Bumble Ends Women-First Messaging Rule to Improve User Engagement

Bumble announced on Tuesday that it is ending its decade-long requirement for women to send the first message, allowing any match to initiate conversation to boost engagement.

The app is also extending the response window from 24 to 72 hours, following survey data where 66% of women indicated they prefer men to send the first message.

The shift comes as the company reports a 15.2% year-over-year revenue drop to $210.5 million in the second quarter and faces a broader slowdown in the online dating industry.