Tinder causes Controversy with Height Filter Trial

Tinder has begun testing a new height preference setting for paying users. The feature allows subscribers to prioritise how tall potential matches will be.

Tinder Platinum is the premier subscription tier that starts from £16.67 a month, giving users access to additional preferences, including the new height preference setting.

Unlike a hard filter, the setting acts as a preference rather than a blocker. That means shorter users can still appear as potential matches, though less frequently.

However, the trial has caused widespread controversy on social media.

Many users fear it will deepen discrimination against short men.

One X user posted: “It’s over for short men. What are they going to do now?”

Another joked: “Doesn’t matter most people will probably lie about their height lol.”

However, some welcomed the feature for helping users find better matches, as one said:

“Why is this a problem? If someone likes a certain height, go for it. It also weeds out the people who don’t like your height.”

Another agreed: “Good. People have preferences and that’s totally cool.”

The debate has reignited scrutiny over heightism on dating platforms.

According to OKCupid data, men often exaggerate their height by two inches to attract more matches.

The impact of height bias is not limited to men. A 5 ft 4 woman receives 60 more messages a year than a 6 ft woman.

While Tinder is only trialling the setting, other apps have already gone further. Hinge, which is also owned by Match Group, includes height as a standard premium filter.

Tinder currently allows users to adjust other search preferences such as age, distance, and sexual orientation.

A spokesperson for the company defended the move: “We’re always listening to what matters most to our Tinder users – and testing the paid height preference is a great example of how we’re building with urgency, clarity, and focus.

“This is part of a broader effort to help people connect more intentionally on Tinder.”

But concerns remain that the feature could unfairly reduce matches for shorter men.

One user said: “I 1000 per cent wouldn’t have met my wife if this filter existed, I’m short (5’5’) and definitely would have been filtered out immediately just by even a basic filter for 5’7’+ (slightly below average height and over).

“God speed to my fellow short kings. Glad to be out of it.”

Tinder has not announced if or when the height preference will be rolled out permanently.