Tea Dating App Tops US Charts: Sean Cook’s Safety-First Vision Resonates with Women

In a digital dating world where safety concerns often overshadow romance, one app has brewed a revolution. The Tea dating app, founded by Philadelphia entrepreneur Sean Cook, has skyrocketed to #1 on the US Apple App Store—driven by its uncompromising focus on women’s security. Cook’s mission sparked after witnessing his mother fall victim to catfishing. Today, Tea empowers over 1.7 million users with real-time safety tools and a vigilant community, proving that trust can transform online dating.

Tea App’s Unprecedented Market Surge

Self-funded and launched in November 2022, Tea has shattered expectations with a 4.8/5 rating from 70,000+ five-star reviews. Unlike conventional platforms, it arms users with practical safety features: reverse image searches to expose fake profiles, phone number lookups for identity verification, and background checks. Its most innovative tool? A nationwide, women-only group chat where anonymous dating reviews and warnings are shared in real time. This communal vigilance creates a protective network that’s earned Tea the highest ratings in the dating category. Beyond user protection, the app channels 10% of profits to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, a .gov-trusted resource. This dual commitment to safety and social impact explains its viral rise in a saturated market.

Sean Cook: From Tech Veteran to Safety Pioneer

Cook’s journey blends technical expertise with personal purpose. A University of Connecticut graduate (Business, Marketing, and Music, 2013) and UC Berkeley software engineering alumnus, he honed his skills at Salesforce and Shutterfly, leading product innovation for giants like Amazon. But his mother’s traumatic catfishing experience ignited a pivot. “Teaching music to underprivileged kids in Philadelphia taught me about using skills for good,” Cook shared in a recent interview. “Tea merges that ethos with tech.” His background in full-stack development (Ruby on Rails, React, Python) enabled him to build Tea’s robust infrastructure solo. Now, his app’s success underscores a market shift: 89% of women prioritize safety over algorithm matches in dating apps, per a 2025 Pew Research study.

How Tea’s Safety Tools Redefine Online Dating

The app’s architecture turns passive scrolling into proactive security. Reverse image searches cross-reference profiles against public databases, flagging stolen photos instantly. Phone lookups reveal linked social media, exposing inconsistencies. The encrypted group chat—moderated 24/7—lets users share red flags like aggressive behavior or dishonesty. For example, a Chicago user recently thwarted a scammer by alerting 500+ group members within minutes. Tea also avoids gamified swiping; matches unlock only after basic verifications. This contrasts sharply with major apps facing FTC scrutiny over safety failures. By design, Tea minimizes anonymity—the root of 62% of dating-app fraud cases, according to the FTC’s 2024 Data Spotlight.

Tea dating app’s #1 ranking isn’t just a milestone—it’s proof that safety sells. Cook’s blueprint blends empathy with innovation, offering women control in a landscape rife with risks. Experience dating with confidence: download Tea today and join a community where vigilance meets connection.

Must Know

How does the Tea app prevent catfishing?
It uses reverse image searches and phone number verification to cross-check identities against public databases. The group chat also lets users crowdsource red flags, creating real-time alerts for suspicious behavior. These layers reduce fake profiles significantly.

Is the Tea app free?
Basic features are free, but premium tools like background checks require a subscription. Crucially, 10% of all profits support the National Domestic Violence Hotline, linking user purchases to social impact.

Who founded the Tea dating app?
Sean Cook, a Philadelphia-based tech entrepreneur, launched it in 2022 after his mother’s catfishing ordeal. His background includes product leadership at Salesforce and Shutterfly.

Can men use the Tea app?
Currently, Tea is designed exclusively for women and non-binary users to maintain a safe feedback ecosystem. Cook has hinted at future expansions but emphasizes preserving its safety-first core.