See how Facebook’s dating feature works, who can use it, and how to create your profile safely.

Meeting someone interesting isn’t always easy, especially when your routine is hectic and the usual places no longer bring anything new.

That’s why more and more people are turning to a dating app to expand their social circle and find people who share the same interests.

What few people know is that Facebook itself has a space dedicated to this, free and separate from the profile your friends know.

Want to understand how Facebook Dating works and how to take your first steps there? Keep reading and find out everything!

What Facebook Dating is and why it stands out among dating apps

Facebook Dating is a dating feature that works inside the Facebook app, with no need to download another app on your phone.

It lets you create a profile just for dating, with photos, interests, and preferences, completely separate from your main account.

The idea is to bring people together based on real affinities, such as shared interests, groups, and events, and not just appearance.

Another advantage is convenience, since millions of people use Facebook every day and already know their way around the platform.

Who can use Facebook Dating

The feature is available in several countries for those who meet certain conditions set by Meta.

Check out the main requirements:

• Be 18 years of age or older;
• Have a Facebook account created at least 30 days ago;
• Keep your account in good standing, without violating the platform’s rules;
• Live in a country where Dating is available.

Keep in mind that Facebook Dating only works in the app for Android and iPhone. The feature doesn’t appear on a computer.

If the option doesn’t show up in the menu, updating the app and allowing location access usually solves the problem in most cases.

Main Facebook Dating features

Facebook Dating brings together tools designed to make connections more natural and comfortable from the very first contact.

Below, learn about the features that stand out most for beginners.

Separate profile and privacy from your friends

When you turn on Dating, only your first name and age are pulled from your main profile. You choose and edit the rest however you like.

Your Facebook friends can’t see your dating profile, and nothing you do there appears in your Feed.

In addition, the platform doesn’t suggest your current friends as potential matches, which avoids awkward situations.

This separation gives you more freedom to express yourself, without feeling like you’re being watched by coworkers or family members.

Crush and the Liked You tab

The Crush feature lets you signal interest in people you already know on Facebook or Instagram.

Under Meta’s current rules, when you add someone as a crush, that person sees your like in the Dating Liked You tab.

In other words, the interest is no longer completely secret, which calls for a bit more thought before using the feature.

Even so, it’s a lighthearted way to take the first step with someone in your circle, without having to send a direct message.

Interests, Stories, groups, and events

On your profile, you can add hobbies, questions about yourself, and preferences such as age range, distance, height, and education.

You can also share Stories, showing everyday moments and making your profile more authentic.

Groups and events you take part in help you find people with similar interests, which makes it easier to start a conversation.

The more complete your profile is, the better aligned the platform’s suggestions tend to be.

Video call dates

After a match, the two of you can talk through Dating’s own chat, which works separately from Messenger.

When you feel like getting to know each other better, just tap the video icon in the conversation to send a call invitation.

The video call only starts if the other person accepts, which keeps both of you in control.

This virtual date is a great way to build trust before planning something in person.

Artificial intelligence working in favor of your match

Meta has been investing in artificial intelligence to make the search for connections less tiring and more personalized.

These new features are gradually rolling out to users in the United States and Canada, so they may not be available to everyone yet.

Dating Assistant

The Dating Assistant works like a chat within the feature, helping you find people you have more in common with.

You can describe in your own words the type of person you’re looking for, going beyond traditional filters such as height or education.

The tool also offers tips to improve your bio and suggests ideas for a first message and even places for a date.

According to Meta, the assistant works with the information users themselves have already added to their profiles.

Meet Cute and the weekly surprise match

Meet Cute was created for people who are tired of endlessly swiping through profiles and want a more relaxed experience.

Once a week, the algorithm presents a surprise match, chosen based on your preferences.

If this new feature isn’t for you, you can turn it off at any time.

Meta has already indicated that it may adjust how often suggestions are made in the future, based on user feedback.

How much it costs to use this dating app

One of Facebook Dating’s biggest advantages is that it’s free. There’s no charge to create a profile, chat, or see who liked you.

