Hinge CEO Takes Leap into AI Dating with New App Overtone

 

Big news in the dating world! Justin McLeod, the founder and CEO of Hinge, is stepping down from his role to pursue an exciting new venture: an AI-powered dating app called Overtone. With backing from Match Group—the parent company of Hinge, Tinder, and OkCupid—Overtone is being positioned as a fresh way for people to connect using the latest in AI and voice technology.

Overtone isn’t just another dating app. According to a recent press release, it’s “an early-stage dating service focused on using AI and voice tools to help people connect in a more thoughtful and personal way.” The app started as an internal project at Hinge, and McLeod spent the past year with a dedicated team developing it. With Match Group taking a “substantial ownership position” and providing pre-seed funding, Overtone already has a solid foundation to grow.

McLeod isn’t alone in exploring AI in dating. Whitney Wolfe Herd, the founder of Bumble, has also expressed interest in creating AI-driven matchmaking experiences, including the ambitious idea of AI dating AI on behalf of singles. The surge in AI dating projects comes as apps like Tinder and Hinge face challenges with user engagement, particularly among Gen Z.

The market has seen some rough patches: Tinder has experienced nine consecutive quarters of declining paying subscribers, and online daters are increasingly frustrated with repetitive swiping. In response, apps are leaning on AI for innovative solutions. Hinge, for example, recently launched Convo Starters, a feature designed to help users spark more meaningful conversations, while Tinder and Facebook Dating are experimenting with AI-powered matching to fight “swipe fatigue.”

Of course, integrating AI into dating apps comes with a delicate balance. While AI can enhance the experience, some new features—like Tinder’s upcoming “Chemistry,” which analyzes users’ camera rolls to better understand them—raise privacy concerns. Experts warn against giving apps unrestricted access to personal data, even for the sake of improved matches.

McLeod founded Hinge in 2011 with the goal of prioritizing meaningful relationships over casual encounters. The app’s approach has resonated with users, and it’s projected to hit $1 billion in revenue by 2027. Hinge was acquired by Match Group in 2019, and now Jackie Jantos, Hinge’s president and chief marketing officer, will take over as CEO. McLeod will stay on in an advisory role through March to ensure a smooth transition.

Looking ahead, Jantos has made it clear that Hinge will continue investing in AI features that enhance the dating experience. Speaking at SXSW London, she emphasized that Gen Z users want authenticity and transparency from digital brands—a key consideration for AI-driven platforms. Hinge’s AI recommendation feature, launched earlier this year, already boosted matches and contact exchanges by 15% in the first quarter, showing the potential of thoughtful AI integration.

As McLeod embarks on his next chapter with Overtone, the dating world is watching closely. Between AI matchmaking, voice tools, and a growing demand for genuine connections, the future of dating apps is shaping up to be more intelligent—and perhaps a little more personal—than ever before.