VK is actively building its own dating app, with a rollout anticipated this summer. This update comes from people close to VK and the new service, as reported by Vedomosti. The plan hints at a more flexible login experience, where users may access the dating app without needing an account on the VKontakte social network.
Currently, VK already offers VK Dating as a feature within its broad portfolio of services. An insider familiar with the project noted that VK’s massive user base presents a clear chance to expand the dating audience, including users in Canada and the United States who value speed, privacy, and seamless onboarding. At the same time, some users worry about meeting someone from their VKontakte network who is already a friend, a dynamic that could shape how matches are perceived and how quickly new users adopt the service. The company is also weighing an appointment or booking style feature alongside dating and messaging capabilities, which could influence user workflow and engagement in North American markets.
Telecom Daily highlighted remarks from CEO Denis Kuskov, who suggested that with precise positioning and a user-friendly profile setup, dating within VK’s ecosystem could grow rapidly. If the app streamlines profile creation, smooths dating flows, and offers reliable payment options, the audience could surpass the existing VK Dating user base by a wide margin and even double in scale, especially as VK targets expansion into the United States and Canada where people prioritize secure and frictionless experiences.
Meanwhile, recent moves involving Match Group, the parent company of Tinder, indicate ongoing regulatory and strategic shifts. Reports indicate that Match Group plans to exit the Russian market by the end of June, citing a commitment to protecting human rights as the reason for restricting access to its platforms within Russia. Match Group also owns dating apps Hinge and PlentyOfFish, and its withdrawal from Russia appears to affect the broader competitive landscape in regional dating app markets. This context helps explain VK’s decision to push forward its own dating solution and adapt to evolving regional dynamics, including user privacy expectations and regulatory considerations in North America and beyond.
Overall, VK’s focus is on delivering an app that resonates with local users while maintaining ease of use, strong privacy controls, and reliable payments. The strategy centers on leveraging VK’s enormous audience, testing new onboarding flows, and refining matchmaking features to attract seasoned online daters and newcomers who want a straightforward dating experience. The goal is to create a distinct product that complements VK’s social services rather than merely duplicating existing dating apps. In a competitive space, success will hinge on balancing familiarity with fresh ideas to gain meaningful traction in Canada and the United States, where users demand secure, efficient, and enjoyable ways to connect online.
Attribution: Information drawn from industry reports and company briefings reported by Vedomosti and Telecom Daily. Further updates may follow as the product develops.