eHarmony Releases Video Date Feature

Dating app eHarmony has released a new feature called Video Date, in time to help its users form better connections over its app. This is especially timely as the world shelters in place from the outbreak of coronavirus.

Video Date is a one-on-one video chat service that is available within the eHarmony app. Touting its safety, eHarmony says the key distinguishing parts of its new feature are the security measures the company put in place. No member will be forced to exchange private information such as a mobile number, nor will they be “faced with the additional safety concerns associated with moving to an external platform,” according to the company’s press release. 

The company also stressed that video calls made over its app are private, and so it is up to the user to report any inappropriate behavior during the chat so that eHarmony can take appropriate action. Also, users can opt to cut off contact with a match at any time, preventing them from being able to connect again over Video Chat or messaging.

Users must allow eHarmony access to camera and audio on their phones in order to enable using the feature, the company noted. Users are prompted when they choose to Video Date someone for the first time.

eHarmony reported seeing a 27 percent increase in messages from March to April as social distancing restrictions have increased. The company noted that more people are looking for virtual connections, and said that Video Chat provides a way to communicate safely with potential dates – rather than going on a third party app like Zoom or Facetime. 

Video Date isn’t available for all matches – it only activates when two members have initiated conversation and sent messages back and forth, so there is already a connection. Both members must be logged in at the same time to utilize the feature and according to eHarmony, there are no time restrictions. The Video Date option appears in your match’s profile as well as within your message thread, so you have the option of initiating from either place. 

Video Date can be activated from other Users Profiles and in Messages (look for the camera icon). Text messages must be exchanged first.

Other dating apps like Plenty of Fish have launched video features too, but POF’s is more of a livestream where other users can send gifts and messages to the person who is video chatting in order to strike up conversation one-on-one.

Gareth Mandel, COO of eHarmony, said in a statement: "Social distancing doesn't have to mean disconnecting, and we're excited to release Video Date in a time when staying at home is forcing us all to adapt and get more creative.”

The feature is available on all platforms eHarmony is available, including Android, iOS and web-based services. For more on this dating service you can read our review of eHarmony