Yes, Facebook Dating is still an active feature on Facebook. Facebook Dating was launched in 2018 as a way for Facebook users to connect with potential romantic matches within their extended friend networks on Facebook. While Facebook Dating may not receive as much widespread media attention as when it first launched, it continues to be available for eligible Facebook users in many countries around the world.
Overview of Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating allows Facebook users to create a separate dating profile within the Facebook app. While it is integrated into the Facebook platform, users’ dating profiles are separate from their normal Facebook profiles and visible only to other users who have opted into Facebook Dating.
Some key facts about Facebook Dating:
- Available as a feature within the Facebook mobile app for iOS and Android
- Launched in 2018 initially in Colombia, Canada, Thailand, and a few other countries
- As of 2022, available in over 70 countries around the world
- Uses user’s existing Facebook profile information but creates separate dating profile
- Uses preferences and Facebook activity to suggest potential matches
- Allows users to browse and like/dislike suggested matches anonymously
- In Facebook Dating, users can message matches they both liked each other
- Optional integration with Instagram posts and Stories
- Standalone app called Facebook Dating was discontinued in 2020
Facebook Dating builds profiles based on a user’s existing Facebook profile information as well as preferences they set specifically for dating. Users can choose what information from their Facebook profile they want visible on their dating profile. Preferences like age range, location, gender, and more can also be set for potential matches.
Age Requirement
In order to use Facebook Dating, users must be at least 18 years old. The age requirement aims to keep minors safe and prevent inappropriate interactions on the platform. Some countries may have higher minimum age requirements in line with their local laws.
Is Facebook Dating Popular?
Facebook Dating has gained decent popularity globally, though exact user statistics are not available. Facebook itself said back in 2020 that Facebook Dating had led to over 1.5 billion matches made on the platform. However, it has likely not reached the level of mainstream ubiquity and brand recognition as the longer-established dating/matchmaking apps like Tinder, Bumble or Match.com.
Some advantages Facebook touts that have likely contributed to its dating platform catching on include:
- Ability to match with friends-of-friends or expanded social circles versus just strangers
- Free service included as part of Facebook app versus paid dating sites
- May be preferred by some who are wary of stigma still associated with standalone dating apps
- Leverages Facebook’s expertise in profiling users based on data and behaviors
However, there are also critiques and drawbacks that may limit more widespread adoption:
- Hesitance around mixing dating/romantic life with existing social media platform
- Concerns over Facebook’s handling of private romantic/dating data after other controversies
- Dating app fatigue among some demographics
- Strong competition from entrenched dating apps/sites like Tinder, Match, eHarmony
While definitive user numbers are not public, Facebook Dating has likely found a niche among some demographics but has not surpassed top-tier dating apps in popularity.
Geographic Popularity
In terms of where Facebook Dating is most popular geographically, that also remains unclear without access to Facebook’s internal data. However, its broad availability across North America, South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia indicates Facebook Dating has found uptake in diverse geographic regions.
Specific countries where dating activity could be thriving include the United States, Brazil, Thailand, and parts of Europe. Facebook itself announced plans in 2020 to launch Facebook Dating in Europe after seeing positive results in the 20 countries where it had already launched.
How Does Facebook Dating Work?
If you want to get started on Facebook Dating, here is an overview of how to access it and the key features involved:
Accessing Facebook Dating
Facebook Dating can be accessed via the Facebook mobile app by tapping the hamburger menu icon and navigating to the Dating Home section. It cannot be accessed or used through the Facebook website on a desktop.
To access Facebook Dating:
- Ensure Facebook app is updated to latest version
- Open Facebook app and tap menu icon in top right
- Scroll down and tap on Dating Home
- If first visit, Get Started prompts will appear to set up dating profile
Setting Up a Dating Profile
Upon accessing Dating Home for the first time, Facebook will walk you through a few steps to set up your dating profile:
- Confirm your location access, notifications, and age
- Choose to Opt In to Facebook Dating
- Agree to additional terms for dating
- Select profile photo and add basic bio info
- Select preferences like age, gender, distance
Facebook pre-populates your profile with information from your existing Facebook account, which you can edit or remove for your dating profile. Additional preferences help Facebook surface more relevant potential matches.
Key Features
Once your dating profile is set up, you can begin using these key features of Facebook Dating:
- Secret Crush – Select up to 9 Facebook friends or Instagram followers you’re interested in matching with. You’ll only match if they add you to their Secret Crush list too.
