GC pair launch dating app to tackle giants
When two Gold Coast women could not find love online, they decided to create a new “activity-based” dating app in a bid to disrupt a industry dominated by tech giants.
Corina Hough and Sarah Hill have unveiled what they are calling Anyplans after launching it in Australia earlier this year.
Anyplans promises a different way of matching people – there’s no right or left swiping.
It encourages users to post an activity – anything from a coffee to a drink to a big night out or even a walk or some sport – in the hope someone will indicate they are keen to join them.
Similar to Tinder, users can set a geographical area to see the plans or offer to join plans. Users can set multiple plan options.
Ms Hill, of Burleigh Heads, said there was a need for an app to foster real connections, rather than moments of lust.
“Our vision with Anyplans is to offer an alternative that
“We’re not just swiping, we’re planning, engaging, and connecting – truly putting the dating back in dating apps
Sarah Hill
Anyplans co-creator
is more in tune with the way people want to date today,” Ms Hill said.
“We’re not just swiping, we’re planning, engaging, and connecting – truly putting the dating back in dating apps.
“It takes 1140 swipes on average to get one date (on others), which equates to about 20 hours of user-input,” she said.
Ms Hough, of Broadbeach said the online dating industry was in desperate need of a “shake-up”.
“Sarah and I were trying to get a date and we would start swiping and chatting from Monday to try and get a date for the weekend. It was just painful,” Ms Hough said.
“We feel a responsibility to bring this to the world as it has the potential to help millions.
“We know we’ve got a big job ahead of us but we’re pretty excited. It needs a shakeup,” she said.
They’ve launched in time for Valentine’s Day on Wednesday but both acknowledge breaking through will not be easy with established players like Tinder and Bumble. Tinder, launched in 2012, has been downloaded more than 530 million times.
The app has been dominating the online dating realm, with availability in 190 countries and more than 45 languages. Anyplans, only live for weeks, by comparison had 437 downloads at deadline.
Tinder’s latest ‘Year in Swipe’ report states singles were less concerned with where their relationship was heading, and were more interested in creating memorable experiences and opportunities – also known as NATO Dating (Not Attached To Outcomes).
Anyplans is on the Apple Store and Play Store for Australian residents only ahead of their global launch – planned once user numbers increase.