Facebook Tests Dating Again With Video App Called Sparked

Facebook is testing out a new video speed dating app, The Verge reported.

The app, called Sparked, will supposedly cycle people through four-minute video dates, and if both people “have a great time,” then a second 10-minute date will be scheduled, the report stated.

After that, Sparked will suggest that both parties exchange contact information to stay in touch if they desire through modes of contact such as Instagram, text or email, according to the report.

The Verge, which attempted to sign up for Sparked, reported it was put on a waitlist to do so. It said what it had seen suggested that “kindness” was a theme for the app, with it asking prospective users what makes them a kind dater.

Those responses, according to the app, will then be sent off to a human at Sparked before people go on dates, the report stated. Users will also be able to choose whether they want to date men, women or nonbinary people and are asked if they’re open to dating transgender people.

The Verge reported that it’s still unclear how users would connect to such events, such as if they need to download an app or not.

The product is another Facebook foray into the online dating world, following Facebook Dating, which runs out of the main Facebook app. That app launched in the U.S. in 2019 and has also debuted in other countries like the U.K., the report stated.

Facebook Dating runs similar to other dating apps in that it lets people view others’ public profiles, send a like if they want, and then message if they both match together, according to the report.

In November 2019, PYMNTS reported that Facebook Dating was allowing users to upload Facebook or Instagram Stories to their profiles. The social media giant said it thought that addition would give users the ability to showcase more of themselves, including hobbies, interest, humor and more.