It’s interesting how modern singles switch to dating sites in search of a soul mate. OkCupid is a renowned matchmaking platform since its inception in 2004. At least 10.5 million users have accessed it and signed up on the platform. Some have found true love, friendships, and casual hookups. Within the first three years of its launch, OkCupid earned recognition among Time Magazine’s Top 10 dating websites.
In 2012, OkCupid pioneered online dating via the mobile application. With time, most users prefer using the app over the website version. Users love the ‘Double Take’ function, which allows them to swipe right if they like a person and swipe left if they think otherwise.
Fortunately, the hookup site is regularly taking the initiative to enhance usability. As such, you might experience regular updates both on the website and app. Notably, the messaging policy is quite strict as an attempt to get rid of scammers who would sent inappropriate content. By this, there is no way for users to read messages unless you like each other.
Does OkCupid have fakes or real hot dates? Should you sign up? Do you want to know how it works and if it has controversies? Read the OkCupid review for comprehensive details.
How does it work?
Prospective users can sign up (the process is discussed below) before getting started. After registering, you must submit basic details, including your username, gender, age, location, and sexual preference. For you to increase the chances of finding a match, you should fill in the questionnaire section.
As you browse through the profiles, you can send a like to a subscriber that interests you. Before initiating a conversation, you should mutually like each other. Searching for a partner is relatively straightforward –the ‘Double Take’ function allows you to swipe left or right to find a match. Another search tool is the OkCupid’s automated matches based on your criteria.
If you find someone you would like to connect with, you can send a message (OkCupid reviews note that you can only send one message daily). However, the match might not see or read the message if they don’t like you. You can keep the drill –search for a mate, send a ‘like’, and an introductory message. It may surprise you that this may be the only way to meet your mate. Though some features are free, you might need a subscription plan to unlock the essential functions.
Registration
From the OkCupid review, signing up is simple, straightforward, and comfortable. You can sign up via Facebook, mobile app, or the website browser. To create an account, you can do the following:
- Registration details include – your username, gender, location, password, relationship status, sexual orientation, and preference.
- Your background- religion, ethnicity, education, and language.
- Who you intend to find- age, relationship status, casual hookups or long term engagement, among other features.
- Add your bio- upload pictures (if you register via Facebook or link your Instagram account, you can import photos from these accounts). You can also include other essential information that describes you best.
- Match questionnaire- if you want automated match results, you should be keen to respond to these questions. This way, you can get more matches within a short time. Note that you can skip this section.
Notably, there are at least 12 sexual orientations for users to choose from, including gay, pansexual, questioning, and demisexual. Equally, the gender section has several options for users to select from, such as male or female, transgender, intersex, and genderqueer. When uploading a photo, it must pass the OkCupid’s test. Initially, some users could sign up without uploading pictures. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case since predators and scammers would use this opportunity to prey on unsuspecting online daters.
Messaging
Connecting with your potential match is one of the main features online daters look forward to. There have been several changes concerning messaging because some users were not abiding with the regulations. Presently, subscribers have to mutually like each other before chatting via messaging. Ideally, when you send a message, the other subscriber cannot read it unless he or she likes you. Both messaging and liking are OkCupid’s free functions.
Member search
The primary search function is availed based on OkCupid’s automated match results. This section features compatible members based on your responses to the questionnaire sections. You will get several matches, and you can ignore them if they don’t fit your criteria.
Another search option is subject to a user’s preference. You can swipe through various user profiles. You could also personalize your search options by filtering your matches to specific criteria. When you find a striking member, you can click on the profile to view his or her details. Send a ‘like’ to the user to show interest.
Mobile application
Prospective users might love the mobile application because of its convenience. Its functionality is similar to the website version. All the features accessible on the browser are also present on the mobile app. All the app’s features are neatly laid out at the bottom of the homepage.
Most users love the app because of the ease of using the ‘Double Take’ feature. When you swipe left, it replicates that you are not interested while swiping right implies that you find the subscriber captivating. When you swipe right, the compatibility percentage will pop up on your screen. Should you like the member, you can send a like and a message.
The best thing about the mobile app is that you can adjust your settings to receive matches regularly. The app’s downside is with the interface –some functions take a while to load, discouraging some users. Perhaps there is a need for the technical team to ensure that the app loads smoothly and quickly.
