Romance and Cryptocurrency: The Hotspots for Crypto Lovers
The spectrum of dating platforms today is broad and diverse, stretching from all-encompassing websites for both men and women to platforms with a niche focus on skin color, sexual orientation, and more. Yet, not every platform has embraced the idea of cryptocurrency.
Users of dating platforms understand the perks like a high rank in search results, access to premium services, and VIP membership come with a price tag. Yet, not every platform offers the possibility to settle these fees with cryptocurrencies, and not everyone is comfortable sharing their credit card details on such platforms. For example, Tinder, the world's most popular dating platform, currently doesn't accept cryptocurrency.
However, some forward-thinking platforms have recognized the potential of digital assets and have incorporated them into their payment options. Bitcoin (BTC) emerges as the leading cryptocurrency that dating platforms are willing to accept, aiming to reach a wider audience.
The favor for Bitcoin arises from:
- Fast transactions, courtesy of the Lightning Network
- Relative anonymity for users
- Low transaction fees.
Some of these platforms have gone the extra mile and introduced their native assets – tokens, which can be used to pay for all available services on a specific website or mobile app.
Let's delve into a few dating platforms that are embracing cryptocurrencies, facilitating a crypto-friendly environment for their users to find their soulmates.
Badoo
Badoo, the second-largest dating platform globally, is in the race to surpass Tinder. Founded by the European company Bumble, Badoo is available in virtually all countries, boasting over 500 million users. They began accepting Bitcoin in 2015, courtesy of a partnership with Danish payment provider Smart2Pay. Although Bumble later decided to switch providers, it didn't abandon Bitcoin. Now, any Badoo user can use Bitcoin to pay the monthly subscription, activate various features or gain access to a list of users who have shown interest in their profile.
Badoo's list of payment options includes Bitcoin. Source: coindesk.com
OkCupid
OkCupid, an Irish-based dating platform, has gained considerable popularity in Europe and North America with more than 50 million users. The platform's sophisticated algorithms, designed for optimal partner matching, have drawn praises from experts. Like other platforms, OkCupid users can unlock premium features using Bitcoin. OkCupid started accepting Bitcoin back in 2013, possibly making it the first dating platform to adopt Bitcoin as a payment option alongside traditional methods, with thanks to the Coinbase service.
A snapshot of Bitcoin payment through Coinbase. Source: coinbase.com
Luxy
Luxy is a platform that is exclusively curated for the select few.It's designed for successful people, with incomes significantly above average. This platform allows the creation of profiles for celebrities, top company executives, renowned athletes, movie stars, supermodels, and other high-profile personalities. Each potential user must prove that their annual income exceeds $200,000 and undergo a stringent KYC (Know Your Customer) process. Luxy takes this process very seriously. As stated by Luxy's founder, Hong Kong-based Tim T., the KYC process is so thorough and reliable that the user base consists solely of the most successful men and the most beautiful women.
Luxy - An Elite Dating Platform. Source: onluxy.com
Users can pay in Bitcoin by downloading the non-custodial digital wallet XcelPay, available on Google Play and the App Store.
SmartDates
SmartDates is a decentralized dating application (dApp) developed on blockchain, utilizing smart contracts. Its whitepaper was released on May 1, 2018.he founders of SmartDates present it as a "dating platform of the future" where the latest technologies, including AI, are employed. The platform's native asset is the SmartDates token (LOLY). Users can obtain lifetime membership on the platform for $99.00 or its equivalent in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin. The SmartDates token is used for all payments, purchases, or subscriptions. The platform also rewards users with tokens for attracting new users via a referral program and offers cashback as a percentage of purchases.
SmartDates - A dApp for Dating. Source: smartdates.io
Reflections
As evident, the dating sector continues to evolve and adapt. Dating platforms are actively incorporating cryptocurrencies, experimenting with blockchain technologies, and leveraging smart contracts. It's likely that other platforms will eventually follow suit. Hundreds of millions of people across the globe own Bitcoin, and it would be a mistake to overlook such a large audience.