Tinder’s Video Chat Feature Launches Worldwide
Contributed by: kellyseal on Monday, November 09 2020 @ 10:26 am
Last modified on Monday, November 09 2020 @ 11:02 am
Face to Face, Tinder’s new in-app video chat feature, is rolling out around the world this month. The opt-in only feature was tested earlier this year in select markets, and now will be available in countries where the Tinder app is active.
In order to use the new feature, a Tinder user has to be matched with someone and they both have to opt-in to the service to enable it. If someone you liked does not match with you, then Face to Face is not available to use with that person.
This rollout follows an interesting year in the dating app market, where the pandemic has halted in-person gatherings but video chats have become hugely popular. Tinder along with many other dating apps rushed to launch a video feature to keep its users engaged so that they would not turn to scheduling virtual dates on third party apps. Now, they can chat over the app without having to share personal information.
Tinder’s new Trust and Safety Team, a collection of security and safety experts Match has recruited to help with product reviews and safety initiatives, helped to build this new feature, according to Tech Crunch[*1] . One of the key functions is the ability for users to have some control over the accessibility of video chat. For instance, if a match keeps calling them over and over on video chat, or harasses or makes them uncomfortable while on the chat, they can report that user by scrolling to their profile and following the “report” instructions.
Tinder has recently been focusing heavily on safety, including offering features like Photo Verification to ensure a profile photo is not a fake, and offensive message detection, which warns a user of inappropriate content before they click on a message. A recent expose by the Australian Broadcast Company highlighted Tinder’s lack of response to the abusive behavior its users have encountered with people they met over the app. Since, its parent company Match Group has rushed to offer a new system where it responds to all reports of abuse or sexual assault and provides victims with resources for getting help.
“We’re excited to share that our Face to Face feature is rolling out to our global community after receiving positive feedback from our members who have had early access to it,” said Rory Kozoll, Head of Trust and Safety Product at Tinder. “This adds to our growing list of features built focused on member safety throughout their dating journey, like Photo Verification, Safety Center and our offensive message detection technology.”
For more on this dating service you can read our Tinder review.