Facebook Dating is a relatively new dating app that leverages Facebook’s massive user base to help people find potential romantic matches. Launched in 2018, Facebook Dating allows users to create a separate dating profile within the main Facebook app and connect with other users who have opted into using the feature.
But what exactly makes two people match on Facebook Dating? There are several factors that go into the Facebook Dating algorithm that determines who you see and who sees you. Understanding how matching works can help you improve your dating profile and increase your chances of making meaningful connections.
How Matching Works on Facebook Dating
When you first set up your Facebook Dating profile, you go through a onboarding flow where you provide details about yourself like your gender, preferred pronouns, location, age range for potential matches, and more. Facebook Dating uses this information to start populating your “Suggested Matches” feed with people who seem compatible based on preferences and activity on Facebook.
Some of the factors that influence who you see and who sees you include:
Location
One of the first things Facebook Dating looks at is location. Your profile is only shown to potential matches who live within a certain radius of where you live. You can adjust the geographic range, but typically it starts around 100 miles. Living in the same area makes it more likely you’ll actually be able to meet up for a date.
Age Range
When setting up your profile, you indicate the age range you’re looking for in a partner. Facebook Dating only displays profiles of those who fall within the min and max age you provided. Looking for matches within a compatible age group increases the chances you’ll have something in common.
Gender
Facebook allows you to indicate your gender identity and the genders you’re interested in matching with. People who don’t meet your selected gender criteria won’t see your profile or be seen by you while using Facebook Dating.
Mutual Friends
One unique aspect of Facebook Dating is its ability to match you with friends of friends. If you and a potential match have a certain number of Facebook friends in common, Facebook will display that information on the match’s card. Having mutual friends can provide a level of trust and validation that this person is who they say they are.
Interests and Pages Liked
Facebook Dating pulls information from your existing Facebook profile to assess your interests and personality. This includes Pages you’ve liked, Groups you’ve joined, and more. If you and a potential match like a lot of the same Pages or are members of the same Groups, Facebook will view you as likely having things in common.
Personality Traits
As part of setting up your dating profile, you can take a series of questions that are designed to assess traits like openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Facebook Dating will match you with others who have similar personalities and temperaments. This is based on psychological research showing romantic partners tend to have comparable personalities.
Level of Activity
How active you are on Facebook Dating also plays a role. If you frequently check the app and like and message potential matches, Facebook will show your profile to more users. Being active signals you are serious about meeting someone and ready to engage.
Response Rate
If you initiate conversations and respond when others message you, Facebook will keep giving you more suggested matches. Responsiveness shows you are invested and interested in connecting. But if you let conversations go unanswered, you may see fewer matches in the future.
Desirability
Facebook Dating has an internal system for gauging a user’s desirability based on how many people respond positively to their profile by liking them or sending messages. If you are perceived as highly desirable by engagement metrics, Facebook will show your profile more prominently to increase your odds of matching.
How to Improve Your Match Prospects
Now that you know how Facebook determines potential matches, here are some tips for improving your chances of matching with compatible people:
Complete Your Profile Thoroughly
Don’t leave sections blank – fill out your employment, education, location, and personal details. This gives matches more insight into who you are.
Post Recent, Clear Photos
Photofeeler found photos showing your hobbies or social side tend to perform best. Stay up to date by adding new pictures every few months.
Be Selective With Your Likes
Double check Pages and Groups to ensure they reflect your current interests. Liking niche topics can help you find more targeted matches.
Take Personality Questions Seriously
Think carefully about personality assessments and answer thoughtfully so matches are based on your actual temperament.
Broaden Your Age and Location Range
Widening age and geographic filters slightly can increase your pool of compatible matches. You can always filter more later.
Message Matches Promptly
Quickly responding to messages and expressing interest keeps the conversation going and boosts your desirability score.
Like and Comment on Photos
Potential matches get a notification when you like their Facebook dating profile pictures or leave a comment. This signals your interest.
Why You Might Not Be Getting Matches
If you’ve been on Facebook Dating for a while but aren’t getting many matches, here are some potential reasons:
Too Narrow Preferences
Restricting age range, location radius, or accepted genders too much limits your match pool. Try expanding your preferences.
Inactive Profile
If you don’t regularly check Facebook Dating, your profile won’t be prioritized for others to see. Log in a few times a week.
Poor Photo Selection
Blurry, heavily filtered and group photos don’t make the best impression. Add recent pictures showing your interests.
Minimal Profile Details
With little personal info, matches don’t have much to go on. Share your job, education, hometown and more.
Not Messaging Matches
If you’re not initiating chats with matches, Facebook thinks you’re uninterested. Be proactive in reaching out.
Ignoring Messages
Consistently leaving messages unanswered tanks your responsiveness score. Reply to matches when you can.
Swiping Right Infrequently
Selective right swiping indicates you’re very picky. Be more open-minded in who you give a chance to.
Getting the Most out of Facebook Dating
Here are some final tips for really maximizing your experience on Facebook Dating:
Link Your Instagram Account
This displays your Instagram photos directly on your dating profile for added personality.
Share to Stories
Posting Facebook Dating moments to your Instagram or Facebook stories expands your visibility.
Send a Like
If you don’t have time for a full message, quickly liking a match’s photo or story lets them know you’re interested.
Use the Secret Crush
Add up to 9 Facebook or Instagram friends as secret crushes. You’ll match instantly if they add you too.
Make Use of Text and Audio Chat
Take the conversation to the next level by exchanging voice messages or doing an audio call within the app.
Connect Your Events
Link your Facebook or third party events calendar so matches can see you have a shared interest in attending certain events.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating leverages the power of your existing Facebook profile and expansive friend networks to suggest compatible matches. Factors like location, age, gender, interests, personality, and level of responsiveness determine who sees your profile and how prominently it is displayed. Completing your dating profile, posting great photos, messaging matches promptly, and broadening your search filters can all help you improve your match rate. While it takes some effort, optimizing your Facebook Dating presence can connect you with great potential partners.