OKCupid: The Data-Driven Brand

OkCupid is the epitome of a data-driven brand. Founded in 2004 by four math majors, the company used data to differentiate itself in a crowded market. Most company blogs are dreary affairs, but OKCupid’s became a must-read for fun, titillating factoids like how race affects the types of messages one gets on the dating site.
Sam Yagan, an OKCupid founder, spoke at Digiday’s Data Marketing Summit about why OkCupid is so focussed on data and how it was able to monetize itself because of this wealth of data.
“People think that people turn online for dating because they need someone to find their soul mate for them, but we think it’s because you want a bigger pool of people to choose from,” he said . “Data is key to sorting through all of these people.”
Below is Yagan’s presentation and video of his talk at DMS.

More in Marketing

Digiday+ Research: The marketers’ 2026 guide to creator marketing, including Duolingo, Ulta and YouTube

While Instagram, TikTok and YouTube remain dominant social platforms for influencer partnerships, creators are increasingly being used across other media channels, including retail media, CTV and display ads. 

How 3 brands are using TikTok Shop to expand abroad

As these brands venture into the U.K., Europe and Japan, they say that the key to a global approach to TikTok Shop involves tailored marketing campaigns.

How beauty brands are popping up around World Cup festivities

Beauty and skin care in particular have taken a bigger spotlight this year, exemplifying just how closely beauty and sports have become intertwined.