3 things to know about Tinder’s new ‘sharing’ function

Now you can play ‘matchmaker’ for your friends

In an effort to put its users in a “matchmaker” role, Tinder has added a sharing button. Basically, you can link your friends to a user that appears in your feed, and then they will have the option to swipe right or left on that person. If you regularly use Tinder, here are a few things to know:

1. Sharing profiles occurs via text

And once you share a profile, it has a shelf life.

According to Fortune:

Tinder confirmed to Business Insider that these “profile links” are only directly shareable via text message, though the feature may have previously included integration with other messaging apps like WhatsApp and GroupMe, according to MEL. You could also theoretically copy and paste the link anywhere, though Tinder revealed the links will expire after five clicks or 72 hours.

2. This feature might cause some users to abandon Tinder

According to Inquisitr:

The only downside of this new share option by Tinder is the reluctance of current Tinder members to want their profiles shared, to have them put out into the public by someone else. However, the current thought process is that this is already possible via a screenshot, which Tinder members utilize all the time. In the end, it’s a certainty that Tinder has already weighed the possibility of losing some current members as a result of the new share option, and have deemed that they’ll ultimately gain more members than they’ll lose. Tinder also reminds its users that they can always opt out of having a shareable profile via their Tinder settings.

3. You can opt out of being shared

According to Mashable:

When someone shares a profile with you and you decide to swipe right for a match, your profile will appear in the other user’s recommendations if you line up with their preferences.

Users that don’t want their profiles shared can turn that feature off for their profile under Discovery Settings.

Some reaction from Twitter:

remember when people were ashamed about being on tinder? now here we are sharing our experiences on seeking arrangements #prohoe

— Leah Hardenbrook (@leahhardenbrook) March 2, 2016

why does tinder have a share button when you get a match? who would do that?

— Zachery Bridgeman (@zach_attackz) February 17, 2016

I love how #tinder has a "share" button for when you get a match like, "hey guys! I got one today! There's hope yet!"

— ?Blonde_Annie? (@Blonde_Annie) January 25, 2016

Time will tell if users respond well to this feature, or if it will disappear just like Tinder Moments.