WASHINGTON – Facebook has officially launched its dating service, FacebookDating.
Facebook Dating will have a separate space on Facebook and will suggestmatches based on preferences and interests. Users won’t be shown theirFacebook friends or people they’ve blocked on the core service.
Users can only set up their profiles for now, but they’ll be able to matchwith other people within the next few months.
“More than 200 million people have listed themselves as single in theirrelationship status on Facebook,” Facebook Dating’s product manager NathanSharp said in a statement. “We view this as an incredible opportunity tocontinue helping people build relationships in meaningful ways on Facebook.”
Facebook first announced its plan to dip into the dating pool in May. Butthe social media giant is not trying to compete with Tinder and Grindr,which are known for people seeking casual encounters.
How to use Facebook Dating?
To sign up, Facebook Dating users have to answer 20 compatibility questionslike, “What does your perfect day look like?” and “What song always makesyou sing along? How loud?”
Matches, limited to 100 suggested per day, are based on your compatibilityanswers as well as your likes and interests on Facebook.
There’s no swiping involved, either — one user has to respond to theirmatch’s message to initiate conversation. Meanwhile, you won’t see usersyou’ve blocked as your Facebook friend.
The service is only available on mobile apps and your dating profile isseparate from your regular Facebook page.
Facebook has yet to announce a launch date for other regions.