Hinge Adds Video Prompts to Keep the Conversation Going, Virtually

Virtual dating can be awkward, but in recent times it's become a necessity. And it seems like it'll stick around for the long-term too, used as a pre-date to check someone's vibe before meeting them in person.

To help get the conversation flowing on a video call, the dating app Hinge is adding prompts that will "help you gauge compatibility, debate topics, and just share a laugh".

Is Virtual Dating Here to Stay?

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, dating apps found themselves in sticky position. If people couldn't meet up in person, does a dating app serve any purpose?

In order to remain relevant, apps like Hinge added a video call functionality so that matches could have a virtual date. Not quite like the real thing, but acceptable as a socially distant alternative.

Now, it seems video dates are here to stay. Hinge conducted a survey and found that 65% of people who have been on a video date plan to keep using the functionality when the world gets back to some sort of normality.

That's because these virtual video dates act as a great way to check your compatibility with someone before meeting them. Only so much chemistry can be established via text; video dates give a better gauge whether there's a spark before meeting physically.

When it comes to planning a physical date, the same Hinge survey found that 69% of users cite finding free time on their and their match's schedule as the biggest blocker. Also, almost half of the survey respondents spend double the amount of time prepping themselves for an in-person date than they do a virtual one.

As such, virtual dates are a quicker and easier way to see whether your Hinge match is right for you.

What Are Video Prompts in Hinge?

Hinge found that 58% of people don't want to go on a virtual date because they think it'll be too awkward. Two out of three users think that icebreakers would help overcome this awkwardness.

As such, Hinge has added Video Prompts to help spark conversation when on a virtual date.

When on a video call, you can select from eight themes like "The Warm-Up" and "Not So Serious", each of which contain five conversation prompts that you and your date can ask one another.

This could be sharing what three wishes you would want, or finding things around your home to tell a story.

You will find the Video Prompt button in the corner of the screen when on a virtual Hinge date. When you're finished with a prompt, swipe the screen to move on to the next one.

Tim MacGougan, Chief Product Officer at Hinge, says:

Hinge was the first dating app to introduce Prompts to profiles, and we're excited to bring this innovation to virtual dates. Video Prompts helps you spark a good conversation during a video date and ultimately decide if you want to meet in person.

Virtual dating is here to stay. Give it a shot and you might find your perfect match. Or maybe you'll discover the person you've been messaging isn't for you, saving you wasted time on an in-person date.

source https://www.makeuseof.com/hinge-adds-video-prompts-virtual-dates/