Tinder rolls out its new video-looping feature, Loops, across the world

Tinder now lets users across the globe upload GIFs to their profiles

By Lulu Chang and Brenda Stolyar Updated July 6, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Back in April, Tinder announced it had begun testing out a new feature that will allow users to swipe through more than just photos. With Loops, users are able to create a two-second loop from an existing video that can then be added to their profiles. And now, three months later, praise be — Loops has been rolled out to more users (on iPhones) in countries around the world, including the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, and Spain.

Recommended Videos

Originally tested on iOS devices exclusively in Canada and Sweden, the feature (which is now more widely available) is similar to Instagram’s Boomerang. After uploading a video from your smartphone to the app, you will be able to drag the time strip to select where you would like the loop. Once you’re satisfied with it, you can then add it to your profile.

The videos are meant to be available in addition to the photos you already have attached to your profile. Currently, Tinder says it’s testing the ability to add nine photos or Loops in your profile rather than six.

With Loops, it seems the company is attempting to encourage its users to portray their more fun and active sides. Whether you’re filming yourself roller skating or playing sports, the new feature allows you to highlight your favorite parts and shorten it into a two-second video.

Tinder isn’t the first dating app to add a video feature. This past summer, Hinge gave users the ability to add upload an existing video from Facebook, Instagram, and their camera rolls. In addition to the photos and questions that are already featured on a user’s profile, the video is set on autoplay and loops as you scroll through a potential match’s profile — equipped with sound.

At the moment, the Loops feature only supports videos or Live Photos that are imported directly from your iOS camera roll. It won’t allow you to record Loops directly within the app the way Boomerang does.

But still, it may add just the right amount of dynamism to your online dating profile to get that right swipe you’d like from a welcome digital admirer.

Updated on July 5: Tinder has rolled out Loops to users across the world.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Mobile

Four Chinese phones I wish were available in the US

Huawei Pura X in white main display open

I’m wrapping up a two-week trip to China, which has taken me to two cities, allowed me to attend the Oppo Find X8 Ultra launch, and visit Huaqiangbei, the world’s most vibrant technology market. During a visit to the latter, I found $9 AirPods Pro, which are shocking, and a $12 Apple Watch Series 10, which is downright bizarre.

This trip also allowed me to experience a plethora of phones that aren’t widely available globally, if at all. Companies like Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo aren’t available in many countries, and even when they are, the best phones often do not make their way to Western markets. Instead, they’re for local Chinese customers to experience only.

Apple

iPhone theft victim sues Apple. It sparks a new hope for others, too

The iPhone 16 sticking out of someone's pocket.

Smartphones are the center of our digital existence. Not just because they open the doors for communication and social connection, but also due to their role as gatekeepers of our financial and professional lives.

Needless to say, a stolen iPhone can upend your life in many ways, but it’s even harder to recover those precious files stored on the device. A few victims of iPhone theft may finally have a chance, thanks to a lawsuit against Apple over not offering enough help in recovery efforts.

Mobile

10 years on and the Apple Watch has defined the smartwatch era

A person wearing the Apple Watch Series 10.

When I put on my Apple Watch Series 10, I’m putting on a watch that’s as recognizable as some of the most iconic watches ever made, and easily the most recognizable smartwatch there is. The Apple Watch celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 24, and while its shape has evolved over all these years, it has never drastically changed, and it’s one of its biggest strengths.
The Apple Watch is an icon

When people think of a dive watch they probably think of a Rolex Submariner or some version of it. Think of a pilot’s watch, and something like the IWC Mark series may come to mind, while the rugged watch space is dominated by the original Casio G-Shock DW-5600 and its square case. Ask a child to draw a sports car, and whatever they draw it will end up red, because the definitive sports car in many people's mind is a Ferrari. Whether due to a certain shape or a specific design motif, all these are considered the definitive silhouettes in their respective spaces.