Tinder launches video dating in app so you can flirt face to face

Both users need to toggle the video chatting feature on before they can talk to each other

(AFP via Getty Images)

Tinder is adding video calling to its app, in a new feature called “Face to Face”.

When two users have matched, a new button will appear at the top right of the chat screen which resembles a blue video camera.

Tapping that button brings up a toggle, asking users to “check out the chemistry with a quick Face to Face.”

“When you’re both interested, you’ll be able to video chat.”

Once both users in the chat have toggled the button, the blue video camera icon will turn pink with confetti around it, and a notification that the feature has been “unlocked” will appear.

That toggle can be applied, and turned off, at any point in the conversation.

Tinder has implemented some rules to its video chatting feature: it will not allow nudity or sexual content, will ban content involving minors, and does not allow for “harassment, hate speech, violence, or other illegal activities”.

When chatting, users have the option to turn off their microphone, video camera, and flip the camera from the front-facing camera to their device’s main camera.

Unlike FaceTime or Skype, the video calling feature splits the screen horizontally, taking up the entire screen.

“No one should be put in the corner when it comes to getting to know a match. Conversation is a two-way street, and it’s better when you’re together 50/50. Plus, this helps you make sure you’re putting your best face forward with your match”, Tinder says in its release.

Should the call go poorly, or there is something a user feels the need to report, they are able to send a report to Tinder when the call ends. That feedback is not shared with the other person on the call.

“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 in a statement.

“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. ”

The new virtual dating feature comes as a toggle in the top.

“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. ”