With the rise in popularity of online dating, an increasing number of singles are turning to apps like Facebook Dating to find potential partners. However, with multiple Facebook Dating apps available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, it can be confusing to figure out which one is the real, official app from Facebook.
What is Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating is an online dating service developed by Facebook Inc. It enables users to browse potential romantic matches within their area and start conversations with them. The service is integrated directly into the main Facebook app, but users’ dating profile and conversations are separate from their normal Facebook profile and messenger conversations.
Some key features of Facebook Dating include:
- Matching based on Facebook likes, interests, groups and events attended
- Ability to create a separate dating profile not visible to friends
- Users can message anyone but only see potential matches who fit their preferences and who have also opted into Facebook Dating
- Built-in safety features such as the ability to share location with friends while on a date
Facebook Dating first launched in the US in September 2019 and has since expanded to many other countries. It is free to use and available as part of the main Facebook app.
Identifying the official Facebook Dating app
When searching on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, you may come across multiple apps named “Facebook Dating” or something similar. However, there is only one official Facebook Dating app, which is integrated directly into the main Facebook app. Here are some tips to identify the real app:
- Check the publisher/developer name – the official Facebook Dating app will be published by “Facebook” or “Facebook Inc.”
- Look at the app reviews and ratings – the official app will likely have the most reviews and highest overall rating.
- Check the app install count – the official Facebook app often has over 1 billion installs, while fake apps typically have much lower install counts.
- Look for verification badges – the official Facebook Dating app may include a blue verification badge or checkmark to confirm it’s the real app.
- Be wary of similarly named apps – any apps named just “Dating App” or “FB Dating” are likely fake and trying to piggyback off Facebook’s name.
Once you’ve downloaded the main Facebook app, you can access Facebook Dating by tapping on the hamburger menu icon in the top right. The Dating option will be in the menu if the feature has launched in your country. Only download the main Facebook app from the official developer account – never install secondary apps even if they appear official at first glance.
Examples of fake Facebook Dating apps
To help identify fakes, here are some examples of unauthorized Facebook Dating apps that may appear in app stores:
- FB Dating App 2019
- Facebook Dating App
- Dating for Facebook
- Fb DateFinder
- Date for Facebook
These fake apps often try to mimic Facebook’s logo and branding. Some even use screenshots from the real Facebook Dating feature. However, they are not developed by Facebook and many seek to phish user data or spread malware. Stick to the official main Facebook app for safe access to Facebook Dating.
Is Facebook Dating free?
Yes, Facebook Dating is completely free to use. Unlike some dating sites and apps, there are no premium subscriptions or in-app purchases required to message other users or access core features.
The official Facebook Dating feature is free because Facebook can monetize the service by showing targeted ads based on users’ dating profiles, preferences and conversations. Facebook owns several dating-focused companies like Hinge which do charge subscription fees, but core Facebook Dating is free.
Some fake dating apps try to falsely claim you need to pay to access features or upgrade to a paid membership. But this is never the case with the real Facebook Dating app.
How does Facebook Dating work?
If you’re new to Facebook Dating, here is a quick rundown of how the service works:
- Set up your dating profile – Choose photos, answer personality questions and set preferences for potential matches
- Browse matches – Scroll through recommended profiles based on your preferences, interests and other factors
- Like profiles – Tap the heart icon on any profiles that catch your eye while browsing
- Message matches – Start chatting with any matches who have also liked your profile
- Make a date – Chat, get to know your matches and setup a date to meet in person
Some key points about how Facebook Dating operates:
- Your dating profile is separate from your normal Facebook profile
- You can choose to match with friends-of-friends, but not your own Facebook friends
- All chats are encrypted end-to-end for privacy
- You can report and block anyone at any time
- Activity is never shared to your normal Facebook timeline
Facebook Dating leverages your existing Facebook data like interests, events and groups to recommend the most compatible potential matches in your local area. But your dating activities are kept private from your friends and family on Facebook.