Special features
From several OkCupid reviews, it has some features that make it exceptional. Most of these functions are value-based features –so you should upgrade to enjoy using them. They include:
- Who you like: if you like someone, but you are unsure, you can click this section to see the matches you have selected by clicking on the ‘likes’ icon. You can send a message by tapping the ‘Double Take’ mark.
- Boost: Like other transsexual dating sites, this feature allows your profile to appear in top search results. It is a pre-paid function.
- Double take: it is the primary matchmaking algorithm. When you swipe to the right or left, you can see the user’s profile that interests you.
- Blogs: when you click on this function, you access various informative blogs, including dating tips and best places to visit, among others.
- Notifications and live feed: should you want to view OkCupid’s updates, you can view this section.
- Stacks: OkCupid’s users are grouped into different categories based on location, activity, and suggestions. For instance, if you are looking for a user within a particular area, you can access this feature.
- Discovery: rather than getting regular and similar matches, you can use this function to personalize your search filter. This feature works best via the mobile app and can filter several matches, making it easier to find a partner.
- A vast user base: the platform has over 45.5 million global subscribers. Not less than one million people access the website within a day. With this fact, you can be sure to find someone to interact with.
- Comprehensive profiles: most hookup platforms’ profiles are not complete. However, this is exceptional with OkCupid’s users. During the signup process, you are required to submit as much information as possible. Users also answer to a questionnaire. With this requirement, you can be sure to spend less time finding partners.
- See who likes you: if you want to know if someone likes you, this section is a must-check.
- The registration process: within five minutes, you can start using your OkCupid’s account. You can also register via Facebook and upload photos with ease.
- Match suggestions: unlike other hookup platforms, users can get recommendations. This helps you to start hassle-free.
- Mobile application: you can access OkCupid on the website and mobile app. The app is more convenient compared to the website.
- Quizzes and games: when you are bored, you can participate in games and quizzes to enhance usability.
- A-list: in this membership, you can view other profiles and like them without revealing your identity. You can also block other users and enjoy a free-ad browsing experience.
Costs and Prices
Subscribers can access some basic features even without upgrading. However, some require a premium subscription plan as availed by the OkCupid website. There are two policy plans you can choose from; A-list basic package and A-list premium policy. If you opt for the A-list basic plan, you can purchase the plan from the following options:
- A one-month subscription at 7.95 USD
- Three months plan costing 19.05 USD
- Six months basic plan for 23.70 USD
The A-list premium policies can be selected from the following packages:
- One month plan at 24.90 USD
- Three months subscription at 68.70 USD
- Six months plan for 119.40 USD
Apart from upgrading membership through premium subscriptions, users receive reward points that can enhance usability. Usually, reward points are to aid in boosting your profile for at least 15 minutes. With those, you can view other users’ profiles comprehensively. You can also purchase the boosts by selecting either of the following plans:
One boost worth $1.99
- Five boosts for $9.45
- Ten boosts worth $16.90
OkCupid’s standard can do the following:
- Sign up and create a profile
- Send messages to other users
- Receive a notification if another user likes you
- Find matches using search filters
- Browse and view user profiles
- Access the ‘Double Take’ function
- Send several likes (limited)
- See mutual likes
Premium subscribers can access the following functionalities:
- See if another user likes you
- Receive, read, and reply to other user’s messages
- Enjoy a free-ad browsing experience
- Utilize the search feature function
- You will receive a boost on your profile
- View answers to questions
- Access messaging without limits
- Send likes without limits
Compared to dating sites, OkCupid is within average -you can be sure to get the value for your pennies. If you no longer enjoy using the platform, you should cancel the subscription plan, lest it automatically renews.
Alternatives
Should you be unsure about the OkCupid website, you can try the following –they have a similar functionality.
- eHarmony
One of OkCupid’s competitors is eHarmony, primarily because of the compatibility algorithm. Like OkCupid, it has an extensive questionnaire that aids in matchmaking. You are sure to find a match on eHarmony after signing up. When you view an eHarmony’s profile, you won’t miss realizing that they are unique and distinctive. You can register on this platform if you love detailed online daters.
- Match.com
Like OkCupid, it has a large pool of subscribers, increasing the chances of finding a partner. The platform has a strict verification process before a prospective user can completely register. What makes Match.com unique is that it has a 6-month guarantee if you don’t love its functionality. This policy allows premium members to enjoy the platform for six more months without incurring additional costs. Besides, Match.com has ‘Stir’ functionality, a feature that will enable users to meet members within your location.
