Hinge CEO Justin McLeod Launches AI Dating App Overtone

Hinge CEO Transitions to Launch New AI Dating Venture

Justin McLeod, the current CEO of Hinge, is stepping down from his position to concentrate on the development of a novel AI-driven dating application known as Overtone.

Match Group’s Investment in Overtone

Match Group, the prominent dating application conglomerate encompassing Hinge, Tinder, and OkCupid, is providing initial funding for Overtone. They also intend to secure a “substantial ownership position” within the new venture, as detailed in a recent press release.

Incubation and Development of Overtone

Overtone originated as an internal project within Hinge, benefiting from the resources and support of Match Group. McLeod, alongside a dedicated team, devoted the past year to refining the concept of Overtone.

The application is characterized as “an early-stage dating service focused on using AI and voice tools to help people connect in a more thoughtful and personal way.”

Broader Trend of AI in Dating Apps

McLeod is not alone in exploring standalone AI-focused dating experiences. Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, has expressed her ambition to leverage AI to create a highly sophisticated and emotionally aware matchmaking system.

Last year, Wolfe Herd even proposed the concept of individuals utilizing AI representations to date on their behalf.

Differentiation in a Competitive Market

The specific strategies Overtone will employ to distinguish itself from existing dating applications remain unclear.

Many established platforms are currently integrating AI features in an attempt to address growing user dissatisfaction with online dating, particularly among members of Generation Z.

AI Features in Tinder and Hinge

Tinder has experienced nine consecutive quarters of declining paid subscriptions and is increasingly relying on AI to enhance user engagement and match rates.

Just this week, Hinge introduced “Convo Starters,” an AI-powered feature designed to facilitate more engaging conversations beyond typical introductory exchanges.

Both Tinder and Facebook Dating have experimented with AI-driven matching algorithms to mitigate “swipe fatigue.”

Concerns Regarding Data Privacy

While relinquishing control of the dating experience is one consideration, other attempts to integrate AI raise significant privacy concerns.

Match Group’s “Chemistry” Feature

Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group, announced last month that a key component of Tinder’s 2026 product roadmap will be a feature called Chemistry.

This feature, with user consent, will analyze users’ camera rolls to gain deeper insights into their preferences and interests. (It is advisable to exercise caution when granting technology companies broad access to personal data.)

Hinge’s History and Leadership Transition

McLeod established Hinge in 2011 with a focus on fostering meaningful relationships rather than casual encounters.

The application is projected to achieve $1 billion in revenue by 2027 and was acquired by Match Group in 2019.

Jackie Jantos, currently Hinge’s president and chief marketing officer, will assume the role of CEO.

McLeod will continue to provide guidance to Hinge in an advisory capacity through March.

Addressing Gen Z’s Concerns

TechCrunch recently interviewed Jantos at SXSW London regarding Hinge’s strategy for engaging Generation Z, a demographic increasingly skeptical of online dating.

“This is a generation that has grown up with a deep understanding of how digital experiences are created and what they are trying to get out of them,” Jantos explained.

Transparency and Authenticity

According to Jantos, Gen Z prioritizes transparency and authenticity from digital brands.

While this may seem at odds with the company’s increasing reliance on AI, Hinge’s AI recommendation feature, launched in March, resulted in a 15% increase in matches and contact exchanges during the first quarter of the year.

Future Direction Under New Leadership

Based on Jantos’ statements, Hinge is expected to continue investing in AI-driven features under her leadership.

“Our focus will remain on intentional innovation that is grounded in culture, creativity, and a deep understanding of how people connect today,” Jantos stated.