Tinder has today rolled out a new feature to strengthen its photo verification process. The new process involves taking video selfies to better prove a user is who they are claiming to be.
Prior, for a user to get a blue checkmark on Tinder, the dating app would ask them to take pictures of themselves, posing as instructed, but now users will be required to take video selfies instead. Users just need to record video of themselves in the app using their smartphone’s front camera — a similar process to the one Hinge introduced last year aimed at combating scam accounts and catfishing on the platform.
According to Tinder, photo-verified members will be able to ask their match to verify themselves too before chatting, giving users more control over how they interact with others. Additionally, photo-verified members will earn status in Tinder’s new “Photo Verified Cuties” club which gives them the ability to choose to only receive messages from Photo Verified members within their Message Settings.
Rory Kozoll, the Senior Vice President of Product Integrity at Tinder said, “Tinder daters consistently tell us that photo verification is one of their most valued safety features.” Adds “The tool provides one more way to help members better assess the authenticity of their match. For our 18-25 year old members, being Photo Verified gives them a 10% higher chance to match.”
“We will continue prioritizing these methods to help make Tinder a safer place to meet someone new,” he added.
The company notes that the already existing Photo Verified users will soon begin to receive prompts in the app to upgrade to the latest version of Photo Verification. Meanwhile, unlike Twitter Blue which sells blue ticks, Tinder’s verification is free since every dating app user is expected to be real and represent themselves authentically.
“And, because every Tinder member is expected to be real and represent themselves authentically, Photo Verification is free for any and everyone who wants to become, and stay, a Photo Verified Cutie on the app,” the online dating company said in a press statement.
While the new verification process has been made available, globally, as of today, Tinder says the ability to select “Photo Verified Members” only in Message Settings will begin rolling out in the coming months.
ALSO READ: DOES ONLINE DATING WORK?
