In early 2009, Manhunt released its first major upgrade in 7 years. To distinguish itself from competitors, OnTheHUNT boasted unlimited video lengths and used its own members as models instead of gay-for-pay actors. In August 2008, Manhunt launched OnTheHUNT, a companion video-hosting site dedicated to filming actual Manhunt members having sex. In mid-2008, Manhunt made video chat available to members after popular request. In April 2008, Crutchley revealed to Bay Windows that Manhunt has more subscribers outside the U.S.
In December 2006, an independent tracking agency ranked Manhunt as the largest LGBT-targeted site online, surpassing long-time leader Gay.com. About 2,000 customers immediately signed up for the paid membership. Initially a free service, Manhunt emailed its customers in April 2002 and told them that those who wanted to enjoy all the perks of the site would have to pay $10 per month, and those who declined to pay would be able to use a more bare-bones version of the site. Within a year, about 10,000 men from the greater Boston area had created profiles on the site.
Manhunt was officially launched in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Apby Jonathan Crutchley and Larry Basile after their original Boston-based gay telephone dating service declined when more of their clients began to use the Web to find partners.
