The Scoop: Many singles feel that online dating platforms foster a superficial culture and make it too easy to reject someone based on appearance. S’More is a fast-growing dating app that aims to change that dynamic with a fundamentally different matching method. Members can’t see each other’s profile photos until they’ve had a chance to make a genuine connection. Singles can use the S’More app to find common ground through music, voice memos, videos, and even thoughts about celebrity dating videos.
Dating app fatigue has been around for years, and many singles — especially millennials and Gen Z — continue to search for new ways to connect with interesting people. Plenty of dating apps and sites prey on the dopamine hit that comes with swiping. Singles are encouraged to make quick decisions about others based on little more than a couple of photos.
It’s almost impossible to know anything about the person, so it’s not surprising that many in-person dates and relationships begin on a superficial level. Singles can quickly become exhausted by the process. Dates should be a fun way to find romance, but for many, online dating makes them less happy, not more.
While superficial judgment happens daily on most apps, the S’More dating platform aims to change that dynamic.
Adam Cohen Aslatei, the CEO and Founder of S’More, said the app’s name is a nod to single people looking for something more substantial than what’s currently out there.
“By ‘something more,’ we mean a more substantial connection with intention, not the spray-and-pray approach,” Adam said. “Whether for casual or long-term dating or for friendships, S’More covers it all. We reduce the pressures felt on other dating apps because, on S’More, you cannot see the person initially.”
Instead of judging a person based on how one or two photos capture them in a moment in time, S’More relies on shared voice messages, favorite music, and deeper interests. It requires users to get to know each other more holistically as people, which is a necessary foundation for any meaningful relationship.
Building on Success & Helping Singles Find Something More
The S’More app’s growth has been nothing short of explosive, with its membership doubling in size in 2021. Adam said member engagement and retention rates have never been higher.
“The average person comes back daily and is in multiple conversations averaging more than 25 messages,” Adam said. “Not to mention, singles watched more than 1 million minutes of exclusive celebrity dating content on the app.”
Singles who use the app — available on iOS — must interact with each other to reveal their photos. The more you chat, the more of the photo is revealed. According to Adam, most singles find themselves in at least one deep conversation within the first 24 hours of creating the account. He also said that 65% of the people who create an account come back the next day — which doesn’t always happen with other dating apps.
According to Adam, that enthusiasm has resulted in some great success, even though the app only launched 18 months ago. He said he has already heard about many engagements and weddings between people who started dating through the app.
“A recent S’More success story was highlighted in a Washington Post article and in the Wall Street Journal,” he said. “Two same-sex COVID-19 unit nurses found love on our app early this year, and now they’re engaged.”
Approximately 20% of app members identify as LGBTQ, and its membership tends to skew younger.
“On S’More, singles connect over content streams. We are more community-focused versus the transactional approach singles experience on more traditional dating apps,” Adam said. “You can hear their voice, listen to their favorite music, and interact with all of their favorite things.”
Blurred Videos Encourage Users to Get Real On Virtual Dates
Photos are hidden until singles unlock them through communication and strong connections. That provides members with a sense of security that they don’t have to share anything too personal until they’re ready.
Recently, the S’More team released a new feature called Slices. For every new chat sent through the app, a single person will see a slice of the profile photo of the other person. That replaces the blur methodology, and it also helps people progress faster when they have chemistry.
However, members can also schedule video dates over the app — and those start with a blurred screen for the first few minutes. That makes video dating a little more exhilarating.
“The blurred video also creates a pressure-free way to start a chat since daters don’t face the awkward initial shock of video chatting a stranger,” Adam said. “Video is a great way to get intimate, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the current use of video on dating apps can often be insecure, high pressure, and awkward. S’More reinvents video dating by gamifying the experience.”
The screen includes a timer that gives both parties time to consider whether they are ready to share more with the other person. Both participants must opt-in to move forward with unblurring their video. That adds another layer of security.
The process ensures singles wait to see whether someone is physically attractive. That also means S’More members often put extra effort into creating a unique voice message that shares what they’re looking for in a date or a relationship.
S’More: Celebrity Dating Videos are a Popular Way to Connect
Adam said it’s also a good idea for S’More members to fill out their profiles completely since that information could make or break their chances at a date. Then, they can select three profile photos that offer a look at different aspects of their personality. It usually doesn’t take long for someone to chat enough to unveil the images.
“Remember, on S’More, potential matches cannot see your photo initially, so saying as much about yourself in your unique voice will go a long way,” Adam said.
Another way singles connect on S’More is through celebrity dating videos. Users can chat with anyone who comments or likes a video, and members can also share their favorite S’More videos instantly on social networks.
Over 35% of all S’More profile interactions come from meeting someone through watching celebrity dating content.
“S’More reinvents video dating by gamifying the experience.” — Adam Cohen Aslate, S’More CEO
S’More produced the #1 celebrity dating show on Instagram called “S’More Live Happy Hour.” It interviewed celebrities on everything from crazy dating stories to hilarious games and dating tips, and the show has over 10 million views.
“We now have over 150 exclusive episodes with 75 hours of exclusive content and more than 10 million views,” Adam said. “Videos are not only available on Instagram, but they get a special edit and are available in-app. “
The S’More team has big plans in the works right now. S’More has a television show scheduled to air in 2022. And music-loving members should stay tuned, as a partnership with Spotify will make it easier than ever to share tunes.
What’s more, S’More is announcing a new partnership with Amazon to be the first dating app in the world to implement their AI Face Recognition technology to ensure that the app is 100% cat-fish free, its the most sophisticated tech on the market
The app will also redesign its interface to maintain its focus on connecting users in real ways instead of offering superficial matches that go nowhere.
