The Viral Power of Asking: 'Are You Two a Couple?'
In the bustling streets of New York City, a simple question has sparked a global phenomenon. Aaron Feinberg, 31, along with childhood friends Victor Lee and Jeremy Bernstein, both 31, founded Meet Cutes, a social media project that interviews couples about how they met. What began as a casual curiosity in early 2023 has since evolved into a full-time venture, with over 10,000 couples interviewed and millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram.
From Humble Beginnings to Viral Sensation
The idea for Meet Cutes emerged when Victor noticed the rise of street-interview accounts on social media. With no prior media experience, the trio decided to test the waters. 'We thought it’d be fun to talk to strangers and get the stories of how they met,' Aaron explains. Their first video featured college sweethearts, and despite initial trepidation, the response was immediate. A few videos later, one went super viral, confirming the project's potential.
Jeremy, leveraging his background in phone sales to handle rejection, took on the role of approaching couples. 'Plenty of people keep walking,' Aaron notes, 'but most either politely decline or light up completely.' This authentic connection, fueled by a single question, resonated deeply with audiences, leading to daily view averages of one million.
Unexpected Moments and Heartwarming Tales
Not every interaction goes as planned. The team has mistaken friends, colleagues, and even family members for couples, but these awkward moments often become fan-favorite content. Weather and personal energy levels also influence their filming sessions, yet the stories they capture are consistently compelling.
One standout tale involves an older couple who met at Grand Central Station. He was a train manager who, smitten with a passenger, ensured her train arrived on the same track daily until they finally connected. 'We got them 30 years into their marriage,' Aaron shares, 'a time capsule of a really special moment.' Another story features a man who called a wrong number, leading to a conversation and eventual marriage.
Lessons in Love and Expanding Horizons
Through thousands of interviews, Aaron has gleaned valuable insights into relationships. He recalls a couple describing their marriage as a competition to treat each other better, a philosophy he now applies in his own life. 'Success in relationships is about tapping into what matters to you most and communicating that with your partner,' he reflects.
The Meet Cutes brand has expanded beyond its origins, publishing a book and collaborating with celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. They've also launched a UK branch and a spin-off called Besties, celebrating platonic love. 'Love is love and it can happen in any way, shape or form,' Aaron emphasizes.
Spreading Hope and Connection
At its core, Meet Cutes aims to provide hope in a challenging dating landscape. 'We hope we’ve created more interactions between people in settings they might not have felt comfortable in before,' Aaron concludes. The project serves as a reminder that chance encounters can lead to lasting connections, encouraging openness to love in all its forms.
