South Africa has done it again! According to Grindr’s 2025 overview, Mzansi remains the global capital of bottoms — a title we seem in no hurry to give up.
Every year, the dating app releases Grindr Unwrapped, a look at user trends, chats, pop culture obsessions and all things queer that defined the year.
“For our fifth year doing this, we can confidently say our users are showing no signs of slowing down,” said Grindr.
South Africa Tops the Bottom Charts
South Africa appeared in two top-five categories. Once again, we ranked number one for the highest percentage of bottoms — a crown we proudly secured in 2020 and 2024 as well.
We also landed in fourth place for the Most Bears, with Ireland taking first place, and the US, Greece and the UK also making the list. We contain multitudes!
Switzerland produced the most twinks, the US dominated in daddies and South Korea topped the charts for users in open relationships.
Fem tops ruled in the UK, while Finland boasted the most versatiles and Singapore users were most likely to identify as sides (those who don’t top or bottom — yes, they proudly exist!).
What We Searched and Who We Stanned
The most searched profile tag? Hung. Some traditions never change.
Grindr also explored user trends by star sign. Scorpios had the most popular profiles, Leos were the most likely to sext and Aquarius folk topped the BDSM charts. Astrology girlies, do with this information what you will.
Lady Gaga swept the pop categories, being crowned Mother of the Year, followed by Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Chappell Roan. Gaga also claimed Song of the Year, Gay Guy Music Video of the Year (Abracadabra), Album of the Year (Mayhem) and Tour of the Year (The Mayhem Ball). Mother is mothering.
Pedro Pascal was declared Daddy of the Year, beating Henry Cavill, Ricky Martin, Tom Hardy and David Beckham. No complaints here.
Elon Musk’s trans daughter Vivian Wilson came second in the Doll of the Year poll, behind winner Jinkx Monsoon. Alex Consani, Hunter Schafer and Kim Petras rounded out the top five.
Hottest Men of the Year was led by Jonathan Bailey (who was also recently named People’s first out “Sexiest Man Alive”), followed by Bad Bunny, David Corenswet, Michael B. Jordan and Jung Kook. A truly diverse buffet.
Billions of Chats and Thirsty Taps
Overall, the app recorded an eye-watering 135 billion chats and 12.8 billion taps. More than 32,000 users voted in the survey — triple last year’s number. Clearly, people had a lot to say (and tap).
For more Grindr Unwrapped 2025 tea, click here.
