Sniffies for gay men

The platform has found particular success in European cities, with Frankfurt experiencing unexpected organic growth and London becoming a major hub for activity.

In the United States, Washington, D.C. earned the title of “Cruisiest City,” followed by Los Angeles and Houston, while New York City was recognized as the “Most Chatty” city on the platform.

Use the Cruiser filter to search for profiles by age, position, endowment, body type, sexuality, photos, profile type, hosting type, and location type. 

MAP FEATURES: PROS & CONS

• Cruising Updates:This is a real-time public forum so you can send out mass messages to everyone in the area.

  However, you can still get the full app experience by installing it as a home screen app from any browser, compatible with iOS, Android, laptops, and desktops. 

  SNIFFIES 101: HOW TO START CRUISING ON THE APP

  LOGIN TO SNIFFIES: To start using the gay Sniffies app, just type “sniffies.com” into any search bar. However, the app won’t display users’ actual location, instead adjusting it into a pseudo-location.

  Cruisers who are hosting a meetup will show up with an orange ring on the map, with the ability to specify certain details.

  Whether or not you decide to create an account, you can still fill out your profile or leave it blank. 

  FIND CRUISERS: The interactive map displays active profiles around your area. Click on “Account Settings” and hit “Delete Account” to remove your account permanently. 

  Anonymous profiles: Click “Logout” at the top right of the menu and your account will be permanently deleted.

  Cruise Buena Vista Park in San Francisco on Sniffies

  Miguel Smith and Justice Carlone, photographed by Chris Fucile

  The Ramble
  

  Located in New York City’s Central Park, The Ramble has been a popular cruising location for decades. The platform now implements enhanced ID verification including government ID checks, real-time facial verification, and blacklist validation to keep bad actors off the platform while protecting user data.

  Importantly, Sniffies promises not to store personal data permanently.

  According to recent data, there was a 26% rise in straight users on the app in 2024, indicating that the platform’s appeal extends beyond its core gay male demographic.

  Sniffies is a map-based hookup app for gay and bi men. What do we think?  Try the free trial and decide for yourself.

  SNIFFIES GEAR: WHAT TO WEAR CRUISING

  Sniffies for the curious offers a platform to explore the cruising scene, but navigating the apparel aspect might feel confusing for first-timers.

  Once verification is complete, all shared information except the user’s date of birth is immediately destroyed. You can easily rock a mesh tank top or sheer short shorts at the gym or beach without looking out of place. While times have changed, the thrill of the chase remains. Accessibility Balance

  One of Sniffies’ most significant challenges is maintaining its authentic, underground appeal while becoming more mainstream and accessible.

  Look for styles with cargo pockets so you can carry small necessities on you at all times like condoms.

  Easy-Access Underwear: Although sexy male lingerie might be on your mind, it’s not always the most practical thing to wear for cruising. Profiles are displayed as circular markers with different colors that indicate varying profile types and statuses.

  The app’s map feature helps users discover new venues and locations they might not have known about, potentially driving foot traffic to physical LGBTQ+ spaces.

  This approach addresses concerns that dating apps have contributed to the closure of gay bars and community spaces.

  

  You can click on any profile marker to get the user’s information or start a chat. We’ve combed through the entire Sniffies map to showcase Sniffies’ most popular cruising destinations across the US. Without further ado, we present Sniffies Top 4 Cruising Locations for Summer 2023.

  Christian Camacho photographed by Sean Barrow

  Vaseline Alley

  With a name like Vaseline Alley, there’s no way this iconic LA cruising area could be left off Sniffies’ list of top cruising locations.

  Some users claim that the premium membership is only worth it if you live in a heavily populated area. Let us know in the comments below!

  These geographic trends highlight how different cities and cultures embrace the cruising lifestyle in unique ways.

  Safety and Privacy Innovations for 2025

  Recognizing that 2024 was the most active year yet for users, Sniffies has introduced significant safety enhancements for 2025.

  This includes promoting consent, respect for boundaries, and understanding of the historical and cultural significance of cruising in LGBTQ+ communities.

  The Technology Behind the Experience

  Sniffies’ technical innovation goes beyond mapping.

  Photo courtesy of Sniffies.