Facebook Dating is a relatively new dating feature within the Facebook app that allows users to match and chat with potential romantic partners. It operates separately from a user’s main Facebook profile and friends list. Since its launch in 2019, Facebook Dating has grown in popularity, though some users wonder if its features come at a cost. Specifically, men using Facebook Dating may ask: is Facebook Dating free for men?
Is Facebook Dating Free?
The short answer is yes, Facebook Dating is free for everyone, including men. Facebook does not charge any fees to create a dating profile, match with potential partners, exchange messages, or use any other Facebook Dating features. This free access applies equally to men, women, and people of all gender identities on Facebook Dating.
Some key things to know about the free access to Facebook Dating:
- No subscription fees – There are no monthly, annual, or one-time fees to use Facebook Dating, for men or anyone else.
- No in-app purchases – There are no extra features, virtual goods, or “boosts” to purchase within Facebook Dating itself.
- Completely free messaging – Messaging potential matches has no costs or limits.
- Free for all genders – Men, women, and all others can access the same free Facebook Dating features.
Facebook generates revenue from ads within the main Facebook app and website, but Facebook Dating itself is completely free. The company likely hopes the dating feature will boost broader engagement and retention for the platform as a whole.
How Does Facebook Dating Work?
To understand why Facebook Dating comes at no cost for men or anyone else, it helps to look at how the dating feature functions:
Separate Profile
Users create a separate dating profile that does not interact with their normal Facebook profile. This dating profile only shows a person’s first name, without their full name or any mutual friends visible.
Location-Based Matches
Facebook Dating uses a user’s location to suggest potential matches nearby. Users can also search for matches in any city. Matches are based on user age and gender preferences, as well as other profile details.
Like and Message Matches
When users express interest in a match by “liking” their profile, they can start exchanging messages. Messaging occurs within Facebook Dating rather than users’ normal Facebook inboxes.
Integrated with Facebook App
While a separate profile, Facebook Dating is fully integrated within the Facebook mobile app itself. This avoids the need to download a separate dating app.
Why Facebook Dating Is Free for Men
Facebook likely made its dating feature free for several key reasons:
Drive Facebook Engagement
Free dating helps attract users to the Facebook app and retain their interest. This dating audience is then exposed to Facebook ads each time they open the app.
Access to User Data
Facebook Dating gives the company valuable data on users’ romantic interests, preferences, and habits – data that Facebook likely monetizes for ad targeting.
Competitive Parity
Major dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are free to use (with some premium features). Facebook Dating needed to be free as well to compete for users.
Inclusive User Base
By not charging men or any other group, Facebook Dating aims to foster a diverse, engaged user base that attracts all demographics.
Are There Any Paid Features?
While Facebook Dating has no fees or subscriptions, Facebook does offer some optional paid features that users can access if they choose:
Facebook Dating Premium Subscription
For $9.99/month, this subscription allows users to see who has already “liked” their dating profile and view profiles beyond their geographic area. However, messaging and matching remain free.
Facebook Boosts
For a fee, users can “boost” their dating profile to be more visible to potential matches for a set period of time. However, free users can still fully use Facebook Dating without ever paying for boosts.
In-App Purchases
Facebook allows in-app purchases for credits that can be used to access premium content, including virtual gifts you can send to matches. But these virtual goods are completely optional.
So in summary – yes, the core Facebook Dating experience is 100% free for men and does not require any paid features. Men can fully use Facebook Dating to meet potential partners without ever spending money. The free access puts Facebook Dating on par with other top dating apps.
How Does Facebook Dating Compare to Other Apps?
Compared to paid dating sites like eHarmony and Match.com, Facebook Dating clearly stands out for its lack of fees. Here’s how it further compares to other top free dating apps:
| Dating App | Free Features | Paid Features |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Dating | Full messaging, matching, app usage | Optional boosts and premium access |
| Tinder | Messaging, matching, app usage | Tinder Plus and Tinder Gold upgrades |
| Bumble | Messaging, matching, app usage | Bumble Boost, Premium |
| Hinge | Limited likes and matches per day | Hinge Preferred membership |
The key takeaway is that the core Facebook Dating experience is just as free as these other popular dating apps. While other apps limit some free features, Facebook Dating truly offers full functionality with no holdbacks or catches.
Pros and Cons for Men
Given its free access, Facebook Dating has several advantages specifically for male users:
Pros
- Saves money compared to paid dating sites
- Easy to access via existing Facebook app
- Can fully use messaging and matching features for free
- No limit on number of matches or messages
Cons
- Smaller exclusive dating pool vs. paid sites
- Less detailed profiles than some dating apps
- Potentially fewer serious female users
While the free access helps men try online dating affordably, the smaller pool of Facebook Dating users has some downsides compared to larger paid sites.
Setting Up Your Profile
Ready to join Facebook Dating? Here are some tips for men on setting up your dating profile:
Photos
Use high-quality photos that showcase your interests, personality, and appearance in the best possible way. Avoid group shots or anything overly edited.
Bio
Write a unique, engaging bio that gives women a sense of who you are as a person. Share your interests, what you’re looking for, and a bit of humor.
Prompts
Thoroughly fill out the profile prompts about your hobbies, lifestyle, culture, and other details about who you are. This info sparks conversation.
Preferences
Select preferences that genuinely reflect the type of person and relationship you want to find. Don’t just cast a wide net unless that’s truly your goal.
Stand Out
Use all profile features available to help your individuality shine through. This includes sharing stories, Q&As, voice messages, and more.
Getting the Most from Facebook Dating
To fully take advantage of the features you get for free on Facebook Dating, keep these tips in mind:
Refresh Your Profile Regularly
Change up your photos, bio, and other details every few months. This keeps your profile looking fresh to matches.
Engage Thoughtfully With Matches
Put effort into liking profiles and sending messages that show you actually read the other person’s profile.
Don’t Overwhelm Matches
While messaging is unlimited, avoid sending a flurry of messages right away to matches. Take the conversation slow.
Meet Matches Quickly
If hitting it off with a match, propose meeting up within a week or two. Don’t let the spark fizzle over long chat sessions.
Evaluate Prospective Partners Carefully
Take advantage of the free access to be selective and really determine if a match seems like relationship material before meeting up.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating offers a solid free dating option for men seeking a meaningful relationship. While smaller than some paid dating sites, men can fully use Facebook Dating’s messaging, matching, and profile features at no cost. This provides a decent pool of prospective partners to evaluate for that ideal long-term match, saving money compared to other online dating options. Just be sure to put effort into showcasing your best self with a standout, frequently updated profile and thoughtful engagement with matches.