Facebook has unveiled its dating service in the US as it also gives people the ability to integrate their Instagram posts directly into their Facebook Dating profile. This will give people the ability to add Instagram followers to their Secret Crush lists, in addition to Facebook friends.
By the end of the year, it will be possible to add Facebook and Instagram Stories to your Dating profile too, the social media giant announced Thursday.
“Facebook Dating makes it easier to find love through what you like — helping you start meaningful relationships through things you have in common, like interests, events and groups. It takes the work out of creating a dating profile and gives you a more authentic look at who someone is,” Nathan Sharp, Product Manager, Facebook Dating said in a blog.
“Finding a romantic partner is deeply personal, which is why we built Dating to be safe, inclusive and opt-in. Safety, security and privacy are at the forefront of this product. We worked with experts in these areas to build protections into Facebook Dating from the start, including the ability to report and block anyone; prohibiting people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages; and by providing easy access to safety tips. These features and others give you more control and peace of mind,” he added.
How Facebook Dating Works
One can now choose to opt into Facebook Dating and create a Dating profile (separate from your main profile) if you’re 18 years or older and have downloaded the most recent version of Facebook. You will be suggested to others who have also opted in. People are suggested based on your preferences, interests and other things you do on Facebook.
Sharp said Facebook Dating isn’t about swiping or having to wait for someone to like you to get a first chance at reaching out. If you are interested in someone, you can comment directly on their profile or tap on the Like button to let them know. If you aren’t interested, you can pass on them.
Facebook Dating also allows you to match with friends of friends and/or people not in your friend circle. Facebook Dating won’t match you with friends, unless you choose to use Secret Crush and you both add each other to your list.
No sharing of dating activity to the Facebook
All of your Dating activity will stay in Facebook Dating. It won’t be shared to the rest of Facebook, he assured.
Key Features include being able to connect and share with Facebook and Instagram stories, Secret Crush allowing one to match with people he/she already know on Facebook and/or Instagram and being able to add one’s Instagram posts to his/her profile in Facebook Dating.
In addition to the US, Facebook Dating is currently available in 19 other countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Laos, Malaysia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay, and Vietnam. It will be in Europe by early 2020.
