7 Facebook Dating Apps You Can't Ignore (2023 Edition)

Imagine this: you're casually browsing through your Facebook feed, and suddenly you see a post from a friend who found their soulmate through an app linked to their Facebook profile. It's a lovely story about digital love blooming in the heart of a social media network. It's hard not to wonder, could this be the new norm?

Yes, indeed. Facebook dating apps are the new hot spots for singles seeking connections. They bring the promise of introducing you to like-minded people, tapping into the social aspects of Facebook, and leveraging the powerful insights gathered from your social media activities. This might sound a bit like Big Brother, but trust me, it's more cupid than creepy when used right.

In this comprehensive guide, I will take you on a journey to explore the top 7 Facebook dating apps in 2023 that are revolutionizing the world of online dating. You'll discover their features, pros and cons, and receive advice on using them effectively to increase your chances of finding that special someone. Buckle up, because the world of Facebook dating apps is more fascinating than you might think!

1. Facebook Dating: Meeting Love on Social Media's Mainstage

Let's start with the built-in feature of Facebook itself - Facebook Dating. Launched in 2019, this service is now available in various countries and is making waves in the online dating world. It serves as the perfect starting point for those new to the world of Facebook dating apps.

The most significant advantage of Facebook Dating is its integration with the social media platform itself. It utilizes the information already available on your Facebook profile to match you with potential partners, such as your likes, dislikes, events attended, and groups joined. However, rest assured that your dating activities will not be broadcasted on your main Facebook feed, providing you with the necessary privacy.

Another noteworthy feature of Facebook Dating is 'Secret Crush.' This allows you to select up to nine of your Facebook friends or Instagram followers who you're interested in. If they're using Facebook Dating and add you to their 'Secret Crush' list too, it's a match! This adds an exciting twist to the online dating game and increases the possibilities of finding love within your existing network.

However, like any other dating platform, Facebook Dating is not without its downsides. Some users have reported the lack of an advanced search feature as a drawback. The matches are solely based on the algorithm's understanding of your preferences, which can sometimes miss the mark. But given that it's a free feature of Facebook, it's certainly worth a try.

To wrap it up, Facebook Dating offers a seamless and integrative approach to online dating. It uses the vast amount of data available on Facebook to offer you potential matches and cleverly incorporates the 'Secret Crush' feature to add a dash of fun to your dating experience. So, if you're already a Facebook user, why not give it a go? You never know where love might find you.

2. Hinge: The App Designed to be Deleted

With a tagline as bold as "The App Designed to be Deleted," Hinge sure catches your attention right off the bat. Owned by the same company that owns Tinder, Hinge promises a completely different approach to online dating. Let's dive into why this app has been making quite a splash on Facebook and beyond.

Hinge's main selling point is its focus on helping users find serious relationships. Unlike Tinder, which has a reputation for fostering casual encounters, Hinge encourages users to look beyond superficial swiping. It does this by focusing on detailed profiles and creating meaningful conversations from the get-go.

How does it achieve this? When you sign up with Hinge via Facebook, the app pulls in your photos and some basic information. Then it asks you to choose three questions from a list of prompts to answer. These answers are displayed on your profile, providing potential matches with more insight into your personality and interests. This feature, combined with an algorithm that prioritizes quality over quantity, ensures that you are more likely to get matches who are genuinely interested in you.

However, nothing is perfect, and neither is Hinge. One of the most common complaints about Hinge is that it can be somewhat time-consuming. You need to put more thought into your profile and responses to other users' prompts. While this results in a higher quality of interactions, it might be overwhelming for those who prefer a simpler, swipe-and-go approach to online dating.

Hinge is the app to consider if you're looking for a meaningful relationship and don't mind putting in a bit more effort into your online dating journey. With its innovative approach, it aims to change the online dating game and, as the tagline suggests, get itself deleted from your phone by finding you a partner!

3. Tinder: The Pioneer of Swipe-Based Dating

No discussion about dating apps, whether linked with Facebook or not, can be complete without mentioning Tinder. Launched in 2012, Tinder brought a fresh new perspective to the online dating scene and popularized the now ubiquitous 'swipe' feature. So, let's delve into why it remains a staple in the realm of Facebook dating apps.

The foremost appeal of Tinder lies in its simplicity and wide user base. The app's swipe-based mechanism makes it easy to use – swipe right if you like someone and left if you don't. If both individuals swipe right, it's a match, and they can start a conversation. This effortless process, coupled with the vast number of users, makes it easier to find potential partners.

While Tinder does not require a Facebook account for signup, linking your Facebook profile can enhance your Tinder experience. It simplifies the signup process and helps populate your profile with photos from your Facebook account. Furthermore, it can provide insights for the algorithm to suggest potential matches based on mutual interests and friends.

However, Tinder isn't for everyone. Its reputation as a 'hookup' app may deter those looking for serious relationships. Also, because of its simplistic approach and huge user base, you might have to sift through a lot of matches before finding someone compatible. It may require a good deal of patience and time investment.

if you're someone who prefers an easy-to-use app with a large user base and doesn't mind the occasional dud, Tinder could be worth considering. After all, with millions of users worldwide, your chances of finding a match are reasonably high!

4. Coffee Meets Bagel: Quality Over Quantity

For those tired of the incessant swiping often associated with online dating, Coffee Meets Bagel offers a refreshing change of pace. Launched in 2012 by three sisters with a vision to create a more female-friendly dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel's focus on quality over quantity makes it stand out in the Facebook dating app arena.

