Match, the Dallas-based dating app, has announced a partnership with Jay Shetty, a former monk turned motivational speaker, author, and podcast host, to help “shift the current dating mindset.” Shetty has joined as Match’s Relationship Advisor, offering guidance on first dates, love, and relationships through new in-app features and content designed to tackle dating challenges.
Disillusionment in dating is on the rise, says Match. The dating giant’s 13th Annual Singles in America Study found that 20% of singles who are actively dating feel that no one is right for them. And the study shows a broader range of issues—such as loneliness, burnout, financial stress, and challenges in finding compatible partners—contribute to a complex picture of disillusionment among singles.
Match has integrated Jay’s expertise across various product touchpoints, where he will offer guidance on first dates, love, and relationships.
Shetty, who was called Hollywood’s “go-to life coach” by the LA Times last year and officiated Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding in 2022, has joined forces with Match to create tools that encourage people to adopt a fresh approach to dating: Think authenticity, purpose, and shared values.
“We’re asking daters to focus on what truly matters to them—without falling into the habit of dismissing potential matches,” said Shetty in a statement. “For some time, I’ve envisioned a platform where individuals could put dating and relationship guidance into practice. We’ve created a space on Match where people can authentically focus on themselves and adopt a fresh approach to dating.”
Shetty—whose podcast, “On Purpose with Jay Shetty,” has been ranked as the No. 1 Health and Wellness podcast—has gained popularity through his social media presence, particularly on Facebook and Instagram, where he shares inspirational videos and quotes. He’s also written two bestselling books, “Think Like a Monk” and “8 Rules of Love,” and has been featured on shows from The Ellen DeGeneres Show to The Today Show.
Dushyant Saraph, GM at Match, says Shetty has a “unique ability to connect and guide people through various life stages, and our partnership will help more people find ‘the one.'” With his guidance, Match aims to help people navigate the twists and turns of their dating journey with newfound clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Better matches with like-minded people—from the start
Match members can now add their top three core values to their profiles, leading to better matches with like-minded people from the start. [Image: Match]
Match and Shetty have identified 21 meaningful core values, such as Adventure, Ambition, Friendship, Humor, Learning, and Optimism. Match members can now add their top three core values to their profiles, leading to better matches with like-minded people from the start, according to the press release.
Other features include a dedicated in-app resource called “Jay’s Content Hub for Deeper Connection,” which provides users with Shetty’s tips and wisdom on love and connection. The hub offers guidance on how to date more intentionally and build meaningful relationships.
Breaking the ice
To help users break the ice and have more engaging first dates, Match has incorporated “First Date Ideas Inspired by Jay.” Once members start a conversation with a potential partner, they will be prompted with active first-date tips and ideas for more meaningful interactions.
Match also has introduced new profile prompts curated by Shetty to encourage users to share more than just their favorite movies or TV shows. For example, one of the prompts asks, “A dealbreaker I used to have, but now I’m more open to…” These prompts aim to foster deeper connections and more authentic conversations between potential matches.
Match’s Saraph wants to bring Shetty’s insights and wisdom to its community of intentional daters.
“How we meet, date, and form relationships continues to evolve,” Match’s Saraph said in a statement. “In partnership with Jay, we hope to address some of the pain points daters have been experiencing and build for the future.”
To date differently with the help of Shetty, people can download the Match app in the App Store and Google Play. Match is an operating business of Match Group (Nasdaq: MTCH). Its pioneering dating app—now in eight languages and available in 25 countries—has been helping singles find love since 1995.
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