Customer Reviews (500)

JUB1776 • 2025-03-27T18:07:09-07:00

I enjoy the concept and the functions of the app; however, I’m shown people outside my search radius more than I care to. This happened on Match.com as well. I’ve deleted, re-installed, slid the distance meter left and right…nothing works. I had my Match account refunded for the same problem.

Time and money in the wind • 2025-03-24T03:03:45-07:00

I set the limit on matches to within 50 miles of my location. I have seen a handful within that distance. The larger majority have been in different states and hundreds of miles from me.

lex924 • 2025-03-23T11:47:55-07:00

Does not match within area. Too many fake profiles using AI.

Summary of Key Insights

The Stir dating app, while conceived with a noble purpose – connecting single parents – suffers from significant execution issues that severely impact user experience. The overwhelming negative sentiment stems from inaccurate location-based matching, aggressive monetization strategies, and reports of arbitrary account bans and poor customer support. While some users appreciate the concept and ease of use, the app's weaknesses overshadow its strengths, resulting in a poor overall rating and numerous frustrated users. The app's overall rating is low, with the vast majority of reviews being 1- or 2-star ratings. The primary issue appears to be the app's inability to accurately match users within their specified geographic radius, rendering the app nearly useless for single parents seeking local connections. The app also suffers from a perceived overemphasis on monetization, with many features locked behind paywalls, leading to user frustration and accusations of being a "cash grab."

Key Strengths:

  • Strong concept and niche focus on single parents.
  • Easy to use interface (according to some users).

Key Weaknesses:

  • Inaccurate location-based matching.
  • Aggressive monetization and paywalls.
  • Reports of arbitrary account bans and poor customer support.
  • Limited filter options.
  • Prevalence of fake profiles and scammers.
  • Buggy app performance.

Overall Sentiment: Predominantly negative.

Quantitative Metrics:

  • Overall Rating: Low (based on review distribution).
  • Score Distribution:
    • 1-star: 355 (71%)
    • 2-star: 63 (12.6%)
    • 3-star: 34 (6.8%)
    • 4-star: 10 (2%)
    • 5-star: 38 (7.6%)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews
  • Time Frame: Not specified, but based on the version number (25.02.00), reviews appear to be relatively recent.
  • Analysis Methods:
    • Sentiment analysis (manual assessment based on review text).
    • Keyword extraction (identifying frequently mentioned issues and features).
    • Frequency analysis (counting occurrences of specific issues).

Key User Pain Points

  • Inaccurate Location Matching: The most prevalent complaint is that the app consistently shows profiles from outside the user's specified distance radius, often spanning multiple states or even countries. This makes the app useless for single parents seeking local connections due to custody arrangements and time constraints.
  • Excessive Monetization: Users frequently express frustration with the app's aggressive paywalls. Many basic features, such as seeing who likes you or reading messages, require a paid subscription. This is perceived as a "cash grab" that exploits the vulnerability of single parents seeking companionship.
  • Arbitrary Account Bans: Numerous users report being banned from the app shortly after creating an account or subscribing, often without explanation or recourse. This leads to frustration and accusations of fraudulent behavior.
  • Poor Customer Support: Many users complain about unresponsive or unhelpful customer support, particularly regarding account bans and technical issues.
  • Fake Profiles and Scammers: Several reviews mention the presence of fake profiles, bots, and scammers, creating a distrustful and unsafe environment.
  • Limited Filter Options: Users desire more granular filter options, such as ethnicity, religion, smoking habits, and education level, to refine their search results.
  • Buggy App Performance: Some users report technical issues, such as login problems, app crashes, and problems with uploading photos.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Improved Location Filtering: Users consistently request accurate and reliable location-based matching.
  • More Granular Filter Options: Users want to filter by ethnicity, religion, smoking habits, education level, and other important criteria.
  • Free Messaging: Users want the ability to message matches without a paid subscription.
  • Trial Period: Users want a free trial period to assess the app's value before committing to a subscription.
  • "Recently Online" Filter: Users want to be able to filter by users who have been recently active.
  • Ability to Undo Likes/Dislikes: Users want the ability to reverse accidental swipes.
  • Dark Mode: Users request a dark mode option for easier nighttime use.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Niche Focus on Single Parents: The app's focus on single parents is seen as a unique and valuable concept.
  • Easy to Use Interface: Some users appreciate the app's straightforward and user-friendly interface.
  • Calendar Feature: The calendar feature, allowing users to coordinate schedules with potential matches, is seen as a potentially useful tool for single parents.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

High Priority:

  • Fix Location Matching: Address the inaccurate location-based matching issue immediately. This is the most critical problem and renders the app nearly unusable for many users. Implement rigorous testing and quality assurance to ensure accurate location filtering.
  • Improve Customer Support: Provide responsive and helpful customer support, particularly regarding account bans and technical issues. Implement a clear appeals process for banned accounts.
  • Combat Fake Profiles and Scammers: Implement stricter verification measures and automated systems to detect and remove fake profiles and scammers.
  • Address Buggy App Performance: Fix technical issues such as login problems, app crashes, and photo upload failures.

Medium Priority:

  • Re-evaluate Monetization Strategy: Consider offering a more generous free tier with basic messaging capabilities. Explore alternative monetization strategies that are less aggressive and more user-friendly.
  • Implement More Granular Filter Options: Add filter options for ethnicity, religion, smoking habits, education level, and other important criteria.
  • Add a "Recently Online" Filter: Allow users to filter by users who have been recently active.

Low Priority:

  • Implement "Undo" Feature: Add the ability to reverse accidental swipes.
  • Add Dark Mode: Implement a dark mode option for easier nighttime use.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Dating App with Verified Single Parent Status: A dating app that requires proof of single parent status (e.g., custody documents) to ensure that all users are genuinely single parents.
  • Location-Based Matching API: A service that provides accurate and reliable location-based matching for dating apps.
  • Dating App with Flexible Monetization: A dating app that offers a generous free tier with basic messaging and charges for premium features such as profile boosts and advanced filters.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preference: Most reviews are written in English.
  • Shift in Sentiment: There is a consistently negative sentiment across a large number of reviews, suggesting that the problems are ongoing and not isolated incidents.
  • Recurring Themes: The same issues (location inaccuracy, excessive monetization, account bans, poor support) are mentioned repeatedly, indicating systemic problems with the app.

Conclusion

The Stir dating app has a promising concept but is currently plagued by significant execution issues. The inaccurate location matching, aggressive monetization, and reports of arbitrary account bans and poor customer support have created a highly negative user experience. To succeed, Stir must prioritize addressing these core issues, particularly the location matching problem, and adopt a more user-friendly monetization strategy. Without significant improvements, Stir is unlikely to attract and retain a loyal user base.

Overall Recommendation: The app is not recommended in its current state.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/stir-single-parent-dating-app/id1576261708?uo=2