Facebook Dating is a built-in feature within the Facebook app that allows users to match with eligible singles in their area. One common question that arises is whether there is a waiting period before you can start using Facebook Dating after creating your profile.
The 30 Day Waiting Period
When Facebook Dating first launched, there was a requirement that users had to wait 30 days after creating their dating profile before they could start viewing and matching with potential partners. This waiting period was put in place as a safety measure by Facebook to prevent people from creating fake or duplicative dating profiles.
The idea behind the 30 day rule was to give Facebook time to authenticate new dating profiles and ensure they were tied to real Facebook accounts in good standing. This was meant to cut down on the presence of bots, catfishes, scammers, and other bad actors on the dating platform.
During this 30 day waiting period, users could still complete their dating profiles, but they could not browse for matches or communicate with other dating members. Only after the 30 days had elapsed could a user start actively using Facebook Dating.
The 30 Day Rule Was Removed
When Facebook Dating first launched with the 30 day waiting period, it received some backlash from users who felt it was too long to wait before accessing the dating features. Some felt it made the service feel restrictive compared to other dating apps.
In response to this feedback, Facebook removed the 30 day waiting period requirement in May 2020. They determined there were other effective ways to maintain safety beyond the waiting period.
Now, once a Facebook Dating profile is created, users have immediate access to start viewing potential matches straightaway. There is no longer any mandatory waiting period.
Creating a Facebook Dating Profile
With the 30 day wait no longer in effect, here is how to create a Facebook Dating profile:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device and tap on the hamburger menu icon in the top right. Select “Dating.”
- If this is your first time accessing Dating, you’ll need to opt-in by tapping “Get Started.”
- Next, add your location by allowing Facebook to access your device’s location services.
- You’ll now start building your Dating profile by adding photos and answering profile questions that help match you with compatible singles.
- Once your profile is live, you can immediately start viewing potential matches, sending likes, and chatting with matches.
Once all the profile setup steps are complete, there are no other waiting periods. You can start using Facebook Dating right away to match, chat, and set up dates in your local area.
Tips for Getting Started
Here are some tips to help you get started with Facebook Dating:
- Add a variety of recent photos to your dating profile that showcase your interests and personality.
- Take the time to fill out your bio questions thoughtfully and wittily to give matches a sense of who you are.
- Turn on Facebook Dating notifications so you don’t miss any new matches or messages.
- Use the Secret Crush feature to match with Facebook friends you’re interested in dating.
- Tailor your age range and location radius in the discovery settings to your preferences.
- Send personalized opening messages to matches to start conversations.
Staying Safe on Facebook Dating
While the 30 day waiting period is no longer in effect, Facebook Dating still utilizes features and policies to maintain a safe, trustworthy environment, including:
- Profile Verification – Users must have an authentic Facebook account to use Dating.
- Reporting Tools – Profiles and messages can be blocked and reported if inappropriate.
- Restricted Contact Information – Users can only exchange messages initially, not personal phone numbers or emails.
- Community Standards – Stringent policies prohibit inappropriate content and behavior.
By adhering to Facebook’s dating community standards, acting with respect, and using common sense when connecting with new matches, users can have a fun and safe dating experience.
Advantages of Facebook Dating
Some key advantages to using Facebook Dating include:
- Established Profiles – Can view comprehensive profiles of matches pulled from their Facebook info.
- Shared Connections – Can see any mutual friends/groups you may have in common with a match.
- Trusted Platform – Draws on user’s established Facebook networks and connections.
- Secret Crush – Ability to match with Facebook friends you’re attracted to.
- Free Service – Comes at no extra cost for Facebook users.
Disadvantages of Facebook Dating
Some potential downsides to keep in mind include:
- Limited User Base – Only available for users who opt-in and create dating profile.
- Less Customization – Can’t screen matches by as many criteria compared to some dating apps.
- No Desktop Access – Can only access Facebook Dating from the mobile app.
- Friends of Friends – Some users may not like the possibility of being matched with their wider social circle.
Facebook Dating vs. Other Apps
How does Facebook Dating compare to some other popular dating apps?
Vs. Tinder
| Facebook Dating | Tinder |
|---|---|
| Matches based on shared personality traits, interests, groups, events, etc. | Matches based primarily on quick photo attraction and location. |
| Allows matching with Facebook friends. | Matches only with strangers. |
| Profiles drawn from established Facebook accounts. | Profiles created specifically for Tinder. |
Vs. Hinge
| Facebook Dating | Hinge |
|---|---|
| Mainly matches strangers outside friend group. | Focuses on “friends of friends” matches. |
| Matches based on algorithm and preferences. | Relies on user actively liking/commenting on profiles. |
| Part of the Facebook app. | Standalone app separate from Facebook. |
Vs. OkCupid
| Facebook Dating | OkCupid |
|---|---|
| Matches presented one profile at a time. | Browse through entire match database. |
| Focuses on nearby local dating matches. | Allows matching anywhere based on preferences. |
| Dating profile tied to existing Facebook account. | Create separate OkCupid account and profile. |
Conclusion
In summary, the 30 day waiting period that Facebook Dating originally launched with is no longer in effect. Users can now start viewing and matching with other dating members immediately after setting up their profile.
Facebook Dating provides a unique dating platform tied directly into a user’s Facebook account and connections. While not without some disadvantages, it offers trusted matching based on established profiles and interests, all for free.
By leveraging the dating features intelligently and maintaining safety, Facebook users can expand their social circles and find meaningful romantic connections all within the convenience of the Facebook app.