Is a Dating App Trying to Filter Out “Short Kings”?

Well, good news: Tinder just made it easier to get rejected before your first awkward “Hey :)”.

Tinder is once again tweaking how people connect, and this time, it’s about height. The dating app has begun testing a new filter that allows paid users to narrow their matches based on how tall someone says they are.

This isn’t a verification tool. Users can still self-report their height (truthfully or generously), but now those who care—like women who prefer taller men, or men looking to filter for shorter women—can fine-tune their preferences. And yes, tall women and short kings can do the same.

Unsurprisingly, the internet had thoughts. Some users, especially shorter men, were quick to call out the double standards.

One popular comment read, “Justice for all us short kings!” while another asked why women can filter by height without backlash, but men are criticized for having physical preferences.

A few even suggested a hypothetical weight filter.

Tinder, for its part, says the filter is part of a broader move to help users connect “more intentionally.” At this stage, it’s not a “hard filter” that actually blocks profiles. It just nudges the algorithm to prioritize certain heights, and only for those paying for Tinder’s top-tier Platinum subscription (which starts at $40/month).

It’s worth noting: this isn’t entirely new. Hinge—also owned by Match Group—already allows paid users to filter by height.

There is some “good news” if you’re under 5’8″ and feeling targeted: It’s probably saving YOUR time to be filtered out early than to be matched with someone who’s measuring compatibility by inches.