- Match Preferences – Refine interests, religion, height, children, and other filters for potential matches.
- Browse & Like Profiles – View recommended matches’ profiles anonymously. Tap the heart icon if interested.
- Instant Chatting – When you and another user both Like each other’s profiles, you can message in real-time.
- Story Sharing – Share Facebook or Instagram stories directly to your dating profile.
- Virtual Dates – Video chat using Facebook’s video calling within the dating app.
Is Facebook Dating Free?
Yes, Facebook Dating is a completely free feature included for all eligible Facebook users. Unlike some dating apps and sites that offer free limited tiers alongside paid subscriptions for premium features, the entirety of Facebook Dating is free to use. There are no limitations placed on free users, no ads, and no paid upgrades required.
The service is free since Facebook makes its money from the user data and engagement on its broader platform, rather than needing to monetize the dating section itself. Offering a free dating option also serves as another incentive for new users to join the Facebook ecosystem.
Some examples of the types of features free on Facebook Dating that competitors often charge for include:
- Unlimited profile browsing and matches
- Advanced preference filters
- Instant messaging capabilities
- Integration with Instagram content
The free access offered by Facebook Dating opens up more dating options at no cost for users, especially those who cannot afford paid dating app subscriptions which can range from $10-40+ per month on platforms like eHarmony or Match.
Advantages of Facebook Dating
What are some potential advantages or pros that Facebook Dating offers compared to other dating apps and sites?
Larger Potential Match Pool
By tapping into a user’s extended friend network on Facebook, the potential match pool a user can draw from is much larger, in the hundreds of millions, compared to most dating apps. This provides more options and variety when finding a compatible match.
Better Security & Verification
Facebook Dating profiles use real first names as well as authentic photos from users’ Facebook profiles, cutting down on fake profiles or bots common on some apps. Real identity and connections also provide increased safety.
In-Depth Profiles & Interests
Dating preferences, interests, background, and other personal details can be showcased in-depth with integration of Facebook profile information and Facebook/Instagram activity in dating profiles. This aids compatibility.
Seamless Messenger Integration
Chatting with matches occurs directly within Facebook Messenger, so conversations carry seamlessly from matching to messaging without needing to switch apps.
Events & Groups Discovery
Facebook Dating helps users explore events, groups, and local hangouts that match their interests so they can meet more people in real life settings, not just online.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Larger Potential Match Pool | Draws from hundreds of millions of Facebook users’ friend networks |
| Better Security & Verification | Uses real identities and profiles |
| In-Depth Profiles & Interests | Showcases personalities and interests from Facebook activity |
| Seamless Messenger Integration | Conversations flow easily across match to messaging |
| Events & Groups Discovery | Meet matches in real life at local events and groups |
Disadvantages of Facebook Dating
Despite some advantages, Facebook Dating comes with some potential downsides to consider as well:
Privacy Concerns
Facebook does not have the strongest reputation when it comes to privacy protections and handling of user data. Some may feel uneasy blending romantic life with Facebook.
Limited Adoption & Engagement
Many long-time dating app users are already deeply ingrained in other platforms like Tinder or Match, and may be resistant to try Facebook’s newer option.
Feature Limitations
Facebook Dating lacks some popular features of competitors like swiping interface, quizzes, video chatrooms and more.
Overwhelming Match Options
Too many potential matches from an extended social network can lead to choice paralysis versus more tailored matching in other apps.
Fuzzy Boundaries
Crossing romantic and social lives by dating within extended friend networks on Facebook can make setting relationship boundaries more difficult.
| Disadvantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Privacy Concerns | Unease around combining romantic data with Facebook |
| Limited Adoption & Engagement | Many users already ingrained in other dating apps |
| Feature Limitations | Lacks some popular features of competitors |
| Overwhelming Match Options | Massive match pool can lead to choice paralysis |
| Fuzzy Boundaries | Dating within friend networks makes setting boundaries harder |
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook Dating maintains an active user base in 2023 even if overshadowed by dating incumbents. The free access, massive potential match pools, and integration with Facebook profiles and activity keep some user segments engaged. However, privacy concerns, limited feature sets, and resistance from established dating app users limit more explosive growth. While Facebook Dating has found its niche, it remains secondary to top-tier dating apps for now. Still, its deep integration into the world’s largest social network ensures Facebook Dating won’t be going away any time soon.