Online dating is constantly evolving. Most online dating websites encourage their users to post multiple high-quality photos to pique the interest of potential matches, but a few UK dating sites, and others, have recently gone a step further.
A new video-profile trend is taking root that enables online daters to upload videos to include with their profile, allowing users to express themselves in a new way. Potential matches can now see various members in action and are instantly presented with an enhanced profile view and an insider look at the lifestyle of their potential dates.
What do you think? Would a short video help you make up your mind about a potential date? Or, would it make sorting through matches that much more difficult?
Videos allow online daters to show off their unique personality traits in a way that photographs do not. When someone is a talented guitar player, a master with a soccer ball, or has a knee-melting accent, they can now flaunt it!
It’s true, there are some things that you just cannot fully express with a photo or through written word. If you have a secret talent that may win you extra points with potential dates, you now have 10 to 15 seconds to show it off. Ready, set, go! No pressure!
On the flip side of that, if you are the one browsing through potential matches, you probably know that there are just some things that you can’t get a feel for just from looking at a photo, like whether someone you are considering going on a date with has a charming voice, a winning personality, or unparalleled charisma.
Or, well, whether they do not have any of those things! Videos allow potential dates to get a better idea of who a user is as a person and what they might be like to be around. Isn’t it better to know before committing to an evening together? Most think so.
With many dating sites, users can simply upload a video from their smart phone. Videos may go straight to the user’s account profile, or may be submitted to a moderator for review (to ensure that is not chocked full of obscenity and nudity) prior to publishing – depending on the website.
The addition of videos does make that usually split-second-decision of whether to pursue any one person (that internet dating is often known for) take a bit longer. Is that a deal breaker though? For some it just may be, but many feel that the extra time is worth it. After all, one only needs to spend time watching the videos of those that they are already interested in based on the other aspects of their profile.
Dating site videos are proving to be a great conversation starter. “Hey, I saw your video, I can’t believe you can juggle 5 cans of soda while standing on your head!” But seriously, users find that the videos add a layer of trust and transparency that is not present with photos and a few paragraphs of written word. What do you think?