Social network giant Facebook has launched its dating feature in the UK and Europe, Tinder’s close competitor in the regions.
After a long delay, Facebook finally launched its dating service in the United Kingdom and Europe, which was initially planned to debut on Valentine’s Day.
“Facebook Dating is a dedicated, opt-in space within the Facebook app, and you can create a Facebook Dating profile in just a few taps.” It added, “Facebook Dating makes it easier to share your true self and gives you a more authentic look at who someone is.”
Facebook
Just like Facebook, Facebook Dating has features like Stories, Events, and Groups. What sets it apart is its Secret Crush feature, which lets users choose up to 9 mutual Facebook friends or Instagram followers they’re interested in.
Facebook Dating also boasts that their secret crush feature allows users to find potential relationships in their existing connections, unlike other dating apps.
“If your crush adds you to their Secret Crush list too, it’s a match! If your crush isn’t on Dating, doesn’t create a Secret Crush list, or doesn’t put you on their list — then your crush will not know that you’ve entered their name.”
Facebook
Additionally, Facebook Dating uses the users’ existing Facebook profile without creating a new one for the Dating service. It also uses the users’ preferences and Facebook activity, as well as groups and events the users participate in.
Aside from the Facebook-like features and the bonus Secret Crush, Facebook Dating is completely free. It’s unlike its competitors, such as Tinder and Bumble, which have premium offerings.
Moreover, Facebook said that they’d be launching a new feature for Facebook Dating, which will allow users to go on a video chat with their matches.
Facebook Dating also doesn’t suggest existing connections, like Facebook friends, as potential matches. It also doesn’t let your Facebook friends know that you’ve joined Facebook Dating. It also offers various privacy features, like optional matching filters.
Facebook sent its word out in May 2018 about its dating service at its F8 developer conference. The dating app was launched more than a year ago in the United States and was eventually offered in other countries. The service can now be used in over 50 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines.
According to reports, Facebook Dating’s launch in the United States decreased the shares of Match, Tinder’s parent company, by 4.5%. Finally, its dating service has already made 1.5 billion matches across regions since its launch in 2019, according to Facebook.
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