Product Overview: Coffee Meets Bagel
Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) is an innovative online dating platform designed to foster meaningful and authentic connections among singles. Founded in 2011 by three sisters, Arum, Dawoon, and Soo Kang, in San Francisco, CMB distinguishes itself from other dating apps by prioritizing quality over quantity.
Core Functionality
- Curated Matches: Unlike traditional swiping-based dating apps, CMB uses a sophisticated algorithm to deliver a limited number of curated matches, known as “Bagels,” to users each day at noon. Men receive up to 21 Bagels, while women are presented with up to six Bagels who have already expressed interest in them, ensuring a more selective and meaningful matching process.
Key Features
- Algorithmic Matching: The platform employs a deep neural network to curate matches based on users’ preferences, behavior patterns, education, interests, and social network connections. This approach ensures that matches are highly compatible and tailored to each user’s specific tastes and relationship goals.
- Daily Match Delivery: Users receive their Bagels daily at noon, with a 24-hour window to decide whether to “Like,” “Pass,” or use a “Priority Like” (which costs around 540 Beans and gets you noticed 6x faster).
- Discover Section: In addition to the curated matches, CMB offers a “Discover” section where users can browse profiles based on their specified search filters, including criteria such as degree type and recent activity on the app.
- Profile Setup: Setting up a profile is quick and easy, with the option to link via Facebook or mobile number. Users can fill out short profile questions and answer prompts to provide more details about themselves, enhancing the likelihood of being matched with compatible individuals.
- Icebreaker Questions: To facilitate deeper conversations, CMB encourages users to submit “Icebreakers” – interesting tidbits or subjects that potential matches can use as conversation starters.
Monetization and Premium Features
- Freemium Model: The core functionalities of the app are available for free, but users can access premium features through a subscription service. Premium features include the ability to see who has liked them before they match, unlimited “Woos” (signals of extra interest), and additional “Beans” (the app’s currency) to unlock more matches and features.
- Beans and In-App Purchases: Users can purchase Beans to unlock extra Bagels, rewind previous matches, or extend the deadline for chatting with a potential match. Premium membership also offers perks like seeing how active a match is on the app and whether messages have been read.
User Experience
- Focus on Serious Relationships: CMB is designed for users seeking serious relationships, with 70% of users aiming for a long-term connection and 11% specifically looking for a spouse. This focus helps create a more committed and engaged user base.
- User Engagement and Retention: The app’s approach to quality over quantity results in higher user satisfaction and retention rates. For example, 86% of users prefer CMB for its focus on quality matches, and the app boasts a 53% user retention rate within the first week of sign-up.
In summary, Coffee Meets Bagel offers a unique and personalized dating experience by leveraging advanced algorithms, curated matches, and a user-friendly interface. By emphasizing meaningful connections and providing premium features to enhance the user experience, CMB stands out as a valuable platform for those seeking genuine relationships.