Modern dating has become a paradox: more apps, more profiles, more burnout. Despite a world of infinite options readily available, real connection often feels more elusive than ever. Swipe fatigue is real, ghosting is expected, and conversations rarely make it past small talk.
But what if the problem isn’t you — it’s the platform?
That’s the premise behind Crema Social, the fast-growing dating site launched by entrepreneur Timothy Chen, and backed by a16z’s Speedrun accelerator. With over 1 million users in just eight months, Crema isn’t promising more matches — it’s offering better ones.
A return to realness
Unlike traditional dating apps, Crema ditches photo swipes in favor of something radical: short video intros. Just you, talking to the camera like you’re on FaceTime with someone new.
Chen explains that most swiping happens on photos, and many of those may not fully reflect reality. “With video, people can’t hide,” he says. “You can quickly tell what someone values — and you’re less likely to ghost someone you’ve seen and heard.”
This video-first format is not a gimmick. It recreates the emotional cues of meeting someone in real life: tone of voice, energy, and authenticity. That realness has struck a nerve — especially among users who often feel overlooked in traditional dating spaces.
An app that looks beyond “finance bro” culture
For many men, the swipe-based model can seem discouraging or biased. Those who don’t fit a narrow set of traditional dating standards often feel overlooked. “We’ve seen an incredible response from men with blue-collar or non-finance jobs,” says Chen. “These are people who get filtered out by algorithmic bias or superficial swiping.”
Instead, Crema makes space for what Chen calls “cultural connection.” Users don’t just describe themselves by job title or height, but by the culture, values, and lifestyle they represent.
Australian users are leaning in
Australia is quickly becoming a major market for Crema, particularly among Southeast Asian users and men craving a more intentional dating experience. With thousands of users from the region, the app offers Aussies the chance to connect before they travel to places like Bali or Thailand — cutting through solo travel awkwardness or transactional dynamics.
“Aussies love it,” Chen says. “They’re craving something slower, something real.”
If you’re feeling the burnout of endless swiping, you’re not alone. Dating Fatigue Is Real.
Slow dating is the new power move
Crema fits squarely into the rising movement of slow dating — a trend that prioritizes emotional connection and real-world interaction over fast swipes and instant chemistry.
“Slow dating doesn’t mean boring,” Chen clarifies. “It means getting to know a small handful of people well, instead of matching with hundreds and hoping one works out.”
In practice, that might mean going to lunch without swapping personal info, or taking time to talk before meeting in person. It’s a form of digital courtship — and it’s resonating.
More than just dating
What makes Crema different isn’t just its tech — it’s its philosophy. “We’re not here to change people,” Chen says. “We’re here to provide access — to real people, real culture, and real connection.”
For many individuals who feel disillusioned by the norms of modern dating culture, that message resonates strongly. “A lot of guys feel like they’re never good enough, or that dating is just one more area where they’re expected to fail,” Chen adds. “But there are people out there who would make them feel like their whole world. You just need access to them — and a platform that doesn’t filter you out.”
Bottom line
In a world of dating apps built for speed, Crema Social is built for substance. It’s not trying to make dating easier — it’s trying to make it real again and remove the ghosting aspect of dating that some have come to expect.
For men tired of playing the swipe game, it offers something rare: a chance to connect not just with someone attractive, but with someone who actually sees you.
Switzer staff were not involved in the production of this article
