Let’s take a closer look at the dating app OkCupid. The app is quite popular and deserved an in depth dive to see what makes it popular.
Like most dating apps OkCupid allows you to message people for free with a catch. The catch is, its a trial period - again like all other dating apps before and after this is a common occurrence. The dating app started in 2004, so it has been around a very long time, more longer than most. Does that mean it is better for being more established? Not really, the question will be as we delve deeper, has it learned from its existence the nuances of the dating world online.
Most people’s first question when signing up to a dating app - is how easy or difficult is to use? We would say that based or compared to all other apps, the ability to use it for a first time user is somewhere in the middle. This would mean not too difficult, you will get around easily enough around the site, but there will be a few minor hiccups.
Let’s start our review shall we. As mentioned OkCupid started in 2004. The company states they have over 10 + million active users - a quite healthy base. However, if you look closer at the numbers almost 70 percent are male. What does that tell us? I am not sure as to why more males are attracted to this dating site than others - since the number of males is awfully skewered in one direction. So, the conclusion one draws here is - if you are a woman who like more men than women on your dating site then OkCupid is definitely for you. If you are a man - get ready to have some stiff competition in this online dating pool. I can assure you that men would want the numbers to a bit more even and less skewered in the male population favour here.
What I have noticed is that mainstream dating sites, have their monthly subscriptions cheaper on average that other more niche based dating sites. Here in OkCupid it is no different. You have your one month, three month, and 6 month plans - again, no different than any other dating site. The prices range from a high of $40 dollars to a low of $20 dollars depending on your plan. The one caveat we can give to OkCupid is that you are allowed to make payments in installations. That is a nice feature to have - not only does it separate them from other dating sites - but shows that they have listened most likely to their customer base who requested this. A nice feature to have in the end.
What also is a nice change of pace, is that each subscription is equal to the other. Meaning if you choose 1 month, or 3 months, or even 6 months, the features are all the same - which is unusual when compared to other dating apps. Its unusual in a good way, since they are not trying to bait you with higher price packages with options you may or may not need. Think of it as buying a car - they dealer tells you, that you have a good car - but, if you upgrade you will have a much better car - even though both cars do the same job.
The age range is another consideration. Reviews state that the average age range is between 28 - 43. That is quite a bit higher than the average norm on other dating sites. It begs the question again - why is this? There really is no definitive answer. Is it the dating apps branding? Is it their advertising? There is no concrete evidence to solve this question.
The algorithm that OkCupid uses is quite extensive and we can give good marks to this. Numerous and diverse questions are asked from almost any topic one would imagine - to give a good compatibility test and potential pool of daters on their app who match what you are looking for.
Now, we just said the features are across the board the same when you sign up at OkCupid. There is a distinction to be made here - this does not apply - naturally, when you compare free membership vs their premium paid membership. The differences are substantial - with limits on how many likes per day you can do, and a limit of matches that OkCupid will show you. This limited free membership is the norm among all dating apps, and nothing to be concerned about. OkCupid is simply giving you a free taste, like in an ice cream shop, to see if you enjoy and like the experience. If do, well more ice cream flavours await you if you become a premium paid member.
Another feature for OkCupid members, is the dreaded automatic membership renewal. Yes, we all hate it. Yes, this feature is not prominent only on dating apps, but every public utility service you use - I believe they call it negative billing. Which means that it is up to you, the consumer, to tell the provider to stop charging me. The beauty of this system is, they and you know, that people lead busy lives. That there will always be a percentage of people who simply forget to cancel. What ever that percentage may be, high or low, that is free money to these companies, and there is nothing you can do about it.
OkCupid is no different than the others, if they can get some free money from their members - then why not they would argue. The one good thing here at OkCupid in regards to automatic billing renewal, they make it very easy for you to cancel. Simply cancel the auto renewal box and you are ready to go - subject of course that you do not change your mind 24 hours prior to renewal.
Verdict. OkCupid has some strengths and weakness compared to similar dating apps. I would not even call them weaknesses, rather different options depending on what you the user are interested in. If you like the site, then by all means give it a try. If not, there are plenty of others to take its place in the dating app world.
Written by:
Dorothy Jones