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Dating Services in Australia - Market Research Report (2014-2029)

Claudia Burgio-Ficca Claudia Burgio-Ficca Melbourne, Australia Last Updated: July 2024 ANZSIC OD5384

Revenue

$279.8m

2024-25

$279.8m

Past 5-Year Growth

Profit

$XX.Xm

Employees

1,421

Businesses

270

Wages

$XX.Xm

Dating Services in Australia industry analysis

Traditionally, many dating service providers have struggled with negative public perceptions of using dating services, particularly online platforms, to meet new people. Yet, times have changed, with consumers becoming increasingly comfortable using online dating services to meet a prospective partner. That’s why online dating has become the industry's leading service, driving revenue over the period. Revenue has been climbing at an annualised 6.9% over the past five years and is expected to total $279.8 million in 2024-25, when revenue will climb by an estimated 4.3%. 

Trends and Insights

  • Australians are flocking to online dating like never before. Smartphone apps have made it convenient and socially acceptable, leading to a significant drop in the stigma around meeting partners online.
  • Demand for online and mobile dating services has surged thanks to changing consumer attitudes and growing acceptance of online platforms. Mobile apps have been used to complement existing dating sites, contributing to the upswing in revenue.
  • Trends in population density and cultural diversity support the dominance of dating service providers in New South Wales. The state’s fast-paced lifestyle means consumers want accessible and flexible dating options, encouraging the entry of new businesses.
  • Buyers are spoilt for choice when deciding which dating service to join. With a variety of membership levels and low switching costs, users can easily move between dating services if they aren’t happy with the service or matchmaking results.

Access hundreds of analysis and data

  • Market estimates from 2014-2029
  • Critical performance data and rankings
  • Detailed analysis of competitive forces and the external environment
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Industry Statistics and Trends

Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)

Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 6.9 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $279.8m in 2024.

Trends and Insights

The escalating popularity of online and mobile dating services is boosting demand and revenue

  • More individuals aged 18 to 24 are using online and mobile dating services in Australia than ever before. Smartphone dating apps have played a significant role in normalising online dating among younger Australians. The negative stigma associated with online dating has tumbled, making it more socially acceptable to meet potential partners online.
  • Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Dating Services in Australia
Revenue (2014-2029)
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry outlook (2024-2029)

Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.

Trends and Insights

Market saturation is set to fuel an expansion in services

  • Online dating is set to become the new norm in relationships of the future, with a saturated market limiting revenue for dating service providers. Yet, rather than be deterred, dating service businesses will continue to expand their service range to better meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.

Biggest companies in the Dating Services in Australia

Company
Market Share (%)
2025
Revenue ($m)
2025
eHarmony Australia
45.9
RSVP
38.0

To view the market share and analysis for all 2 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.

Products & Services Segmentation

Dating Services in Australia
Products & Services
IBISWorld Logo Source: IBISWorld

Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Online dating services, Mobile dating services and Matchmaking services. Online dating services is the largest segment of the Dating Services in Australia.

Trends and Insights

Online dating services continue to attract consumer interest

  • Online dating services or dating websites account for the largest share of revenue and generate revenue from three sources: advertising, subscription packages and onselling members' information. Dating websites typically offer free memberships to attract new users, along with several membership tiers for consumers willing to pay higher fees.
  • More insights available in the full report

Table of Contents

About this industry

Industry definition

Companies in the industry provide services that allow clients to meet with other clients, usually intending to pursue romantic relationships. Services can be provided through phone, the internet, magazines and newspapers. The industry also includes companies that organise singles events, such as speed dating.

What's included in this industry?

Online dating servicesMatchmaking servicesMobile dating servicesSingles eventsDating coaches and online dating assistants

Companies

eHarmony AustraliaRSVP

Purchase this report to view all 2 major companies in this industry.

Related Terms

MATCHMAKINGSPEED DATINGSINGLES EVENTINTRODUCTION AGENT

Industry Code

ANZSIC 2006

ANZSIC 9534 - Dating Services in Australia

Performance

Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.

Analyst insights

Australians are flocking to online dating like never before. Smartphone apps have made it convenient and socially acceptable, leading to a significant drop in the stigma arou...

In this chapter (4)

  • Current Performance
  • Outlook
  • Volatility
  • Life Cycle

Key metrics

  • Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
  • Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
  • Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
  • Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business

Charts

  • Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
  • Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
  • Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
  • Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
  • Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
  • Industry Life Cycle

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
  • Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
  • Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
  • How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.

Products and Markets

Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.

Analyst insight

Demand for online and mobile dating services has surged thanks to changing consumer attitudes and growing acceptance of online platforms. Mobile apps have been used to comple...

In this chapter

  • Products & Services
  • Major Markets

Key metrics

  • Largest market segment and value in 2024
  • Product innovation level

Charts

  • Products & services segmentation in 2024
  • Major market segmentation in 2024

Detailed analysis

  • Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
  • Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
  • Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
  • Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services

Geographic Breakdown

Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.

