The Market Is Voting With Its Wallet in both countries

The premium matchmaking market was valued at $10.82 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $34 billion by 2031, according to Verified Market Research. Meanwhile, Bumble's paying users are declining and session lengths on dating apps are getting shorter year on year.

People are tired of spending 51 minutes per day, that's nearly 310 hours per year, or 13 full days, swiping on apps that yield zero real dates. They're choosing to invest that time (and their hearts) more wisely.

"The biggest problem is that it's so easy to meet someone, but it's not easy to meet someone special. There's this culture of 'people are disposable' and people aren't giving others enough of a chance."

— Jaime Bronstein, Relationship Coach, Medill Reports Northwestern (2025)

"More Australians are now looking for dating experiences that go beyond the surface, where clarity, emotional connection, and long-term potential actually matter."

— vocal.media, 2026 (covering Sydney & Melbourne dating trends)