Sure, a whimsical meet-cute at a book store or on the side of the street sounds like a lovely way to meet someone. But in the year 2024, dating apps are proving to be a more realistic way of finding love — and most of the time, for free . Paid versions of the apps, however, became an option when Tinder and Hinge introduced premium subscriptions in 2015 and 2016.

Originally, the paid options were marketed toward dating-app users as a way to boost singles' chances at finding love. It's worth noting that they might not be entirely built for that, though: a new class-action lawsuit alleges Match Group-owned apps like Tinder and Hinge violate consumer protection laws and are "purposefully addictive." Still, more people than you think are paying for premium memberships in an attempt to find love.

According to a Tinder spokesperson, revenue from users with paid subscriptions increased in 2023. A spokesperson from Hinge confirmed that subscriptions grew 33 percent in 2023 compared to 2022. But still, why is no one talking about it? "It's uncomfortable that I'm on the apps in the first place, but it's kind of embarrassing to admit that you're investing in yourself [by paying for them too]," Mary, a 42-year-old guidance counselor who pays for premium versions of both Bumble and Hinge, tells PS.

But as Mary points out, people "put themselves first" by shelling out for trainers and financial planners without shame. So why should dating apps be any different? Ahead, we take a look at wh.