Hoop is a new social media app that launched in 2019. It has been described as a combination of Instagram and Tinder, allowing users to post photos and videos to their profile as well as swipe on other users. This has led many to wonder – is hoop a dating app?
What is Hoop?
Hoop was created by Nikita Bier, who previously worked at Instagram and founded the video editing app Flipagram. Based in Los Angeles, hoop aims to provide an alternative social experience that is about meeting new people rather than collecting likes.
On hoop, users create a profile with photos and videos that showcase their personality and interests. You can follow friends, but the main feature is the ability to swipe on profiles in a Tinder-like fashion. If two users swipe right on each other, they match and can start chatting.
The app categorizes users into “loops” based on location, so you are shown profiles of people in your city. You can also join interest-based loops to connect with people who share your hobbies.
Hoop’s Features
Here are some of the key features of hoop:
– Profile – Showcase your personality with a profile including photos, videos, bio, and interests.
– Loops – Get matched with people in your city or join interest-based loops.
– Swiping – Swipe right to like profiles, left to skip. If you both swipe right, it’s a match.
– Chatting – Message your matches through text, photo, video and voice messages.
– Stories – Post ephemeral photos and videos to your story that lasts 24 hours.
– Live Streaming – Go live to let your matches get to know you in real-time.
– Events – See upcoming events near you and connect with people also interested in attending.
Is Hoop a Dating App?
While hoop shares some similarities with dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, the creators insist that it is not solely focused on dating. In an interview with The Verge, Nikita Bier explained:
“For me, this is simply the next iteration of social media — a platform for generating authentic connections between people with shared interests and values.”
He went on to say that while you can use hoop for dating, it is also designed for platonic friendships and professional networking.
However, with the swiping feature and ability to match with local users, there is certainly a dating element to hoop. Users are able to specify on their profile whether they are looking for “dating”, “friends” or “something casual.”
So in summary – while not exclusively a dating app, hoop does facilitate romantic connections between mutually interested users. It aims to provide an alternative to traditional apps that are focused solely on dating and hookups.
User Reviews
To further understand if hoop functions as a dating app, it’s helpful to look at reviews from users:
Sarah, 25, Los Angeles:
“I’ve been using hoop for a few weeks and have gone on several really great dates. I like that it doesn’t feel as pressured as Tinder – the profiles show more personality and it’s nice to match with people based on common interests.”
Chris, 30, New York:
“As a guy looking for a relationship, I find hoop better than other apps. The women seem more engaged and I’ve met some really compatible matches that I’m still talking to.”
Jane, 18, Seattle:
“I downloaded hoop to make some new friends after moving to Seattle for college. I have met a few girls on there to hang out with but no dates yet. I like that it doesn’t feel like just a hookup app.”
Mark, 20, Miami:
“I’d say hoop is decent for casual dating but it’s not quite as active as Tinder. I get decent matches but fewer people seem to be using it so far in my area.”
How Hoop Compares to Established Dating Apps
To get a better sense of hoop’s positioning in the dating app landscape, here is a comparison to established dating apps:
App | Primary Use | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Tinder | Dating, relationships, hookups | Photo-focused profiles, swiping, instant messaging |
Bumble | Dating, relationships | Swiping, women message first, time-limited messaging |
Hinge | Dating, relationships | In-depth profiles, prompts, shared connections |
Hoop | Social, dating, networking | Video profiles, swiping, interest-based matching |
As you can see, established dating apps are solely focused on dating and relationships. Hoop sets itself apart with its broader vision for social connections and professional networking.
However, the inclusion of Tinder-like swiping and messaging means it will inevitably be used for dating purposes by many users.
The Verdict: Hoop Offers a Fresh Approach, but also Facilitates Dating
Based on hoop’s features and target user demographic of Gen Z, it’s fair to say it is not strictly a dating app. The founders’ vision is for an app that enables meaningful connections beyond just romantic relationships.
However, with the ability to match, chat and meet up with prospective romantic partners in your area, there is certainly a dating element that distinguishes it from pure friendship apps.
Early user reviews indicate people are having success meeting potential dates, albeit with less pressure than more hookup-focused apps. So hoop seems to occupy an intriguing middle ground – an app for dating, but not just dating.
It provides an alternative to the strictly relationship-focused competitors, while likely appealing more to youthful demographics. Only time will tell if it is able to carve out a niche. But the early signs indicate hoop has potential to foster authentic connections both platonic and romantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about whether hoop is a dating app:
Does hoop have a swiping feature like Tinder?
Yes, users on hoop swipe right to like profiles of other users or left to skip them, just like on Tinder. If two users swipe right on each other, it results in a match.
Can you use hoop for platonic friendships?
Hoop is designed not just for dating but also for finding new friends. Users can join interest-based loops to connect with others who share their hobbies or passions.
Is hoop only for young people?
Hoop was designed with a Gen Z demographic in mind. However, it can be used by people of all ages much like other social apps. It may skew younger though since TikTok-style video profiles are a key feature.
What happens when you match with someone on hoop?
When two users match on hoop, either person can initiate a chat to start getting to know each other. You can message through text, photo, video or voice messages.
How is hoop different from Tinder?
While hoop utilizes Tinder’s swiping mechanism, it aims to facilitate a wider range of connections beyond just hookups and dates. Profiles focus more on personality and interests rather than just photos.
Conclusion
Hoop provides an intriguing new platform for social networking and dating that aims to foster more authentic connections. With its dual focus on platonic and romantic relationships, along with interest-based networking, hoop manages to differentiate itself from established dating apps.
Early adoption shows promising signs that hoop can successfully bring people together for friendship, dating, networking and more. While not marketed exclusively for dating, the Tinder-like matching features create plenty of opportunity to find potential partners as well.
Ultimately, hoop represents an evolution of modern social media, with its fresh approach to facilitating human interaction in the digital age.