*By Michael Teich* Instagram and Spotify are replacing traditional dating apps for a new generation of singles who are looking to connect with people over shared experiences, not some formulaic estimation of compatibility, said MarketWatch's Emma Court. Dating apps are as popular as ever, with nearly 26 million singles looking for their soul mates online last year, according to eMarketer. That number is expected to climb to more than 36 million by 2022. Those looking for love are finding it in all corners of the internet, not just apps dedicated to dating, such as Tinder and Bumble. Internet users want to “meet people through other means, especially connecting through mutual friends and mutual interests,” said Court. Social media apps and services where people can easily find others who share their interests in music or travel are providing people with more natural ways to connect than sites dedicated exclusively to matchmaking. This behavior could help Facebook when it eventually launches its announced dating tool, Court said. The social media company announced earlier this month that it would recommend potential matches to its users based on information such as dating preferences and similar interests. For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/love-at-first-click-the-rise-of-online-dating).

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