr is balancing the user’s desire for freedom with their desire for safety.
And yet, Grindr made it clear that safety via ID verification is the only way to guarantee authenticity — and successful connections.
“We encourage you to take advantage of [‘Taken on Grindr’] to support a safe, authentic Grindr experience,” according to the blog post. “We’re confident that ‘Taken on Grindr’ will make it easier for you to connect with others.”
