New Delhi, June 19, 2025: On Tinder, music is no longer just background noise—it’s the heartbeat of Gen Z’s romantic expression.
From Eyecontactships, Nanoships to deep connections, music is playing a starring role in how young people date today. It’s not just about shared taste; it’s about shared emotional language. According to Tinder, music ranks among the top five interests for Indian Gen Z users¹, with 54% saying a shared taste makes someone more attractive and 35% using it to understand personality and compatibility².
“As a relationship expert, I see music as more than a mood—it’s a mirror to emotional wiring,” says Dr. Chandni Tugnait, Tinder’s Relationship Expert in India. “What someone listens to on repeat often reflects how they experience love, trust, or vulnerability. It’s not about judging taste—it’s about noticing what resonates.”
Music: The Emotional Mood Board of Gen Z
Music offers a window into someone’s inner world. People who vibe with high-energy anthems often seek bold, fast-paced sparks in love, while soft ballads might point to a desire for emotional safety and introspection. Even genre preferences reveal subtle cues—electronic lovers crave spontaneity, while singer-songwriter fans tend to lean into emotional depth.
“In today’s world, your playlist is a self-authored mood board,” Dr. Chandni explains. “It shows not only how you feel, but how you want to be seen. When your playlist feels understood, you feel understood. It creates instant rapport - an unspoken rhythm that says, “You feel the world a bit like I do.” That resonance can fast-track intimacy.”
Beyond Words: Why Music Connects Deeper Than Text
Music hits where words hesitate. “A lyric can say what you’re afraid to admit, a beat can echo what your heart can’t translate,” says Dr. Chandni. In a world of filters, curated captions, and digital posturing, music feels raw and real.
Gen Z, fluent in nuance and authenticity, is using music as emotional shorthand. Whether it’s sharing a track, syncing an anthem, or bonding over a new drop—music lets them say everything without saying a word.
On Tinder, your playlist isn’t just a flex—it could be your ultimate dating superpower.
What Your Tunes Say About You — Tinder’s Year in Swipe 2024 uncovered the most popular songs on profiles across India—and each one tells its own unique love story.
“Not Like Us” – Kendrick Lamar
Bold and unapologetic. You bring loyalty, ambition, and no-nonsense energy to dating.
“Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
Deep and heartfelt. You’re in it for emotional connection—not just casual vibes.
“CARNIVAL” – ¥$, Kanye West & others
Wild and free. You thrive on spontaneity and emotional intensity.
“Lovin On Me” – Jack Harlow
Flirty and fun. You bring cheeky charm and effortless banter.
“Espresso” – Sabrina Carpenter
Main character energy. You lead with flair, emotion, and confidence.
These tracks aren’t just earworms—they’re emotional blueprints for how people approach dating.
On Tinder, Music = Connection
With Music Mode and the Explore section, Tinder lets users find matches by sound. The Explore page is a dynamic space where people can connect based on shared interests — like the Music Lovers tile, which brings music enthusiasts together. Users can add an Anthem to their profile or use prompts like “My go-to karaoke song is…”to break the ice. Whether it’s bonding over jazz or playfully debating rap vs. indie, music becomes the perfect icebreaker to help daters find someone who shares their rhythm.
And when it comes to real-life dates, the trend continues: 36% of young singles in India say they’d pick a concert or karaoke night for a first date². Because there’s nothing like a shared beat (or a mic drop moment) to test chemistry.
Music Isn’t a Dealbreaker—But It’s Definitely a Vibe Check
Similar taste isn’t essential, but mutual respect for musical expression is. “It’s not about liking the same artist,” says Dr. Chandni, “it’s about being emotionally fluent in each other’s rhythms.” That understanding builds intimacy and trust.
“It’s not about what someone listens to, but why,” says Dr. Chandni. “Do they use music to process or to numb? To connect or to escape? Compatibility isn’t about having the same favourite artist—it’s about being emotionally in sync with each other’s rhythms. A punk-rock fan and a soul-jazz lover can totally vibe, as long as they respect what music means to one another.”
If someone mocks the emotional world your music holds? That might just be the real red flag.
