(Reuters) -Bumble forecast fourth-quarter revenue below analysts' expectations on Wednesday, underscoring the challenges facing the dating app operator as its ambitious turnaround plan struggles to gain momentum.

Shares of the Austin, Texas-based company fell 7% in extended trading.

Bumble has been revamping its strategy this year under a new leadership, focusing on improving user experience and safety tools powered by artificial intelligence rather than expanding aggressively.

"While we expect our member base improvement work to create near-term headwinds to revenue and paying user metrics, we are prioritizing profitability and financial flexibility as we invest in innovation to drive sustainable long-term growth," Chief Financial Officer Kevin Cook said in a statement.

For the third quarter, total paying users fell 16% to 3.6 million, from a year earlier.

The company sees fourth-quarter revenue between $216 million and $224 million, the midpoint of which is below analysts' estimates of $233.3 million, according to data compiled by LSEG.

(Reporting by Kritika Lamba in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Sriraj Kalluvila)