Swiping right. Matching. Chatting. Meeting. Dating – For millions of singles, this is the tantalizing promise of Tinder. But is the popular dating app now promising something even more exclusive in Tinder Select?
Tinder Select has generated plenty of buzz with its limited availability, elite features, and hefty price tag aimed at “improving” the dating lives of select Tinder members.
But let’s peel back the hype and take a real look at whether Tinder Select can actually deliver an experience that’s 500 times better than plain ol’ free Tinder.
What Exactly is Tinder Select?
Tinder Select is a premium service launched by Tinder, but access is limited to less than 1% of all users, according to Tinder. They claim this minuscule availability ensures the most exclusive experience possible for members.
So what does this exclusivity get you? Tinder Select offers:
- Priority access to high-value profiles – Tinder keeps its matching algorithm secret, but it’s safe to assume this means your profile gets premium visibility to the most popular, attractive profiles based on Tinder’s data.
- Early access to new features – Again, no specifics given here by Tinder. But you may get first dibs on testing new services and upgrades before they go mainstream. Fancy being an early adopter?
- Priority Likes – This allows your profile to jump the line and be seen faster by the people you Like. Tinder claims your profile stays “unblurred” in their grid, but that perk remains murky.
- DM anyone – You can message matches or non-matches. However, they still have to opt-in to accept messages from strangers.
- Exclusive badge – The status symbol to show off your Tinder Select membership. How delightful.
- Guaranteed access – Tinder themselves choose who gets invited to join Tinder Select. Once you’re in, you keep all the perks as long as you pay the fee.
And just how much does this “ultra-exclusive” experience cost? Try $499.99 per month. Yup, half a grand every month for elevated Tinder access.
So should you ditch plain ol’ Tinder and upgrade to the fancy new Tinder Select? Let’s dig deeper to find out if it’s really worth it.
Will Tinder Select Actually Help You Get More Dates?
For most singles on Tinder looking for dating success, the #1 question is: will upgrading to Tinder Select get me more dates?
The short answer? Probably not.
While some Select features may provide minor improvements, it seems unlikely any will directly translate into more dates or relationships. Tinder’s marketing is aimed more at exclusivity and priority access rather than definitive dating results.
Let’s examine how each key Tinder Select feature could potentially impact your dating life:
- Priority access to elite profiles – Maybe you’ll see and match with more popular people, but it still comes down to individual preferences and your own profile appeal. Don’t rely on this for dates.
- Early new features – Fun bonus perk, but unlikely to affect your overall dating success.
- Priority Likes – This is the one solid feature that helps your profile stand out faster to your potential matches. However, it’s also available with Tinder’s cheaper Platinum tier for just $39.99 a month.
- Message anyone – Seems unlikely many members will enable incoming messages from randoms when they already get bombarded by current matches.
- Exclusive badge – Let’s be honest, this just signals you paid a ton for Tinder Select. Probably won’t sway left-swipers if your profile itself is weak.
- Guaranteed access – Nice assurance if you have money to burn every month. But no guarantee you’ll actually get more dates.
As you can see, only Priority Likes seem truly useful for upping your dating game. Yet most of the features emphasize exclusivity and priority access over any real influence on match or date quality.
Is Tinder Select Worth That Crazy $500 Monthly Price Tag?
Here’s where things get tricky. That whopping $499.99 monthly fee is clearly aimed at an ultra-exclusive, wealthy demographic. But are the perks actually worth that much money, especially for the average dater?
Let’s weigh the costs:
Pros
- Priority Likes for faster profile views
- Elite badge for status
- Guaranteed access (if you keep paying)
Cons
- $500 a month is incredibly steep for most people
- Very few features directly impact dating success
- Many features are vague or seem useless for real dating
- Priority Likes also available for just $40 a month with Platinum
When you tally it up, Tinder Select feels like an ultra-premium service aimed more at wealth and exclusivity rather than definitive dating results. Besides Priority Likes, the other perks seem vaguely interesting rather than solid ways to enhance your dating experience. And you can get Priority Likes for way cheaper with Platinum if that’s your main goal.
For the regular, budget-conscious Tinder user hoping to meet more people, Tinder Select’s lofty price tag likely exceeds its practical value. Yet for wealthy singles who want exclusive status and early access, Tinder Select caters to those who see $500 as pocket change.
Tinder Select – Who’s It Actually For?
Tinder Select isn’t for everyone. Here’s a quick breakdown of who it could appeal to:
Wealthy Tinder Users
- Budget is not an issue
- Like priority access and exclusivity
- View the $500 monthly fee as negligible
Tinder Influencers
- Have huge Tinder followings
- Elite badge boosts status
- Guaranteed access protects income
The Tinder Curious
- Intrigued by shiny new service
- Willing to test and review firsthand
- Can afford temporary access
Gold Diggers & Sugar Daters
- Seek affluent partners
- Message rich strangers easily
- Badge shows wealth and access
Serial Monogamists
- Use Tinder only for relationships
- Willing to pay for fast matches
- Want to skip the small talk phase
As you can see, Tinder Select caters to the elite, influential, and curious more than the everyday dater. Its premium price tag alone filters its audience. This leaves regular users better off saving their money and sticking to free Tinder functions.
Tinder Select – Yay or Nay? Our Final Verdict
After reviewing all the details, features, and crazy high subscription cost, what’s our final call on Tinder Select?
For most average Tinder daters, Tinder Select is an overpriced novelty rather than an essential upgrade. With few features directly leading to more dates, it’s geared more toward exclusivity and minor perks. Tinder Select could offer a fun trial run for the wealthy and influential who get instant access. However, it provides little practical value for improving dating success for the common Tinder user.
The sole game-changing feature is Priority Likes, yet that’s available for far cheaper through Tinder Platinum. Everything else seems like window dressing aimed more at wealth and status rather than tangible dating benefits.
So is Tinder Select worth all that hype? Probably not for the vast majority of Tinder subscribers. It’s stratospheric cost and limited practical perks make Tinder Select an elite “pay for status” service rather than a dating transformation.
Unless you have cash to burn every month and crave flashy add-ons, you’re better off sticking to the standard Tinder app. Focus on improving your profile, honing your chatting skills, and going on more dates. That will do far more for your dating life than any elite badge or vague “priority access” ever will.
So let the wealthy and influential clamor for Tinder Select’s exclusive hype. For the rest of us, regular Tinder works just fine.
