Bumble revamps the 'first move' and other features

Earlier this year, new Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones said in a Fortune interview that Bumble was rethinking women making the first move — the dating app's signature for its ten-year run. Today, Bumble officially announced updates to the "first move," as well as other feature upgrades and a fresh brand identity.

Since Bumble's inception in 2014, only women could message matches first. In the case of same-gender connections, anyone could message first. In 2022, Bumble announced that non-binary users can make the first move as well. 

Bumble Opening Moves

Now, Opening Moves is Bumble's "evolution" to this concept. Women users have the option to set a question for their matches to respond to, either from Bumble's recommended options or by writing their own. Non-binary users and those looking for same-gender connections can set and respond to an Opening Move, as well. Bumble told Mashable in April that men looking for women can't set an Opening Move, but clarified in October that any user can actually set an Opening Move.

Bumble's new Opening Moves feature. Credit: Bumble

In Bumble's press release, Jones cited how tiring online dating can be as a reason for this feature. "In listening to our community, many have shared their exhaustion with the current online dating experience, and for some, that includes making the first move," said Jones. "We're also hearing from women that empowerment today is not only about control but it's also about agency, and we're excited to offer more choice in how women make the first move with our new Opening Moves feature."

New Bumble profile changes

Bumble is rolling out other changes and updates to profiles in addition to Opening Moves. For one, the app refreshed its logo, font, and colors. 

The app is also expanding Dating Intentions badges. Bumble senior product manager Dara Alsulayman explained in a demo video shared with Mashable that, "We've heard a lot from our members that misalignment in dating intentions is one of the biggest pain points, and we feel this stems from dating intentions on dating apps and Bumble not necessarily reflecting how people feel about dating intentions." Some people feel that dating intentions on apps are rigid, so Bumble has added more options and the ability to pick up to two intentions, Alsulayman continued.

Up until now, users could express on their profile whether they're looking for a relationship, something casual, marriage, or "don't know yet." Now, users have more options:

• Fun, casual dates

• Intimacy without commitment 

• Life partner

• Ethical non-monogamy

Bumble's expanded Dating Intentions. Credit: Bumble

Bumble also updated its interface in terms of how interests, values, and causes look. Now, common interests (and Spotify artists) are at the top of profiles. Causes and communities have their own section in profiles too.

The app took a page from Hinge and added prompts to profiles to show off personality — though they're optional on Bumble.

Previously, Bumble required all users to upload two photos. Now, it's four. Alsulayman cited a finding that the more photos a user has on their profile, the more success they have in "finding meaningful connections."

Bumble also TikTok-ified Best Bees, a page featuring curated profiles based on your swipes and preferences. Now, Best Bees is called For You. Alsulayman said Bumble updated the algorithm to incorporate member feedback.

Given how much dating and the app space has changed in the last decade, these changes don't come as much of a surprise. In the demo video, Alsulayman said the team believes these features "usher in a new chapter in Bumble's evolution."

UPDATE: Oct. 31, 2024, 2:32 p.m. EDT This article originally said only women can add Opening Moves. Bumble clarified to Mashable that any user can set an Opening Move.