How does Coffee Meets Bagel work? Each day at noon, male users receive up to 21 'Bagels' (potential matches), from which they can 'like' or 'pass.' Then, the app sends the highest-quality matches to women who have already shown interest in them, prioritizing men who've expressed interest first. This unique model not only cuts down on unnecessary swiping but also prompts thoughtful conversations since matches are based on mutual interest.

Using Facebook to log in to Coffee Meets Bagel enables the app to access your profile information, preferences, and mutual friends, helping it suggest better matches. This Facebook connection, along with the in-depth profiles, allow users to make more informed choices and engage in meaningful interactions.

Nevertheless, the app does have its downsides. The limited number of matches per day may be too slow-paced for some, and the app's focus on long-term relationships may not be suitable for those looking for more casual encounters.

if you value quality over quantity and are in search of a serious relationship, Coffee Meets Bagel could be the Facebook dating app for you. It offers a unique approach to online dating and promotes thoughtful and meaningful connections.

5. Badoo: The Global Dating Phenomenon

Next on the list is Badoo, a dating app with a truly global footprint. With over 460 million users across 190 countries and available in 47 different languages, Badoo is an excellent option for those looking to extend their dating horizons beyond geographical boundaries.

One of Badoo's unique features is its focus on meeting people nearby. Using your current location, Badoo presents you with potential matches in your vicinity. This feature, aptly named 'Encounters,' allows you to connect with people you might have unknowingly crossed paths with in real life, adding an exciting twist to your online dating journey.

Badoo also offers a 'Lookalike' feature where you can search for individuals who resemble your favorite celebrity, your ex, or even you! This feature, albeit a little unconventional, adds a touch of fun to the platform. And, of course, linking your Badoo account to Facebook not only streamlines the signup process but also helps you find matches based on shared interests and mutual friends.

However, Badoo has faced criticism for its heavy emphasis on appearance, with most user interactions based on profile pictures. This emphasis may deter users seeking deeper connections or those who value personality traits over looks.

Badoo, with its vast global user base and unique features, can be an intriguing option for those willing to explore the international dating scene. Though its heavy emphasis on appearance might not be for everyone, its fun approach to online dating makes it a compelling Facebook dating app to consider.

6. OkCupid: The Champion of Inclusivity

OkCupid is an old player in the world of online dating, but it continues to innovate and adapt, maintaining its relevance in today's digitally-driven dating scene. Lauded for its inclusive approach to online dating, OkCupid has a lot to offer for singles seeking meaningful connections on Facebook dating apps.

OkCupid's standout feature is its exhaustive questionnaire during signup, which seeks to understand your personality, interests, and preferences in great detail. The responses to these questions help the algorithm suggest highly compatible matches. This results in better quality matches and conversations, thus enhancing your online dating experience.

One aspect where OkCupid truly shines is inclusivity. It offers 13 gender identities and 22 sexual orientations to choose from, making it a welcoming platform for people across the spectrum. Furthermore, linking your OkCupid account with Facebook helps streamline the signup process and lets you find potential matches based on shared interests and mutual friends.

However, OkCupid is not without its drawbacks. The comprehensive questionnaire, while useful, can be time-consuming. Additionally, while the app is free to use, some key features are locked behind a paywall, which may not appeal to all users.

OkCupid, with its commitment to inclusivity and deep personality insights, is an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful connections and who don't mind spending some extra time on their profile. It offers a more personal and inclusive online dating experience, making it a worthy contender among Facebook dating apps.

7. Happn: The Dating App for Serendipitous Connections

The final entrant on our list of Facebook dating apps is Happn, an app that promises to make "every day coincidences" happen. Born out of a fascination for missed connections, Happn offers a unique concept in the saturated world of online dating.

Instead of showing you an endless stream of profiles, Happn introduces you to people you've crossed paths with in real life. It uses geolocation to match users who have been in the same vicinity recently. When you cross paths with another Happn user, their profile appears on your app. If you both express interest, it's a 'Crush,' and you can start communicating.

Linking Happn to your Facebook account helps pull in profile information and streamline the signup process. Additionally, it can help suggest matches based on shared interests and mutual friends, thus enhancing the algorithm's accuracy.

However, Happn's unique model also brings its share of challenges. Since it's entirely location-based, its effectiveness depends on where you live or spend most of your time. Those in less populated areas might not find as many matches. Moreover, the concept, while exciting, might seem a little invasive to some.

if you're someone who believes in fate or love at first sight, Happn might just be the app for you. Its concept of connecting people who cross paths physically brings a refreshing change to the world of online dating, making it an interesting choice for Facebook dating apps.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking for a casual fling or a long-term relationship, there is a dating app for everyone in the Facebook ecosystem. Each app has its unique features, advantages, and challenges, so your choice would ultimately depend on your preferences and what you seek from your online dating experience.

Having navigated the world of online dating myself, I've personally witnessed the revolution that these apps have brought about. When I first started using these platforms, the landscape was quite different from what it is now. However, despite the challenges and awkward moments, it has been a rewarding experience overall. The evolution of Facebook dating apps over the years is truly fascinating, and I am excited to see where this journey will lead us next.

Whether you're a newbie or a veteran in the dating world, I hope this guide provides a comprehensive overview and helps you navigate the bustling landscape of Facebook dating apps. Remember, dating should be fun and exciting, so keep an open mind, respect your matches, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

Good luck!

Resources:

• Ansari, A. & Klinenberg, E. (2015). Modern Romance. Penguin Press.
• Carpenter, J. & McEwan, B. (2016). The Science of Relationships: Answers to Your Questions about Dating, Marriage and Family. Kendall Hunt Publishing.
• Lehmiller, J.J. (2020). Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life. Da Capo Lifelong Books.