Analyst insights

Trends in population density and cultural diversity support the dominance of dating service providers in New South Wales. The state’s fast-paced lifestyle means consumers wan...

In this chapter (1)

  • Business Locations

Charts

  • Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
  • Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024

Tables

  • Number and share of establishments in each region in 2024
  • Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2024
  • Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2024
  • Number and share of employees in each region in 2024

Detailed analysis

  • Geographic spread of the industry across Asia Pacific, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
  • Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage

Competitive Forces

Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.

Analyst insights

Buyers are spoilt for choice when deciding which dating service to join. With a variety of membership levels and low switching costs, users can easily move between dating ser...

In this chapter (4)

  • Concentration
  • Barriers to Entry
  • Substitutes
  • Buyer & Supplier Analysis

Key metrics

  • Industry concentration level
  • Industry competition level and trend
  • Barriers to entry level and trend
  • Substitutes level and trend
  • Buyer power level and trend
  • Supplier power level and trend

Charts

  • Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
  • Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart

Detailed analysis

  • Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
  • Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
  • Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
  • Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
  • Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
  • Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
  • Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
  • Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
  • Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.

Companies

Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.

Analyst insights

The Dating Services industry is dominated by RSVP and eHarmony. In addition to these major businesses, the industry supports businesses that service specific demographics, li...

In this chapter

  • Market Share Concentration
  • Companies
  • Company Spotlights

Charts

  • Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
  • Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
  • Overview of eHarmony Australia's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
  • Overview of RSVP's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024

Detailed analysis

  • Description and key data for eHarmony Australia, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
  • Description and key data for RSVP, and factors influencing its performance in the industry

External Environment

Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.   

Analyst insights

Consumers divulge a range of personal information items when they choose to join a dating service. Dating service providers are bound by the Privacy Act, which regulates the ...

In this chapter

  • External Drivers
  • Regulation & Policy
  • Assistance

Key metrics

  • Regulation & policy level and trend
  • Assistance level and trend

Charts

  • Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029) 
  • Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029) 

Detailed analysis

  • Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
  • Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
  • Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.

Financial Benchmarks

View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time. 

Analyst insights

Profitability has climbed for dating service providers. Greater acceptance of online dating has fuelled demand and supported the expansion in profit margins.

In this chapter

  • Cost Structure
  • Financial Ratios
  • Key Ratios

Key metrics

  • Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
  • Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
  • Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
  • Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio

Charts

  • Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
  • Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
  • Investment vs. share of economy

Data tables

  • Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
  • Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
  • Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
  • Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
  • Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
  • Average Wage (2014-2029)
  • Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
  • Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
  • IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
  • Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
  • Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)

Detailed analysis

  • Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability 

Key Statistics

Industry Data

Data Tables

Including values and annual change:

  • Revenue (2014-2029)
  • IVA (2014-2029)
  • Establishments (2014-2029)
  • Enterprises (2014-2029)
  • Employment (2014-2029)
  • Exports (2014-2029)
  • Imports (2014-2029)
  • Wages (2014-2029)

Top Questions Answered

Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.

What is the market size of the Dating Services industry in Australia in 2024?

The market size of the Dating Services industry in Australia is $279.8m in 2024.

How many businesses are there in the Dating Services in Australia industry in 2024?

There are 270 businesses in the Dating Services industry in Australia, which has grown at a CAGR of 7.6 % between 2019 and 2024.

Has the Dating Services industry in Australia grown or declined over the past 5 years?

The market size of the Dating Services industry in Australia has been growing at a CAGR of 6.9 % between 2019 and 2024.

What is the forecast growth of the Dating Services industry in Australia over the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, the Dating Services industry in Australia is expected to grow.

What are the biggest companies in the Dating Services market in Australia?

The biggest companies operating in the Dating Services market in Australia are eHarmony Australia and RSVP

What does the Dating Services in Australia include?

Online dating services and Matchmaking services are part of the Dating Services industry.

Which companies have the highest market share in the Dating Services in Australia?

The company holding the most market share in Australia is eHarmony Australia.

How competitive is the Dating Services industry in Australia?

The level of competition is high and increasing in the Dating Services industry in Australia.

Related Industries

Widen you competitive advantage with related industries

Competitors

  • There are no industries to display.

Complementors

  • Babysitting and Other Personal Services in Australia
  • Online Shopping in Australia
  • Internet Publishing and Broadcasting in Australia

International industries

  • Dating Services in the US
  • Dating Services in Canada
  • Dating Services in the UK

View all industries in Australia

Methodology

How are IBISWorld reports created?

IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.

Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.

IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.

What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?

Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.

Key data sources in Australia include:

  • Australian Bureau of Statistics
  • Australian Taxation Office
  • Australian Securities & Investments Commission

Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.

These sources include:

  • Industry and trade associations
  • Industry federations or regulators
  • Major industry players annual or quarterly filings

Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.

How does IBISWorld forecast its data?

IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.

IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.

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