Ever since Tinder entered the online dating scene, replacing desktop browsing with its game-like swiping, people have been eager to check it out. In fact, online daters have tripled since 2013, because dating apps like Tinder became a thing.
Now, it seems other dating apps are looking for the next big game-changer in order to compete and tap into Tinder’s market share. Video features have become the Mecca.
I admit, I kind of rolled my eyes when I read this. I thought back to the old online dating sites, or even those awful video dating services, where awkward men and women got dressed up for the camera and tried to describe themselves without thinking it was weird. So uncomfortable to watch. Seriously. And besides, other apps have tried video over the years. Remember At First Sight? I didn’t think so.
Remember this guy?
But those old dating video days are gone.
Now, we have social media – Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook Live – and we all post video content. It’s become an art, really. We have become more comfortable being in front of the camera, curating our lives for social media. We are our own reality shows, in a way. But I digress.
Dating apps have taken this trendy idea of using video and are adding it to their technology. Even older sites (or sites for older people, as it were) – like Match.com.
Match was the first to announce its new video feature, Match Stories, which allow users to post a 60-second video as part of their profile. But instead of just talking to the camera, the app’s functionality allows people to incorporate photos and video to craft something more creative (and less stiff). It’s a great idea, though I’m still picturing older users doing the whole “dating video” interview thing. Let’s hope not.
Other dating services like Hinge and Bumble are following suit, offering their own video features.
Hinge’s app allows daters to utilize archived video to show potential matches to get a better idea of who they are. Bumble’s is a little more intense – users can post instant video or something that was recorded in the last 24 hours that disappears. It can be posted to your profile or sent to specific matches.
“Hearing someone talk about their photo is far better than just seeing the photo,” Match CEO Mandy Ginsberg told Mashable. “Seeing a video and hearing their voice is, I think, the holy grail in terms of figuring out your attraction.”
I agree. And if people aren’t calling each other to chat before a first date, this might be a good way to get a glimpse of who you’re meeting. The main goal in the end is to get to the actual date, where you can see the person face to face. There’s not really a better way to see if there’s chemistry. But video comes close.
So if you haven’t downloaded one of these apps and are still only swiping on Tinder, you might want to get with the program. You never know!
What do you think of using video in dating apps? Would video help you get a better picture of your matches? Would it turn you off?
XO,
Kelly
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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