Tinder testing ‘Swipe Surge’ feature for iOS: Here’s what it does

Tinder’s ‘Swipe Surge’ feature will notify users of the time in which search activity is heightened on the app.

Tinder is testing a new ‘Swipe Surge’ feature, that is supposed to give users an increased chance of matching with others during peak activity like at New Year’s. The company has confirmed through a blog post that the feature is being tested for iOS in select cities, and can be rolled out for desktop and mobile soon.

Tinder’s ‘Swipe Surge’ feature will notify users of the time in which search activity is heightened on the app. When users swipes through other users during this period, they will be able to spot other online users around their area. To activate the feature, Tinder users will need to activate ‘Push Notifications’ from the app settings menu, post which they will start receiving ‘Swipe Surge’ alerts. The company will keep this mode on for special occasions, like festivities, or around a local hotspot and/or popular event nearby.

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Tinder claims that the ‘Swipe Surge’ feature will be activated when it detects greater than usual activity on the app, for up to 15 times the regular activity. This will apparently increase a user’s match-making potential by 250 per cent, with the possibility of a new conversation appearing 33 per cent faster than normal. A Tinder spokesperson told Wired that those present in test locations for Swipe Surge can expect to receive alerts for the same at least once every week.