Sniffies
Gay cruising web app
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sniffies is a map-based hookup app for gay, bisexual, and bi-curious men.[1][2][3][4]
| |
Type of site | Cruising web app |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Founder | Blake Gallagher |
| URL | sniffies.com |
| Registration | Optional |
| Launched | 2018 |
| Current status | Active |
The website features a map that shows the approximate locations of nearby users who are currently active or have recently been active on the platform. The map also shows the locations of groups and popular meeting places in the user's area. Users can browse the map to view profiles, chat, and share pictures with potential sex partners in their area. Sniffies does not require registration to use; however, certain features, such as filtering results, require free registration.[1][4]
History
The website was launched in 2018 by its founder, Blake Gallagher, in Seattle, Washington.[1][5] In 2021, the marketing officer for the company stated that the name "Sniffies" originated from a previous website for trading underwear, later evolving to mean "sniffing out what's around" and "sniffing out the fun".[1] However, in 2022, Gallagher stated that this claim was a rumor and explained that the name "Sniffies" was chosen because it was "just an evocative and available domain name".[6]
In 2024, Sniffies introduced two new features. In January, the site launched "vanilla mode", which allows users to browse more discreetly by blurring explicit images.[7] In late April, the site introduced "cruiser filters", allowing users to refine their searches based on criteria including age, sexual position, body type, and penis size.[8][9]
An official Sniffies iOS app was released in March 2025 for users in the United States and Canada.[10][11] However, the app lacked the anonymity features available on its website, and to comply with Apple's App Store content policies, the app defaulted to "vanilla mode".[12] In May 2025, Apple removed the Sniffies iOS app from the App Store; Sniffies stated the removal was temporary and attributed it to "ongoing content restrictions". The company stated the app continued to function for existing users, and its web app remained fully operational.[11][13]
