Get Ready: Partiful Transforms Party Invites into Romantic Connections

Imagine this: Your phone buzzes with a message declaring that someone admires you!

It's not a classic fairy tale character or a swipe-based dating app. It's Partiful.

This event invitation app is unveiling an intriguing feature known as 'Crush,' aimed at revealing secret admirers.

Is it ingenious? Possibly. Is there a risk involved? For sure.

"You can choose any of your connections to express a crush on, and they'll be alerted that they've been admired!" Partiful details on its site. "The identity remains a mystery, they'll just know the last shared social gathering."

Should the admiration be mutual, you'll receive confirmation of feelings being reciprocated and an encouragement to initiate a chat via direct messages within the app.

This setup does sound remarkably similar to another popular dating platform, except without the constant left or right swiping.

There is, however, a limitation: Users can register only ten crushes monthly.

The 'Crush' feature started its phased release at the close of December in select U.S. locations, with broader availability expected by Valentine's Day.

If you find Partiful's shift towards dating unexpected, think again. Any platform with messaging capabilities inherently invites deeper connections. Apps like Instagram? Double as dating platforms. Even LinkedIn can spark unexpected romances.

"We developed Crush because meeting in person remains highly desirable," stated cofounder Shreya Murthy to Business Insider. "Yet there's often a lack of action afterward. You cross paths at an event, sense a connection, but fear or doubt prevents further contact."

Partiful's Move towards Social Connectivity

As Partiful enhances its role as an essential tool for event invitations for American youth, it is subtly transforming into a full-fledged social network.

Venture capitalist TJ Taylor, who has previously worked with dating app Raya and photo-sharing platform Dispo, pointed out, "From the outset, Partiful appeared as a social network in disguise."

Since its 2020 inception, the platform has expanded with social networking features exceeding its original invite-focused purpose.

In certain respects, it echoes the original appeal of Facebook—notably not their Events feature. Partiful now allows for viewing user profiles, linking with acquaintances, and sharing event photos. Also, it has introduced an events feed and a playful 'boop' function, reminiscent of Facebook's 'poke.'

"On a larger scale, Partiful's goal is to invigorate offline social interactions: creating companionships, fostering communities, meeting others," explained Murthy. "Romantic connections are just another aspect, naturally aligning with Partiful's broader social objectives."

Could Partiful delve deeper into the dating scene with matchmaking features? Perhaps advising on who to converse with at the next social gathering?

Either way, the timing of Partiful's new feature aligns perfectly as modern dating faces a pivotal moment. While some platforms explore futuristic possibilities like AI, others see value in aiding interpersonal connections through familiar methods.

"We're reinstating traditional encounters," Taylor noted, "where you meet a potential partner in social settings like gatherings or social venues."