It can sometimes feel like there’s a dating site, platform, or app for everyone. In fact, the plethora of different options leaves many singles feeling overwhelmed, convinced that their perfect match is swiping away on a different platform but unable to create profiles for them all.
Facebook Dating is a relatively new venture that aims to simplify the process of online dating for countless single people – by using an app and format that they are already familiar with.
Facebook Dating is a branch of the standard app, that reassures users it won’t inform their friends that they are actively seeking dates, but instead creates a profile that is only visible to other singles using the app to find a match.
Let’s take a closer look at how it works and how to build your profile.
How to Get Started on Facebook Dating
The beauty of Facebook Dating is that it connects to your existing Facebook account, importing all the relevant information your profile needs while giving you plenty of control over your privacy and which pieces of information are shared.
Because of this, creating a profile is effortless and can be completed very quickly – following these simple steps:
- Navigate to your Facebook app (Dating only works in the app – not the web version of the platform) and select the Menu button in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
- From the blocks of menus available, tap ‘Dating’ with the heart icon.
- Tap ‘Get Started’ and follow the various prompts to set up your profile.
Facebook Dating will invite you to:
- select the photo that you want to appear,
- set your location,
- set dating parameters for finding a local match.
Once you’ve filled in and approved the basic information, you can import more images from Instagram and add more details to help personalise and tailor your profile.
Remember: the more information you give, the higher your chance of finding the perfect match.
Who Sees Your Facebook Dating Profile?
Meta, which owns Facebook, is committed to securing the privacy of its users.
- Dating profiles are only recommended and shown to other users who have a Facebook Dating profile.
- Both parties must show an interest in each other before any messages can be exchanged.
- Users must be 18 or over to use Facebook Dating, with Facebook requesting age approval in the form of a video or official ID check.
- Users will see one recommendation at a time.
How to Interact on Facebook Dating
Because Facebook Dating is so intrinsically linked with the regular platform, you do not need to download any new apps or access any new websites. Rather, Facebook Dating is just another branch of the standard Facebook app.
Once you tap to view your profile on Facebook Dating, you will be shown recommendations. The actions you can take in relation to these recommendations are:
- Tap the heart to let the user know you like them (if you both do this, then you can start chatting).
- Tap the ‘X’ icon to pass on the potential match.
- View all matches via the tab at the top of the page.
- Select the ‘Answer a Question’ button at any time to fine-tune your profile and help Facebook to find you even better matches.
- Add Instagram posts to your profile via the option at the bottom of the page.
- Add existing Facebook friends to a ‘secret crush’ list on the Dating page. They will never be notified of this, unless they create their own Dating profile and add you to their own secret crush list.
- Set criteria for your matches by tapping the settings ‘gear’ button and selecting ‘Ideal Match’.
Tip: The more information you provide, the better the chance of a match.
Is Facebook Dating the Right App for You?
If you’re a single individual and are open to dating apps and online dating, then Facebook Dating is a tool that matches you with likeminded people using a platform and format you are already familiar with.
It’s easy to use, and it protects your dating activity from your main Facebook profile – so friends never need to know you’re on there.
In conclusion: if you love both social media and online dating, this is certainly a good option for you.
Happy swiping!
