This archive report was first published on 7 September 2019.
Facebook has rolled out its online dating service for the United States, marking a significant move into the dating market.
First announced last year, the free service, dubbed "Facebook Dating," allows users to link their Facebook and Instagram posts to a separate dating profile.
According to Nathan Sharp, head of the project, Facebook Dating seeks to facilitate connections among the social network's vast user base, with over two billion users worldwide.
One of the unique features of the service is the "secret crush" feature, which allows users to connect if they both secretly express interest in each other.
"Facebook Dating won't match you with friends, unless you choose to use Secret Crush and you both add each other to your list," Sharp explained.
Sharp emphasized the importance of safety, security, and privacy in the service, stating that users will have the ability to report and block anyone, and prohibit people from sending photos, links, payments, or videos in messages.
Users may share their "stories" posts from the network, which are short video segments, to help the service be "authentic in a way that a typical dating profile can't," according to Sharp.
Facebook's entry into the US dating market comes as the company continues to expand its services, with the dating service already available in 19 countries.
Facebook Dating is set to launch in Europe in 2020.
