Dating App Partnerships
WE HELP DATING APPS SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF THEIR USERS. Since dating websites and platforms became a reality, BHOC has been besides owners of these platforms to promote the health and wellness of their users. Since 2014, BHOC has worked with over 30 different dating platforms, providing free, customized consulting–bringing decades of public health expertise to the table.
2.4 MILLION
Gay + bi men use dating app features developed by BHOC
ORDER HIV SELF-TESTS
IN THE APP
In partnership with Grindr, we developed a prominent order button where users in the U.S. and multiple other countries can order an HIV self-test from a local program.
Other Features: HIV/STI Testing Reminders, Sexual Health Profile Options, Outbreak Advisories, Sexual Health Resource
HIV/STI TESTING
CLINICS IN YOUR AREA
We worked with Sniffies–a map-based cruising app–to add local sexual health clinics and testing locations to their map in the U.S.
Other Features: Drug Use Profile Options, Sexual Health Profile Options, Outbreak Advisories, Sexual Health Resource, Vaccine Options for Group Events, In-App Link to Order HIV/STI Self-Tests
SEXUAL HEALTH
CONTENT LIBRARY
Our typical first project with new dating app partners is developing affirming, accurate sexual health info for their users, prioritizing the needs of the app’s users and their distinct voice. We’ve worked with Feeld to prioritize STI testing content and details on self-testing. Millions of dating app users get their sexual health info and get connected to local health services thanks to BHOC’s partnerships.
Check out Grindr‘s video highlighting BHOC’s work
HOW DO PARTNERSHIPS WITH
DATING APPS WORK?
BHOC focuses on developing long-lasting infrastructure changes within an app’s user interface so that health practices are embedded within a user’s experience–not an afterthought. Here’s how we do it.
Enhancing PROFILE FIELDS
Having conversations about sexual health and substance use can be challenging. Offering dating app users a range of options to express their health practices gives them the ability to start that conversation much more easily instead of avoiding it. Profile fields we endorse as priorities are:
- HIV Status
- Condom, PrEP, & DoxyPEP Use
- Last HIV/STI Test Date
- Vaccination Status
- Drug Use Practices
Creating NEW FEATURES
We conduct surveys and focus groups of thousands of dating app users to support dating app owners in improving their apps. Using these experiences, we develop and test new feature ideas that respond to the problems that users face. Then, we consult our dating app partners and support them in implementing features their specific users want. The process is driven by dating app users themselves as well as public health experts. Feature focus areas include:
- Anti-Stigma
- Safety
- Sexual Health
- Harm Reduction
EDUCATING USERS
Our partnerships with dating apps allow us to provide critical information to their users about various health issues, including outbreaks in their areas. These educational efforts connect dating app users to information and actionable steps they can take to stay on top of their health–like ordering a self-test or getting a vaccine. These can include:
- Outbreak Advisories
- Sexual Health Content
- Social Media Partnerships
F*ck stigma! NiceAF is the first cross-industry effort of 9 of our dating app partners to improve their apps for good. NiceAF has surveyed thousands of dating app users about their experiences facing difficult moments on dating apps and what features the app’s could implement to reduce or prevent those experiences.
Are you a dating app owner?
We would LOVE to work with you. Email us to get started.
