Most dating apps reduce people to superficial profiles and endless swiping. Vinylly takes a different approach: it matches users based on their music taste, recognizing that shared musical preferences reveal deeper connections than a witty bio ever could.
The Power of Music as Social Signal
Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful form of self-expression. Your favorite artists and genres communicate values, emotions, and even worldview. Vinylly treats this as valuable data, positioning itself as a unique experiment in compatibility. The app’s core premise is simple: people who connect over music are more likely to build meaningful relationships.
AI as a Connector, Not a Controller
While many dating apps rush to integrate AI for automated small talk, Vinylly uses it more subtly. The “Digital Cocktail Lounge” feature, powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, lets users blend two music genres and receive a custom cocktail recipe as an icebreaker. This isn’t about replacing human interaction but enhancing it with a playful, music-inspired twist.
Vinylly’s founder, Rachel Van Nortwick, emphasizes that AI should be a “copilot, not something forced on users.” The app is developing an opt-in feature to suggest matches outside your usual preferences, based on data showing what truly sparks conversation.
Data Reveals Musical Divides and Bridges
Vinylly has gathered data from over 100,000 users since 2019. The app’s user base spans multiple generations, with distinct patterns in music preferences. Women gravitate toward artists like David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and Billie Eilish, while men favor Taylor Swift, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar. However, certain artists – such as Taylor Swift, Radiohead, and the heavier Sleep Token – serve as “bridge artists,” connecting listeners across gender and genre. This overlap highlights music’s ability to transcend boundaries and foster connection.
The Science Behind the Sound
The idea that music strengthens bonds isn’t new. Research shows that shared listening experiences increase group cohesion and emotional well-being. A 2013 study found that listening to music together promotes stronger bonds, while recent findings confirm that shared music taste is a strong predictor of relationship closeness. Music actually alters brain chemistry, reducing stress and increasing dopamine when shared.
Van Nortwick, a consumer and tech marketing veteran, built Vinylly despite having no app development experience. She recognized a gap in the market and partnered with developers to bring her music-driven vision to life.
Beyond Superficiality
Vinylly intentionally avoids traditional dating app features like lengthy bios. Instead, users sync their streaming data and answer questions about their relationship with music. This creates a more authentic profile than curated photos and generic prompts. The app prioritizes shared passion over superficial judgment.
“For a lot of people, music is their identity,” Van Nortwick said. “Showing yourself through your music DNA leads to deeper, more emotional conversations faster.”
Vinylly’s approach isn’t just about finding a match; it’s about creating a space where people connect over something truly meaningful. The app is a reminder that shared passions, especially those as deeply personal as music, can be the foundation for lasting relationships.
