‘Pop the Balloon’ Dating Show Launches Luv or Pop App for Black Singles

From Viral Dating Show to Dating App: ‘Pop the Balloon’ Creators Launch Luv or Pop

The creators of the viral YouTube dating show “Pop the Balloon or Discover Love,” Arlette Amuli and Bolia Matundi, have expanded their reach with the launch of a new dating app, Luv or Pop. The app, which debuted in February, aims to foster more intentional connections, particularly within the Black community, building on the success of their popular show.

The Rise of ‘Pop the Balloon’

“Pop the Balloon or Find Love” gained significant traction when it first appeared on YouTube in 2023, quickly amassing a dedicated following. As of March 2026, the show’s YouTube channel boasts nearly 1.5 million subscribers (Pop The Balloon – YouTube). The show’s premise centers around a unique approach to matching, and now, that approach is being translated into the digital realm.

Luv or Pop: Intentional Dating in the Digital Age

Unlike many mainstream dating apps that encourage endless swiping, Luv or Pop prioritizes intentional matching. Amuli emphasized this focus, stating, as AfroTech reported, “The main keyword we want people to remember when they hop onto Luv or Pop is ‘intentional.’” This intentionality is reflected in the app’s core mechanics.

Users “collect balloons” for profiles they are interested in, mirroring the show’s visual theme. Conversely, profiles they aren’t interested in are “popped.” A key feature is the “Match Lock” option, which allows users to pause conversations with other matches once they’ve decided to focus on a single connection. This feature is designed to encourage users to invest more deeply in potential relationships.

Celebrating Black Love

While the app is open to users of all backgrounds, Amuli and Matundi have made a conscious effort to create a space that celebrates Black relationships. Matundi explained that the positive response from the Black community inspired them to focus on this aspect of their platform. Amuli added that they are dedicated to showcasing Black people finding Black love, and that their success stories are “proving that there is still hope for the Black community in finding Black love.”

From Experiment to Entrepreneurship

The origins of “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” were humble. Matundi initially envisioned the show as an experiment, wanting his wife to host while he filmed. The goal, he previously told AfroTech, was to “match people with real intentionality, people that really want to match for real.” This initial experiment has now evolved into a full-fledged business venture.

Beyond the App: A Cultural Conversation

The show’s impact extends beyond entertainment. It has sparked conversations about modern dating, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with love, and relationships. Mashable noted the show’s ability to inspire discourse on the joys and challenges of dating. The show has also tapped into broader cultural conversations, such as the changing dynamics of relationships, as explored in Vogue.

Looking Ahead: Amuli’s Vision for Luv or Pop

Amuli has ambitious goals for the future of Luv or Pop. She envisions the app becoming the go-to platform for people seeking meaningful connections, stating that she wants “Luv or Pop to be the number one dating app people think of” within the next five years. The transition from viral YouTube show to a dedicated dating app represents a significant step for Amuli and Matundi, and it will be interesting to see how Luv or Pop evolves in the competitive landscape of online dating.

Arlette Amuli can be found on Instagram at @arletteamuli.