What is OkCupid and How to use it?
OkCupid is a U.S.-based, internationally operating online dating, friendship, and formerly also a social networking website and application. It features multiple-choice questions to match members. Registration is free. OkCupid is owned by Match Group, which also owns Tinder, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and many other popular dating apps and sites.
Let us see how to use it!
Step 1: Set up your account.
OkCupid is available on both mobile and desktop, so you have a little bit of choice. You can download the app on your mobile device or visit okcupid.com to get started. You can connect your Facebook account or register with your email address, as with most other online dating services. Choose one of the options to proceed.
OkCupid will ask you some basic information such as your gender (there are lots of options here!), your preferred gender (there are lots of options here too!), your birthday, zip code, ideal relationship length, and a few other things.
Once you have completed these, you will be able to, customize your profile and start getting noticed.
Step 2: Pick your photos, write your bio.
What does OkCupid do to show off your best side? OkCupid has six photo slots and a short bio section. Each tip could be the subject of a separate article, so I will not get into the nitty-gritty details and keep it broader in scope.
Ideally, you should have six photos, and most, if not all of them, should feature you smiling. Your first photo should be a headshot taken in an interesting location like a forest, arcade, or well-lit bar. Include at least one to two full-body shots as well. Avoid group shots and sunglasses.
You can also use photos to display your interests and hobbies. This is a good idea if you're into active sports of any kind (hiking, skateboarding, skydiving). You can add an extra layer of personality to your profile by using active shots, which will help other daters relate to you.
Keep your bio short and sweet. Four or five sentences should suffice. This is a good place to crack a joke or two if you're funny. It's okay if you're not. Tell us about yourself, your passions, your hobbies, and anything else you think people might be interested in learning about. Be honest and use a bit of flair. It's important to make readers feel as if they're having a casual conversation with you.
Following the initial profile setup, you will have the option of answering additional prompts to spice up your profile. Use these as bio supplements to fill in any gaps in your bio. We recommend filling out at least a few of these.
Step 3: Answer the questions.
You're in the home stretch if you've made it this far! The final step is to answer the basic questions. OkCupid estimates compatibility for each profile. These percentages are calculated based on your answers to these questions, so be as thorough as possible. There are 15 questions in the basic questionnaire, ranging from topics like politics to the cleanliness of your room to the length of your last relationship. There is an option to skip each question, as well as an option to choose an answer preference for the person you are interested in.
You are entitled to doubt the accuracy of a compatibility rate calculated from 15 questions. After your initial account setup is finished, you can answer more questions from your profile settings to increase the supposed accuracy of your match percentage.
Step 4: Send out your likes.
If you finish the initial account setup, you can answer more questions and fill out more profile prompts. To maximize your matches, OkCupid recommends completing as many of these as you can. Once that is done, you can start liking other daters and see who you match with.
Like most other apps, OkCupid works on a mutual-like system, so two singles have to like each other before they can communicate. (Or you can pay to see who likes you before your match.) There are also two ways to proceed with matches. The Doubletake format on OkCupid lets you swipe left or right like Tinder or Bumble for a breezy, low-investment dating experience.
You can also browse matches by scrolling through multiple profiles. This option allows you to open profiles and like and comment on specific prompts to reach out directly. Although the other person will only see your message if they like you first, this may be a better way to get noticed and may make you stand out from other daters who like everyone in their queue.
Step 5: It’s a match!
Start chatting as soon as you get your first match. If the conversation goes well, do not be afraid to ask your match on a date.
If you are having trouble finding matches, try answering a few more questions and tweaking the different profile elements to find a formula that works for you. It also keeps a list of all the profiles you liked in the past, so you can always go back and send messages after the initial like if they liked you back. Do not be afraid to ask your friends for feedback on your profile. You will be on your way soon.
Step 6: Should you buy?
As always, taking the paid subscription route is a good way to increase your chances of success if you choose to do so. There are no limits to messaging or liking in the free version, unlike similar services.
So, if you choose to subscribe, what are you getting into? There are two types of subscriptions: A-List Basic and A-List Premium. A-List Basic enables you to access a list of daters who like you, use advanced search filters, search based on profile attractiveness, access message read receipts, and remove ads. Prices start at $9.95 for one month, $7.95 per month for three months, and $4.95 per month for six months.
As the basic subscription, A-List Premium adds a daily Auto boost that places you at the top of the queue for matches, increased attractiveness, which allows you to see and be seen by more attractive matches, and the ability to see other profiles' responses. A Premium A-List subscription costs $24.90 for one month, $22.90 for three months, and $19.90 for six months.
That's it - hopefully, we've answered your ‘How does OkCupid work?’ question. You are now a master of OkCupid, one of the most popular online dating sites. All that's left for you to do is get in there and start liking. Cupid will take care of the rest.
It was all about OkCupid and how to use it!