Online Dating - South Africa

South Africa

Highlights

Revenue in the Online Dating market is projected to reach US$12.28m in 2024.
Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of -1.76%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$11.24m by 2029.
In the Online Dating market, the number of users is expected to amount to 7.2m users by 2029.
User penetration will be 8.1% in 2024 and is expected to hit 11.2% by 2029.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to amount to US$2.47.
In global comparison, most revenue will be generated United States (US$1.39bn in 2024).
With a projected rate of 17.7%, the user penetration in the Online Dating market is highest United States.

Market definitionIn-Scope/Out-of-scopeMarket structureReportsMethodology

The Matchmaking market in South Africa is experiencing significant growth and development. Customer preferences are shifting towards online platforms and mobile applications for finding potential partners. This trend is driven by the convenience and accessibility of these platforms, as well as the increasing use of smartphones in the country.

Customer preferences: South African customers are increasingly turning to online platforms and mobile applications for matchmaking services. These platforms offer a wide range of features and options to help individuals find compatible partners. The convenience of being able to search for potential matches anytime and anywhere is a major factor driving the popularity of these platforms. Additionally, the ability to connect with a larger pool of potential partners increases the chances of finding a suitable match.

Trends in the market: One of the key trends in the South African matchmaking market is the rise of niche dating platforms. These platforms cater to specific interests or demographics, such as religious affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, or specific hobbies. This trend reflects the growing demand for more specialized matchmaking services that cater to specific needs and preferences. Another trend in the market is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. These technologies are being used to improve the accuracy of matchmaking algorithms and provide more personalized recommendations to users. By analyzing user data and preferences, AI and ML algorithms can better understand individual preferences and suggest potential matches that are more likely to be compatible.

Local special circumstances: South Africa has a diverse population with different cultural and religious backgrounds. This diversity presents unique challenges and opportunities for the matchmaking market. Matchmaking platforms need to be sensitive to these cultural and religious differences and provide options that cater to specific preferences. Additionally, there may be specific cultural or religious practices that need to be taken into consideration when matching individuals.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The growing popularity of online matchmaking platforms in South Africa can be attributed to several underlying macroeconomic factors. Firstly, the increasing internet penetration and smartphone adoption rates in the country have made online platforms more accessible to a larger segment of the population. This has resulted in a larger user base for matchmaking platforms and increased competition in the market. Secondly, changing social dynamics and an increase in urbanization have led to a shift in how people meet and form relationships. Traditional methods of matchmaking, such as introductions through family or friends, are becoming less common, particularly in urban areas. This has created a demand for alternative methods of finding potential partners, such as online platforms. In conclusion, the Matchmaking market in South Africa is experiencing growth and development due to changing customer preferences, the rise of niche dating platforms, and the integration of AI and ML technologies. The diverse population and cultural considerations in the country present unique challenges and opportunities for matchmaking platforms. The underlying macroeconomic factors of increasing internet penetration and changing social dynamics are driving the growth of the market.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, urban population, usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.

Additional notes:

The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.