A recent addition to the dating app scene is Cheers, a newly launched matching app available to users in New York City. Founded by former Instagram engineer Sahil Ahuja, Cheers sets itself apart by offering friend matching and social posting features to foster new connections.
Cheers (as most people know your name) is a twist on the familiar mechanics of dating apps. Users can swipe through their profiles for direct messaging while leveraging their existing network of friends to play matchmaker, and can swipe on behalf of their friends to share their profiles and ask for referrals. It takes the awkwardness out of meeting potential matches online.
Additionally, Cheers has built-in social media features such as photo sharing, allowing users to post as many images as they like, rather than being limited to the six or so photos allowed on most dating apps. can. Ahuja believes that adding unlimited images to Instagram-style profiles will improve the user experience and make dating apps more like social platforms. It also helps with the vetting process, as one of your friend's photos may have been tagged with a potential match.
Ahuja told TechCrunch: “I've talked to a lot of women and they feel like it's really beneficial for them, because if they see someone there with their friends, it gives them a leg up. It's not a rough idea. It's okay to date in real life. ”
Image credit: Cheers
After four years at Instagram, Ahuja ventured into the startup world and launched Soho, a Web3 company that was sold to Sound last year. It was his dream to build Cheers, but he wanted to work on Instagram and improve his skills first. In a way, Instagram is its own dating app. More and more users are turning to apps these days to “slide into the DMs” of their crushes.
The idea of friend matching apps is not new. Tinder will try this with Tinder Matchmaker in 2023, and Bumble has a “recommend to a friend” feature. Startups like Loop and Wingman operate on the same principles.
While friend matchmaking isn't new, Cheers reflects a shift in online dating behavior, with people gravitating towards making more authentic connections. What better way to ensure they find the right match than to turn to their closest friends who know them best?
Unlike the remote connections users follow on Instagram or Facebook, Cheers takes a more personal approach. Users must exclusively invite individuals from their contact list, emphasizing more intentional ways of connecting. By limiting users to viewing only three matches per day, the app fosters intentional and purposeful dating interactions and puts the user experience at the forefront.
Image credit: Cheers
While many dating apps are experimenting with AI, Cheers uses ChatGPT to suggest photos to post and generate captions. It also uses AI to help users set up their profiles. However, the app prohibits AI-generated profile images.
Ahuja is currently working on Cheers alone, focusing on improving the app before promoting it in new markets or hiring anyone. He plans to add paid features in the future, but wants to wait until Cheers reaches 5,000 users.
The app has 150 signups so far, and new users need an invitation from a friend to join. Currently available only on iOS.