Bumble Inc. Revenue Disclosure
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from services in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Under ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue when or as the Company’s performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of the promised services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those services. To determine revenue recognition for arrangements that an entity determines are within the scope of ASC 606, the Company performs the following five steps as prescribed by ASC 606:
The Company only applies the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that it will collect the consideration it is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services it transfers to the customer. At contract inception, once the contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company assesses the goods or services promised within each contract and determines those that are performance obligations and assess whether each promised good or service is distinct. The Company then recognizes as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to the respective performance obligation when (or as) the performance obligation is satisfied.
Revenue is primarily derived in the form of recurring subscriptions and in-app purchases. Subscription revenue is presented net of taxes, refunds and credit card chargebacks. This revenue is initially deferred and is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the applicable subscription period. Revenue from lifetime subscriptions is deferred over the average estimated expected period of the subscriber relationship, which is currently estimated to be twelve months. Revenue from the purchase of in-app features is recognized based on usage and estimated breakage revenue associated with unused in-app purchases. Unused in-app purchase fees expire based on the terms of the underlying agreement and are recognized as revenue when it is probable that a significant revenue reversal would not occur. The Company also earns revenue from online advertising and partnerships. Online advertising revenue is recognized when an advertisement is displayed. Revenue from partnerships is recognized according to the contractual terms of the partnership.
As permitted under the practical expedient available under ASC 606, the Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, and (ii) contracts for which the Company recognizes revenue at the amount which it has the right to invoice for services performed.
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, there were no customers representing greater than 10% of total revenue.
For the periods presented, revenue across apps was as follows:
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(in thousands) |
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Year Ended December 31, 2024 |
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Year Ended December 31, 2023 |
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Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
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Bumble App |
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$ |
866,289 |
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$ |
844,774 |
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$ |
694,329 |
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Badoo App and Other |
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205,354 |
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207,056 |
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209,174 |
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Total Revenue |
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$ |
1,071,643 |
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$ |
1,051,830 |
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$ |
903,503 |
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Assets Recognized from the Costs to Obtain a Contract with a Customer
The Company has determined that certain costs paid to third party aggregators, primarily mobile app store fees, meet the requirements to be capitalized as a cost of obtaining a contract. These costs are capitalized and amortized over the period of contract performance, typically over the term of the applicable subscription period. Capitalized costs of obtaining contracts were $11.0 million and $12.4 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which was included in “Other current assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded cost of revenue of
$271.4 million, $260.7 million and $210.2 million, respectively, related to the amortization of capitalized costs of obtaining contracts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.