- Tinder
Prospective online daters prefer Tinder over OkCupid because of the easy signup process. You can sign up via Facebook, and within three minutes, you can start using your Tinder account. It allows you to connect with other users through various algorithms, including linking your Instagram account. With Tinder, users love the swiping feature, which enables them to join by swiping right. With Tinder, online daters have to like each other to start interacting, so functionality is similar to OkCupid’s.
- Plenty of Fish
This matchmaking platform allows users to create an account for free. Finding a match on Plenty of Fish is made through different straightforward mechanisms; advanced search system, customizing search options, filtering with a specific criterion, and searching by user’s activity. Plenty of Fish boasts of drawing close to 2.8 million subscribers per day –the chances of meeting a dater are high based on this fact.
Better yet, Plenty of Fish has a ‘Meet Me’ feature that allows subscribers to find users within the same locality. This function increases the chances of finding someone within your area. You might also prefer Plenty of Fish over OkCupid because of the ‘Chemistry’ feature. It allows you to fill a personality questionnaire. Based on your responses, you can find a partner with similar interests.
- Zoosk
What makes Zoosk different from OkCupid is that you receive matches based on your activity’s regularity on the website. Ideally, the more you access and use the hookup site, the more the chances of finding automated matches. It has a ‘SmartPick’ feature, simplifying your search –it automates compatible partners for you. The ‘Carousel’ feature also allows you to react to other users profiles by tapping ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ on Zoosk. Users can also upgrade to a premium membership.
Controversy
The following are allegations raised by OkCupid’s previous users.
- Fake profiles: Since signing up is free, predators take advantage to register and prey on innocent members. You should be cautious when you sign up as fake profiles are common in dating sites.
- Deleting user profiles: Some users have been furious with OkCupid for banning their user accounts without explanations. This might discourage you, especially if you don’t violate any terms of conditions.
- Credential stuffing allegations: Some of OkCupid’s users have claimed that the platform used their passwords to access other digital media. However, these allegations cannot be justified as OkCupid’s technical team denies the claims.
- User photos have been used for data mining –some users’ pictures were found in Clarifai, an AI startup.
- The ban on using pseudonyms. Initially, prospective users would sign up using a unique username. However, this changed, requiring members to use their real names.
There have been several claims against the OkCupid website. Unfortunately, the technical team has denied all the allegations. Regardless, any prospective user can sign up and try his or her luck.
Security
The OkCupid dating site is safe for all its users. The signup process is quite strict –all prospective users undergo rigorous screening for verification. OkCupid’s users are required to abide by the privacy policies. Each member should be discrete about sensitive details when using the site. You are cautioned against scammers and fake users –you should report them for the necessary action. You can also block such users.
Like other dating sites, OkCupid’s members are cautioned against the following:
- Sharing sensitive information.
- Meeting first-time dates in private areas, including the individual’s home.
- Be cautious about suspicious intentions, such as insisting on particular ideas.
- Possible daters who avoid responding accurately.
- Aggressive members who speak to you rudely.
- If you meet with an online dater, facilitate your transport.
- Accessing the OkCupid website via a public desktop or PC -if you have no otherwise, you should erase your password and username.
What protective measures does OkCupid take to keep your data safe?
Your data is safe from any malicious intent when suing the OkCupid website. All chats use HTTPS and SSL encryptions to ensure that no third party accesses your conversation. There is no way for someone to access your profile unless they sign up and click on your profile.
Your billing information cannot be shared with anyone or used against your authorization (when upgrading). VIP members can browse without revealing identity if they switch to the incognito mode. Should you notice anything suspicious, you should notify the support team on the following contact details:
Company Name: Match Group
Address: 129W 29th St
Location: USA
Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
You might be wondering if this platform is worth your time. Going through the review, you are sure to find someone who might be your soul mate. Though it intends to be a solution for heterosexual singles looking for love, you can sign up if you prefer otherwise. You can access the site via a mobile app (Android and Apple iPhone compatible devices).
If you are contemplating signing up, free messaging and liking should compel you to do so. However, it might take ages for the other user to respond if they don’t ‘like’ you. Nonetheless, this should not discourage you from registering. After all, online dating is a matter of chances.
From the OkCupid review, the hookup site is legit. You can find both real and fake profiles. Any single person looking for relationships or casual dates might consider it. Without a doubt, OkCupid is viable among the leading dating sites.