Is Facebook Dating safe?
Safety is a key concern when using any dating app. Here are some of the ways Facebook Dating keeps users safe:
- Strict age limits – you must be 18+ to sign up
- Profile verification – Facebook can digitally match your dating profile photo to your existing Facebook photos to confirm it’s really you
- Reporting tools – easily flag inappropriate or abusive profiles or messages
- Blocking – instantly block any user from viewing your profile or messaging you again
- Photo sharing controls – your photos are locked, users must send a request to view them
- Encryption – end-to-end encryption protects your messages and data
- Community standards – stringent content policies prohibit any nudity, harassment, etc.
The official Facebook Dating app integrates seamlessly with existing Facebook safety tools. Fake dating apps lack these protections – another red flag indicating they should be avoided.
What are the pros of Facebook Dating?
There are several advantages to using the official Facebook Dating app:
- Trust in the Facebook brand – it’s a reputable, mainstream company
- Free service with no hidden charges
- Massive user base of potential matches
- Algo-based matches leveraging your Facebook data
- Better security and moderation than lesser known apps
- End-to-end encrypted messaging
- Easy reporting and blocking of unwanted matches
- Seamlessly integrated into the main Facebook app
The biggest pros are having access to Facebook’s extensive user data to enhance matchmaking, and leveraging the social network’s security resources and content moderation tools. These advantages can provide more trust and peace of mind when using the service.
Pros summary:
- Trust in the Facebook brand
- Completely free service
- Huge potential match pool
- Powerful matching algorithms
- Enhanced safety and security features
- Easy integration and convenience
What are the cons of Facebook Dating?
There are also a few potential drawbacks to be aware of with Facebook Dating:
- Privacy concerns – Facebook’s track record with user data isn’t perfect
- Potentially seeing unwanted friends/connections
- Very limited filtering options compared to paid apps
- Buggy or incomplete app experience
- Limited profile options
- Harder to stand out in a huge match pool
- No desktop access – mobile app only
While Facebook Dating provides a solid free option, you may miss out on some more advanced filtering and discovery features offered by paid dating apps and sites. And some users may not be comfortable mixing their dating life with Facebook.
Cons summary:
- Privacy concerns given Facebook’s history
- Chance of unwanted social overlaps
- Limited filtering and customization
- Potentially buggy app experience
- No access on desktop
Verdict – is Facebook Dating worth trying?
Facebook Dating has its pros and cons. For many singles, the massive user base and free access make it worth trying out. The safety features can provide peace of mind for women and members of marginalized communities in particular. But users looking for niche options or custom preferences may prefer a paid app.
Ultimately, Facebook Dating is worth trying for yourself to see if you enjoy the experience compared to other dating apps you’ve used. Just be sure to only use the official Dating feature integrated directly within the real Facebook app. Avoid any similarly named third-party apps which are likely fraudulent.
Tips for getting started with Facebook Dating
Here are some quick tips to maximize your success if trying out Facebook Dating:
- Choose your best, most flattering photos to showcase your personality
- Write a detailed bio highlighting your interests, hobbies and what you’re looking for
- Be selective with your Likes, only match with profiles that impress you
- Message matches thoughtfully, personalized openers get better response rates
- Stay safe sharing contact info and meeting matches in public places
- Consider using unique date ideas tailored to your match’s interests
- Stay patient, finding a high quality match can take some time
Putting some care into setting up your profile, being thoughtful engaging with matches, and staying safe when meeting in real life will help lead to dating success on Facebook.
Conclusion
Facebook Dating provides a potentially rewarding free dating option thanks to its vast user base, algorithmic matching, and integration with Facebook’s safety tools. But users need to be certain to only use the official in-app Dating feature to avoid fake dating apps. While it has some limitations, Facebook Dating is worth trying for many singles. Just set up an engaging profile, stay safe when meeting matches, and you may just find a meaningful connection.