Facebook has become a popular platform for online dating in recent years. The social media giant first launched Facebook Dating in 2019 as a way for users to connect with potential romantic partners through their Facebook profiles and groups. Since then, Facebook has expanded its dating offerings to include several standalone dating apps. These Facebook-owned dating apps allow users to match, chat, and go on virtual dates with other singles. In this article, we will explore the different Facebook dating apps available and provide an overview of each one.
Facebook Dating
The original Facebook Dating platform is integrated directly into the Facebook app. Users can opt into Facebook Dating by creating a dating profile that is separate from their normal Facebook profile. Facebook Dating uses your interests, events, groups, and more to match you with potential partners. Key features of Facebook Dating include:
- Create a dating profile separate from your regular Facebook profile
- Get suggested matches based on your preferences, interests, and activities on Facebook
- Ability to match with Facebook friends or strangers
- Chat with matches through Facebook Messenger
- Virtual dating options like video calls
Facebook Dating is available as part of the Facebook mobile app on both iOS and Android. Users must be at least 18 years old to create a dating profile. Facebook Dating is free to use and is now available in over 50 countries after initially launching in Colombia, Thailand, Canada, Argentina, and Mexico.
Facebook Dating App
In addition to the integrated Facebook Dating platform, Facebook also offers a standalone dating app simply called Facebook Dating. The Facebook Dating app launched in 2020 and is available for download on both the App Store and Google Play.
The Facebook Dating app functions similarly to the dating options within the main Facebook app. Key features unique to the Facebook Dating app include:
- Separate app focused solely on dating, apart from your main Facebook app
- “Secret Crush” feature lets you match with Facebook friends you’re interested in
- “Match Anywhere” allows you to match with Facebook Dating users in any location worldwide
- Uses your Facebook data to recommend potential matches
- Video chat capabilities to go on virtual dates
The Facebook Dating app is free to download and use. It is available worldwide in countries where Facebook Dating is supported.
Facebook Parejas
Facebook Parejas (or Facebook Couples) is the dating app version of Facebook Dating designed specifically for Spanish-speaking markets. Facebook Parejas has all of the same features as the main Facebook Dating and Facebook Dating app options with an interface optimized for Spanish languages.
Key features unique to Facebook Parejas include:
- Dating app for Spanish speakers
- Separate dating app from main Facebook app
- Interface, language, and translations optimized for Spanish
- Largely same features as main Facebook Dating platform
- Launched first in Columbia in 2020
Facebook Parejas is available through the App Store and Google Play in Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Colombia.
Spark Networks Dating Apps
In addition to its own dating apps, Facebook also owns several online dating app companies through its acquisition of Spark Networks. Spark Networks is the parent company behind niche dating apps like Zoosk, OKCupid, Meetic, Pairs, and more. Here is an overview of some of Facebook’s dating apps that originated from Spark Networks acquisitions:
Zoosk
Zoosk is one of the earliest online dating apps and websites, having first launched in 2007. Key Zoosk app features include:
- Swipe-based match interface like Tinder
- Personality assessments to better inform matches
- Built-in video chat and virtual date features
- 40+ million members worldwide
The Zoosk app is available on iOS and Android devices.
OKCupid
OKCupid is a freemium dating app with a user base primarily in North America and Europe. Distinctive OKCupid features include:
- Matching based on extensive user questionnaires
- Quirky personality assessments and data analysis
- Free basic membership with premium subscription options
- Messaging and match capabilities
OKCupid is available on both iOS and Android gadgets.
Pairs
Pairs is a popular dating app in Japan built to focus on serious relationships. Features of Pairs include:
- AI-based recommendations for compatible matches
- Anonymous chat feature to learn about a match before revealing identity
- Built-in date planning features
- Subscriptions start around $20/month
Pairs can be downloaded on iOS and Android in Japan.
Meetic
Meetic, which first launched in France in 2001, is a well-known dating site and app across Europe. Meetic app features include:
- Established European dating brand with millions of users
- Sophisticated match algorithm based on personality
- Video chat capabilities
- Local dating events and meetups
The Meetic app is currently available on iOS and Android devices in Europe.
Conclusion
In summary, Facebook currently owns and operates several major dating apps and services:
- Facebook Dating – Integrated directly into Facebook app
- Facebook Dating app – Standalone dating app
- Facebook Parejas – Dating app for Spanish speakers
- Spark Network apps like Zoosk, OKCupid, Pairs, and Meetic
Across these various platforms, Facebook operates dating apps and sites with hundreds of millions of users across North America, South America, Europe, Asia and beyond. The Facebook-owned Spark Network dating brands like Zoosk, OKCupid, and Meetic have tens of millions of additional users globally.
With its diverse portfolio of dating apps and integration into the main Facebook platform itself, Facebook has established itself as a dominant player in the online dating space with apps and sites catering to a wide range of demographics and interests. The company is likely to continue expanding its dating offerings, both through developing new apps and acquiring existing dating services.
While the exact user numbers are not publicly reported, based on available data we can estimate that Facebook likely operates dating apps and sites with well over 500 million registered users globally. With dating functionality also built into the main Facebook app used by billions of people, Facebook’s footprint in the online dating industry is substantial.
For those interested in online dating, several solid options now exist under Facebook’s expanding umbrella of dating apps and websites. Though each has unique features and target demographics, they share the common benefits of leveraging Facebook’s massive user base and data capabilities. Facebook Dating provides singles yet another way to potentially find meaningful connections through the social media platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Facebook dating apps are there?
Facebook currently operates several major dating apps including Facebook Dating, Facebook Dating app, Facebook Parejas, Zoosk, OKCupid, Pairs, and Meetic. The exact number of active Facebook-owned dating apps fluctuates as the company acquires and launches new services.
What countries is Facebook Dating available in?
Facebook Dating is available globally in over 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Philippines, Indonesia, India, and numerous countries in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Availability varies by nation.
Do you need a Facebook account to use Facebook Dating apps?
In most cases, yes, you need an existing Facebook account to sign up and use Facebook’s dating apps. The main Facebook Dating platform is directly integrated with your Facebook profile and data. Some acquired dating apps like Zoosk allow alternative sign-up methods.
Can you use Facebook Dating on desktop?
No, Facebook Dating is currently only available on mobile through the Facebook mobile apps for iOS and Android. You cannot access Facebook Dating through the desktop website version of Facebook.
What age do you have to be to use Facebook Dating?
You must be at least 18 years old to create a Facebook Dating profile and use the platform. Dating apps acquired by Facebook like OKCupid and Zoosk may allow younger sign-ups in certain countries.