This differs from the common model in the market, in which many apps unlock important features only for subscribers.

See the comparison:

Aspect	Facebook Dating	Common subscription app model
Cost	Free	Limited free version and paid plans
Installation	Inside the Facebook app	Separate app
See who liked you	Included	Usually requires a subscription
Sign-up	Uses basic account data	Done from scratch

Even though it’s free, it’s worth taking some time to build a good profile, because that’s what will open the door to great conversations.

Step-by-step guide to creating your Facebook Dating profile

Creating your profile takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any technical knowledge.

Before you start, have your phone in hand and follow the steps below.

1. Update the app and turn on location

Open your phone’s app store and check that Facebook is updated to the latest version.

Next, allow the app to access your location, since Dating uses this information to suggest people nearby.

Without this permission, the feature may not even appear in the menu.

Also check that your date of birth is filled in correctly on your main profile.

2. Access Dating through the menu

Tap the Facebook menu, represented by three lines or your profile picture, depending on your device.

Look for the Dating option in the list of shortcuts. If it isn’t visible, tap See more.

Another option is to type Facebook Dating in the app’s search bar.

When the page opens, tap Get Started to begin signing up.

3. Confirm your details and choose your preferences

The app shows your first name and age, pulled from your main account.

Then, set who you want to meet, the age range, and the maximum distance for suggestions.

If a criterion is very important to you, mark it as a strong preference to refine the results.

Everything can be changed later, so you don’t need to get it right the first time.

4. Build your profile with photos and interests

Choose recent, sharp photos in which your face is clearly visible.

Fill in information such as your profession, city, and hobbies, and answer a few profile questions.

If you like, add Stories to show a bit more of your routine.

Review everything before publishing to make sure your profile truly represents you.

5. Explore suggestions and start chatting

In the suggestions tab, browse profiles and like or comment on the ones that catch your interest.

When the like is mutual, it’s a match and the chat is unlocked.

Start with something light, related to a detail on the person’s profile.

It’s also worth checking the Liked You tab so you don’t miss any connection.

Tips to make your profile more attractive

A well-kept profile conveys trust and increases your chances of interesting conversations. A few good practices make a difference:

• Use a variety of photos, both face and full-body shots;
• Write a short and authentic bio;
• Show real hobbies and interests;
• Make clear what you’re looking for;
• Update your profile from time to time.

Avoid using a group photo as your main picture, since it makes it hard to tell who you are.

In your bio, simple and lighthearted phrases usually work better than long texts.

Remember that honesty attracts compatible people, while exaggerations tend to lead to frustration.

Safety on Facebook Dating and precautions before the first date

Meta has included protection tools in Dating, such as the option to block and report any profile at any time.

Before a date, you can share the details and your real-time location with someone you trust through Messenger.

Even so, watch out for common warning signs of romance scams:

• Requests for money, gifts, or financial help;
• A rush to take the conversation off the platform;
• Constant refusal to make a video call;
• Inconsistent stories or exaggerated promises.

On your first in-person date, choose busy public places and let a friend know where you’ll be.

Pros and cons of Facebook Dating

Like any dating app, Facebook Dating has strengths and some aspects that deserve attention.

Check out a summary:

Pros	Cons
Free to use	Requires a Facebook account over 30 days old
No need to download another app	Doesn’t work on a computer
Profile invisible to friends	New features roll out gradually
Built-in safety tools	Crush is no longer completely secret
Interest-based suggestions	Depends on a well-completed profile

For those who already use Facebook frequently, convenience usually weighs heavily in the decision.

Those who don’t have an account or created one recently, however, will need to wait a little before accessing the feature.

Conclusion

Facebook Dating shows that it’s possible to meet new people in a simple and free way, without leaving an app you already use.

With a separate profile, artificial intelligence features, and safety tools, it’s an interesting option to expand your circle.

Just meet the requirements, put some care into your profile, and follow basic precautions to enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

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