If you’re looking for love, you might be ready to let Cupid work his magic or, in the case of online dating, give OkCupid a whirl.
But is OkCupid actually worth it? Let’s find out. We discuss everything you need to know about using this dating site. We cover advantages, disadvantages, and reviews, and we even compare it to other dating apps out there. Follow along to find out if this dating platform is right for you.
OkCupid is a dating website and app for singles looking to find love. It uses an advanced algorithm to match compatible singles based on their answers to multiple-choice questions. The site claims it is the only dating site with thousands of questions to help make viable matches.
Four Harvard friends set out to create the first free dating website, OkCupid. The dating site launched in 2004, making it one of the original sites to hit the scene. In 2011, OkCupid became one of the first major dating sites to offer an app, making it easier for singles to make connections on the go. OkCupid continues to improve and advance, leading the way, as it was the first site to offer 22 gender and 13 orientation options in 2013.
OkCupid’s target audience is people looking to make meaningful connections with like-minded people.
According to studies, OkCupid users range from 18 to 65+, with nearly 50% of users between ages 25 and 35. As for gender, 58% of the users identify as men, and 48% identify as women.
As a user, you select answers to questions that help define your dating criteria and deal breakers. There are thousands of questions to choose from, allowing you to showcase your preferences, interests, and personality.
The app’s algorithm then makes matches based on your answers and level of compatibility. You can swipe through your matches and browse the site using the filter options.
When you decide you’re interested in someone, you can like their profile and send them an introductory message. If they return your like, then you can start a conversation, but if they don’t like you back, then you have to move on.
It’s fairly easy to sign up for OkCupid. Simply navigate to the site, enter your orientation and gender, and then fill in a few more details, such as your age, location, and email address. From here, you can start creating your profile and answering a few initial questions.
When creating your profile, you’ll add a photo of yourself and some basic information about yourself in the “about me” section. Then, as you answer questions, the matching algorithm learns more about your dating criteria and preferences, which helps it generate compatible singles for you.
OkCupid’s matching algorithm creates matches based on the answers you and other users provide. It gives you a special Match % to show how well you align with specific users. The higher the score, the more compatible you are with that match!
OkCupid offers several ways for users to interact with one another. You can like their profile, comment on their profile, or send them an introductory message. If you mutually like each other’s profiles, then you can start a text conversation.
OkCupid had three pricing tiers: free, basic, and premium. The basic version costs $29.99/month, while the premium version is $39.99/month. If you sign up for several months at a time, you receive a discounted rate.
The free version lets you send an introductory message and have a conversation if you mutually match. However, there are limits on the number of likes you can send, and you can’t set dealbreakers, which help filter your search results.
The basic subscription is the next tier. It unlocks more features, like unlimited likes and the ability to set dealbreakers. You can also get to enjoy no ads and unlimited rewinds, which let you swipe back through profiles.
The premium subscription offers an even more robust experience, with Superlike features, unlimited activity reports, and the ability to see everyone who has liked you without having to like them back first.
OkCupid also offers features you can pay for individually. For example, you can purchase the Boost feature, which increases your profile’s visibility for a certain amount of time, getting more eyes on your content. You can also pay for extra Superlikes and a set number of read receipts to see who has opened your messages.
Let’s explore some of the key elements of OkCupid, including its in-depth questions, DoubleTake feature, Incognito Mode, and search filters.
OkCupid’s questionnaires are what set this dating site apart from others. This dating site prides itself on asking questions that help showcase users’ preferences, personalities, and goals. These questions are designed to get to know you better so that the algorithm can pinpoint other users who share your interests and values.
DoubleTake is a feature designed to help users slow down when swiping through profiles. It allows you to include multiple photos and more descriptive details about yourself to help your personality and individuality shine through. You can add icons to your profile, additional questions, and up to four photos to provide a more in-depth and accurate portrayal of yourself.
Incognito Mode is a paid-subscription feature that permits you to browse profiles on the site without being seen by others. This lets you anonymously see who has liked you without revealing your identity until you decide to connect. This comes in handy if you’re not ready to connect or want to save profiles to review later.
OkCupid offers search filters to help you narrow down your choices based on your preferences. For example, you can search by location or ethnicity, but you can also search for shared interests and passions, like hiking or reading. You can even search for people that care about the same questions as you, like one about politics or religion.
Next, let’s see what users are saying about their experiences with OkCupid.
