With 35 million members worldwide and 3 million messages exchanged per day, Zoosk is no stranger to the online dating game. Signing up takes just minutes, and requires only a few basic questions and photo verification.
The only downside is that Zoosk doesn’t separate users by relationship status, so those looking for a serious commitment may be disappointed.
Behavioral Matchmaking
Zoosk’s innovative behavioral matchmaking engine learns your interests and interactions with other users and matches you accordingly, taking the guesswork out of finding a partner. This is a major reason why the site has become so popular, especially among younger adults.
In addition to learning your preferences through the initial registration process, Zoosk also monitors your activity on the site. This way, the more you use the service — swiping through the carousel of potential matches or sending and receiving messages – the better Zoosk’s recommendations will be.
Another factor contributing to Zoosk’s success is its commitment to user safety. The website offers optional photo verification and social media integration to help prevent scams. Moreover, the company urges members to exercise caution and block any profiles that look suspicious. This ensures a safe, comfortable dating experience for all. This approach has helped Zoosk break down the stigma surrounding online dating. As a result, the site is now considered one of the best options for finding love online.
Social Media Integration
While Zoosk is relatively free compared to sites like Plenty of Fish and OkCupid, a paid membership is required to do much more than just see who has viewed your profile. Zoosk also has a currency system called Boost Coins that can be used to buy premium features such as Carousel Matches and the ability to send and receive messages and winks.
In 2020, Zoosk was hit with a data breach exposing the personal information of 30 million users. Despite a notification sent to those affected, some feel that Zoosk did not act quickly enough.
While Zoosk is a solid option for those looking to find love online, it lacks the freshness and innovative features that other dating apps such as eHarmony and Match have. The app’s initial burst of Facebook-circa-2010 energy feels dated and outdated, especially when compared to more modern options like Tinder. Also, Zoosk requires a subscription to message most users, even if they are matched with you. This stipulation has made some users feel as though the site is a little bit scammy.
Boost Coins
Zoosk has a variety of features that can help you connect with other members. Its photo verification process requires new members to snap a photo of themselves using their smartphone, which helps verify their identity and minimize the chances of scammers or bots. It also allows members to star profiles they like and signal interest in them. This can help you stand out among the crowd of other users.
Another feature is Boost Coins, which is a fast way to get your profile noticed on Zoosk. This feature highlights your profile in search results, people’s messages, and Carousel. Boost is available to both paid and free members.
Zoosk recently changed its pricing structure, and nonmembers can now purchase bundles of coins to unlock some premium features. This makes it easier for them to try out Zoosk without committing to a monthly subscription. However, these bundles expire after 30 minutes and don’t automatically renew. This can be frustrating for some users.
Free Trial
Zoosk offers a free trial that lets you get to know the site and its features. This is a good way to see how the site works and whether it’s right for you before you commit to a paid subscription.
You can create a profile, add photos, and connect with other users by sending smiles and winks for free. However, you will not be able to read messages or use the SmartPicks feature without a premium membership. You can also upgrade to a premium account to gain access to additional features such as the carousel and virtual gifts.
Some Zoosk users have complained about the company’s recurring billing practices. When you sign up for a subscription, Zoosk will charge your credit card for the full amount of the subscription automatically. Fortunately, you can avoid this by using a prepaid credit card or a third-party payment service like DoNotPay to pay for your Zoosk subscription. This will prevent the website from renewing your subscription unless you cancel it.