Dating app Tinder says it has strengthened its photo verification process. It says members will now have to take a selfie video to prove who they are.
Not only that, users who are photo verified can now ask their matches to do the same before they start chatting, giving them more control over how they interact. People who have been photo verified can now filter out messages from people who are not.
Rory Kozoll, SVP of product integrity at Tinder, said: "Tinder daters constantly tell us that photo verification is one of their most valued safety features. The tool provides one more way to help members better assess the authenticity of their match.
"For our 18-25 year old members, being photo verified gives them a 10% higher chance to match. We will continue prioritizing these methods to help make Tinder a safer place to meet someone new."
The company says its members value authenticity and genuine connection. Almost 40% of members have now received their photo verified blue tick.
In early tests, men have been more likely to complete the verification process via video selfie. Meaning Tinder will now prompt members to verify when they join.
The firm says previous verification methods just involved posing for a series of static photos, these were compared against profile pictures. Now, should a member want to verify, they will have to complete video prompts.
Anyone who has previously been photo verified will be asked to complete the new video method in the coming months, the company says. This is because it wants users to be "real and represent themselves authentically".
How to complete photo verification with video selfie?
Open the Tinder app.
- Tap the Explore icon.
- Tap ‘Try now’ in the Photo Verified module.
- Acknowledge the Photo Verification prompts.
- Take a video selfie.
- Done! Your Photo Verification is under review
How to chat with just photo verified users?
- Open the Tinder app.
- Tap the profile icon and then tap the Message Settings icon.
- Scroll to “Control Who Messages You” and toggle on “Photo Verified Chat.”
- Done! Only Photo Verified users can message you now.
