Facebook Dating was a feature introduced by Facebook in 2019 that allowed users to match with potential romantic partners among their friends of friends. However, in September 2022, Facebook announced they would be shutting down Facebook Dating by the end of October 2022.
When will Facebook Dating shut down?
Facebook announced that Facebook Dating would no longer be available starting September 5, 2022. Existing connections made through Facebook Dating can still converse until October 31, 2022, when the feature will be fully retired.
Why is Facebook shutting down Facebook Dating?
Facebook cited a few reasons for their decision to discontinue Facebook Dating:
- Focusing resources on creating other meaningful ways for people to connect on Facebook
- Streamlining their overall Facebook experience
- Refocusing development resources into their Tinder competitor product, Spark
Essentially, Facebook wants to prioritize other social features over dating and sees greater potential in developing their Spark dating app than continuing to support Facebook Dating.
What will happen to my Facebook Dating account?
Here is what will happen step-by-step as Facebook winds down Facebook Dating:
- As of September 5, 2022, users cannot create new Facebook Dating profiles or connect with new people through the feature.
- Users who already have an active Facebook Dating profile can continue communicating with existing connections until October 31, 2022.
- On October 31, 2022, the ability to message connections made through Facebook Dating will end.
- All Facebook Dating profiles and conversations will be permanently deleted after October 31, 2022.
So any matches or conversations you’ve had through Facebook Dating should be considered expired after October 31, 2022 unless you make plans to connect outside of the Facebook Dating feature.
Will my Facebook Dating data be deleted?
Yes, all data associated with Facebook Dating, including your Facebook Dating profile, connections, and conversations, will be permanently removed after October 31, 2022.
Can I download my Facebook Dating data?
There does not appear to be an option to download your Facebook Dating profile data. However, you can screenshot conversations you want to save before October 31, 2022 when everything will be erased.
What about Facebook Dating payments and subscriptions?
If you signed up for any paid add-ons or subscriptions through Facebook Dating, such as Boosts or Super Likes, you will no longer be charged after September 5, 2022. Any residual paid account balance will be reimbursed to your original payment method.
Are there alternatives to Facebook Dating?
Yes, there are many alternative dating apps and sites beyond Facebook Dating. Here are some popular options:
| Dating App/Site | Details |
|---|---|
| Tinder | Swipe-based dating app where you match with others nearby. Very popular. |
| OkCupid | Matchmaking site with quizzes and algorithms to find compatible partners. |
| Hinge | “The dating app designed to be deleted” with profiles focused on personality. |
| Bumble | Women-led dating app where women make the first move on matches. |
| Match | Long-running serious dating site known for detailed profiles. |
| eHarmony | Uses a compatibility quiz to match members with similar traits and interests. |
There are also many niche and specialty dating apps focusing on criteria such as common interests, backgrounds, religions, locations, age ranges, and more.
Tinder
Tinder is one of the most widely used and popular dating apps with millions of daily users. Features of Tinder include:
- Browse and swipe (left to reject, right to match) potential partners nearby based on photos and a short bio
- Chat in the app with any mutual matches
- Matches expire after 24 hours if no message is sent
- Upgrade to Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold for added features like unlimited likes
Tinder uses your location to show you matches nearby for quick, convenient dating opportunities. It pioneered the “swipe” matching system to browse profiles quickly based only on initial attraction and mutual interest.
OkCupid
OkCupid takes a more in-depth approach to dating by having users fill out questionnaires and take quizzes that are designed to increase compatibility between matches. Features include:
- Building out a robust dating profile with photos, essays, personality traits, and interests
- Answering OkCupid’s matching questions to identify shared priorities and view percentage match ratings
- Browsing and searching profiles using filters like location and age
- Sending messages to connections for free (no limits)
- OkCupid Prime subscription unlocks added profile features
OkCupid is great for those looking for substance over just initial physical attraction. The compatibility matching focuses more on finding shared outlooks and relationship goals compared to Tinder’s emphasis on proximity.
Hinge
Hinge’s tagline promises its app is “designed to be deleted” once you find a relationship. Features include:
- Profiles showcase personality quirks and stories over just photos
- Users like and comment on specific profile prompts and photos
- Conversations can only start from profile likes and comments
- Free version has limited daily likes; Preferred membership offers unlimited likes
Hinge profiles and matching process encourages deeper, conversation-based connections. This results in fewer matches overall, but they tend to be higher quality.
Bumble
Bumble is unique from other dating apps in that women are required to make the first move on any matches with men. Features include:
- After matching, women have 24 hours to message men first before the connection expires
- For same-sex connections, either person can message first
- Photo verification and badging help reduce catfishing
- Paid Boosts promote your profile temporarily to get more matches
Bumble empowers women in dating by having them initiate conversations after matching, rather than waiting on men. This helps reduce unwanted messages for women.
Match
Match is a popular dating site focused on serious relationships for professional singles looking for something substantial. Features include:
- In-depth dating profiles with essays, personality traits, lifestyle habits, and more
- Browse matches recommended based on algorithmic compatibility
- Send pre-written “Winks” to break the ice before direct messaging
- Read in-depth dating advice articles from Match experts
- Limited free version; subscriptions unlock full communication features
Match attracts relationship-minded singles who want more detail than a swipe app provides. The algorithms work to recommend the most compatible potential partners.
eHarmony
eHarmony is another serious dating site that utilizes a detailed questionnaire to assess compatibility. Features include:
- Personality assessment matches members based on core traits and values
- Guide Communication feature suggests conversation topics to break the ice
- Video date option to pre-screen matches before meeting offline
- Heavily moderated messages to limit spam and inappropriate content
eHarmony is geared for singles interested in marriage and uses scientific matchmaking principles to recommend compatible matches.
Conclusion
While the shutdown of Facebook Dating this October marks the end of an era, there are still numerous alternative dating options. Tinder, OkCupid, Hinge, Bumble, Match, eHarmony and countless others remain popular choices. Take the time to explore different apps and sites that fit your dating preferences.
Focus your energy on the platforms offering features that work for your goals and relationship style. With the variety of dating services available now, you’re sure to find promising new connections even with Facebook Dating soon retiring.