OkCupid has earned 4.3 stars out of 269K reviews on the App Store. Many reviews mention that the platform has gone downhill in recent years, complaining about changes and limitations with the free version. Though some reviews were unhappy about technical glitches and fake accounts on the app, other reviews raved about the app’s attention to detail and its ability to find quality matches.
On the Google Play Store, OkCupid has 3.4 stars out of 609K reviews. Some of the most recent reviews mentioned discontent with glitches that interfere with the experience. For example, the app will show profiles you’ve already passed on or suggest people from other countries outside your location preferences. Many reviews also mentioned how the platform isn’t as good as it used to be a few years ago.
Trustpilot has given OkCupid 1.3 stars. In fact, out of 633 reviews, 84% of them were one-star reviews. Some of the top complaints discussed technical glitches that delete matches, fake profiles, and poor matching algorithms. As for the few positive reviews, some discussed content with the free version, while others mentioned meeting their spouses on the app.
The Reddit opinions echoed some of the reviews we saw on other sites. Many Reddit users mentioned issues with scammers and discontent with pricing. They also discussed how the platform is not as good as it once was. That said, many users agreed that if you put in the effort, create a quality profile, and spend time browsing profiles, you can meet viable matches.
Yes, OkCupid is a legit dating site. However, like using any kind of dating site, it’s important to educate yourself about their security measures and privacy policies that can help keep you safe.
OkCupid provides several safety and security measures to help protect its users. For instance, it has profile verification features to confirm user identities, and it encourages users to use the reporting and blocking features if they have negative interactions. The platform also enforces a zero harassment policy and will ban users for poor behavior.
OkCupid says it collects certain information from its users, such as contact information, gender, photos, and sexual orientation, for business purposes. It claims it only shares this information with its affiliates and third parties in compliance with the law.
While we couldn’t find stats for the number of connections that have led to marriage or long-term relationships, the dating site is responsible for 91 million connections every year, according to OkCupid. The dating site also says it generates 50K dates every week.
How does OkCupid compare to other dating apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge?
Tinder is famous for its swipe-based matching that lets users quickly swipe left or right on profiles with a quick glance. In contrast, OkCupid uses in-depth questions and match percentages to encourage users to take a slower, more mindful approach to online dating.
Bumble has several features that set it apart from OkCupid in that it requires the woman to make the first move in heterosexual pairings. Bumble matches also expire within 24 hours, creating a sense of urgency. In comparison, OkCupid is a bit more laidback with fewer parameters, inviting users to browse and match at their own pace.
OkCupid and Hinge are similar in that they both encourage users to create detailed, informative profiles. This helps users learn more about others, instead of just relying on their photos. That said, OkCupid still takes the cake for pairing compatible matches based on their in-depth questionnaire.
Now, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of using this dating platform.
OkCupid is celebrated for its attention to detail. Because it provides so many questions, it gives users the opportunity to showcase their interests and personality and explore matches that actually align with their goals and preferences. It also has a robust search feature, which lets users browse profiles based on specific criteria.
The biggest disadvantages of OkCupid are its pricing model and technical glitches. Many users are dissatisfied with the limited free version and the costly add-ons for features that some believe should be standard. As for the technical issues, there are complaints about the platform showing repeat matches, deleting messages and matches, and providing matches outside the users’ proximity.
It depends. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort to answer lots of questions, build a detailed profile, and browse around, then you may find that OkCupid is worth it. However, if you’re unwilling to pay for the subscription, you may be disappointed with the app’s functionality and limitations.
While OkCupid is great for users of all ages, it’s most viable for users in that 24 to 35 age range. It’s also a good choice for singles who enjoy answering questions about themselves and reading answers from other users.
While anyone and everyone is welcome to use OkCupid, this dating site is designed for those who are willing to answer a bunch of questions to help the algorithm learn about them. If you don’t have the time or interest in filling out questionnaires, this platform might not be the best solution for you.
Whether you’re tired of swiping on the dating apps or sick of sifting through incompatible matches, it might be time to turn to Tawkify.
We are a team of professional matchmakers that takes a personal approach to matchmaking. We intently listen to your dating goals and preferences and hand-select matches that actually align with your dating criteria. We screen candidates and only introduce you to those who are most compatible with you. What’s more, we work with relationship-ready singles who are serious about finding love. With our matchmakers on your side, you’re one step closer to finding the love of your life.
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