Hooking up online as a gay was never easy until Grindr came into the picture. Before the coming of Grindr, gays found it difficult to hook up with other gay people online because most mobile apps targeted straight people. Since being launched in March 2009, Grindr has grown to become the largest and most popular mobile app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people in the world.
Needless to say, Grindr holds a dear spot in most gay people’s mobile phones, and there is a reason for that. In this Grindr review, we would unravel what makes the platform truly special and why it is one of the few apps most gay people swipe right on to (pun intended).
What is Grindr?
Imagine a scenario where you just moved to a new area and are looking to hook up with queer people in the area, how easy would that be? Practically, not so easy. However, with Grindr, it is simply a matter of creating an account and pressing a few buttons.
Grindr is an online dating app designed to help gay men find and connect with other gay people nearby. One thing that makes the platform interesting is how it uses GPS technology on iOS and Android devices to instantly connect gay men with other gay men in their area.
Registering for an account on Grindr is free. However, for a small fee, users can upgrade their account to a premium subscription service known as Grindr Xtra for access to extra features and to enjoy an ad-free experience. This Grindr review would not be complete without pointing out that most of the app features can be accessed using a free account, although alongside adverts but they are not so obtrusive.
Since the platform was built to help match queer people looking to have a little bit of fun, setting up your profile is relatively simple. Typically, you would be required to provide details such as date of birth, a brief blurb to introduce yourself (About Me), and a display picture. You can also provide additional details such as your height, relationship status, and looking for.
Grindr App Features
There are several features on the Grindr app that makes it appealing to users. As of the time of writing this Grindr review, the app boasts over 3 million daily active users. That goes to show they are doing a lot of things right. Some of the features include:
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Unsend
If you have ever sent a message to someone that felt right at the moment but later regret it and wish you hadn’t sent it, then you would appreciate the importance of this feature. The unsend feature on Grindr allows users to unsend sent messages and photos. So if you accidentally sent a message to the wrong person, sent the wrong photo, or just have a change of heart, you can use this feature.
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Disappearing photos
The importance of being able to send a photo that disappears after a short period cannot be overemphasized, especially in the online dating space. Grindr allows users to send an unlimited number of photos that would stay for only 10 seconds before vanishing completely forever on the receiver’s phone. It is needless to say that this feature spices things up a little bit for users of the app.
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Chat Translator
Imagine you are on vacation in a country where you barely understand the local language and you decide to try having a good time with queer people in that country. With Grindr’s chat translation feature, you are sure to get the ball rolling as it automatically translates foreign languages to your preferred language. This removes any communication barrier you would have experienced when chatting with someone from different cultures.
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Unlimited Profiles
With over 3 million daily active profiles as at the time of writing this Grindr review and more accounts being created almost every second, you will never run out of people to hook up or chat with. Grindr’s large and diverse community makes it the number one platform for gay, bi, trans, and queer people to connect. You are exposed to diverse people and their cultures. Most importantly, you get to meet people who share the same sexual orientation with you anywhere you go.
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Incognito
Privacy is an important thing to be mindful of online, not just in the online dating world. Grindr recognizes the importance of privacy and as such has a feature called Incognito which allows you to browse without being seen. Enabling this feature hides you from the Grindr grid while still allowing you to freely use the app. The other things it does are make you appear offline even when you are online and make it impossible for other users to know when you have read their message or view their profile.
How To Get Grindr OnYour Device?
The app is available for both iOS and Android devices. If you are an iOS user, you can download the app on the Apple store. If you are an Android user, you can download the app on Play Store. Alternatively, you can visit their website and click “Get the app”. That will redirect you to the appropriate app store to download the app.
It is quite easy to set up a Grindr profile and start matching. The app encourages its users to be explicit about what they are looking for. That simplifies the process of finding the right person who wants what you want. So be sure to be upfront about what you are seeking.
Grindr can only be accessed using iOS or Android devices. There is no option of using Grindr on a PC yet as at the time of writing this Grindr review. However, you can read articles and useful resources on the website.
How Much Does Grindr Cost?
Grindr has a free version which is usually enough for most users. However, for additional benefits, users are encouraged to subscribe to Grindr Xtra or Grindr Unlimited. The benefits that come with Xtra include premium filters, global chat, no third-party ads, and being able to view up to 600 profiles in the cascade. Grindr Xtra costs about $24.99 per month.
Grindr Unlimited is a new subscription plan that allows users to see unlimited profiles, to see who viewed their profile, go Incognito, unsend messages as well as the Xtra features. It costs $49 per month or you can pay $300 to enjoy the service for a year.
Grindr allows users to try out the paid subscription before deciding whether to commit or not. Every Apple ID or Google account has the option to enjoy the free trial only once. Users can cancel the trial at least 72 hours before it ends to avoid any charges from iTunes or Google Pay.
Overall Take Away From This Review
If there is one thing you should take away from this Grindr review, it is the fact that as far as online hooks up for gay, bi, trans, and queer people is considered, Grindr is a force to reckon with. Its large and diverse community ensures that users never run out of people to meet. That makes it appealing for more people to join and the circle continues. It is an app that you should check out today if you haven’t already done that.
