FriendFinder Review 2020
Pros and Cons
- From-friendship-to-flings opportunities.
- Search without registration.
- Tons of valuable content.
- Promotions and bonuses are onboard.
- Decent platform to have a good time.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Good value for the price.
- Essential number of fake accounts.
- Messaging and communication need a fee.
- Outdated design.
Love and friendship donât recognize boundaries. FriendFinder is an international platform that joins peopleâs hearts all over the world. You can rightly call the company as the pioneer of the global dating market since they are the first in this industry. The resource is a part of a network that includes several more dating portals.
This site is remarkable for versatility since it has no focus on a location, type of relationships, or ethnicity. It works as a social media resource with plenty of communicative tools and matchmaking features. The website aims to connect adults for fun and entertainment, sex and love, dating, and marriage. No predictions are possible when you are on FriendFinder. The outcome of messaging and chatting might lead to either a brief affair or long-lasting relationships. Experience has shown, however, that casual dating is more probable than something serious is.
Reputation and history of FriendFinder
Andrew Conru, a Ph.D. student at Stanford University at that time, launched this project in 1996. He managed to become a wealthy Internet businessman due to the success of FriendFinder. Penthouse Media Group became the owner of the portalâs parent company in 2007 for $500M.
Over the next few years, the company had been running into financial difficulties that led to bankruptcy in 2013. Then, the management presented an effective strategy of reorganization and started its way to the top rates of dating websites from scratch. Andrew Conru took over the company as CEO, making the website drive 35M visitors per month. So, FriendFinder successfully operates on the market of dating services now.
Website, App, interface, registration
The FriendFinder website has a vintage design, to put it mildly. It seems overcrowded with buttons and images, but, on closer examination, itâs straightforward and easy-to-navigate. There are many links to provide fast access to various sections on the website. Besides, a convenient drop-down menu lets you see the latest suggestions. The application form is easily accessible via the âJoin nowâ button available on each of the websiteâs pages.
Nevertheless, FriendFinderâs main benefit is zero distracting ads on the screen during your activity on the platform. Generally, the interface caters to middle-aged peopleâs requirements, but it might be weird for a young audience.
Signup Process. Is it easy here?
If you want to test all the features of the website, itâs time to initiate registration. The signup process wonât bother you with multiple stages and fields, offering to make just several steps. So, how to create an account on FriendFinder?
- Click the âJoin nowâ button on any web page youâve landed.
- Provide the site with your gender and sexual identity.
- Type in your birthday, country of residence, and your native city (or, the closest location).
- Specify the email; invent a username and a password.
- Point out some personal information (marital status, what you are looking for, etc.).
When you complete the registration, start contacting other members of the website. Besides, itâs possible to look through the profiles of potential partners as an unregistered visitor.
Are the accounts real here?
You can face a certain percentage of fake profiles on FriendFinder, like on any other dating website. However, there are myriads of real accounts to choose a friend with benefits or a partner for one-night stand.
When you start your search, dozens of previews with photos appear on the web page. They contain such initial info as residence, tagline, what he/she is looking for, and the time of the last visit. Registration opens the gates to a full-fledged profile with the details of appearance, character, and lifestyle.
FriendFinder monitors the usersâ behavior. However, an extensive background check is impossible because of the privacy policy of the portal. Thatâs why the users should report about harassment or fraud to the support service.
Website and mobile version
Signup, search, and messaging are enjoyable and hassle-free. The service has a responsive design that makes it compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. Moreover, on-the-go users can download the All FriendFinder mobile app for free and get a comfortable place for communication with other members of the community. Youâll access all the features of the parent website, including searching the new members, checking emails, etc. Only the iOS devicesâ owners can currently enjoy the app. Those who prefer Android gadgets have to settle for the mobile version of FriendFinder.
Special Features
FriendFinder has enough useful features to make online dating comfortable and productive. They help feel relaxed, have fun, express your creativity, and get many relevant matches.
- Video presentation.
This option allows recording a short video clip to put it up on the profile page. Itâs possible to take a video by your web camera or upload a file from the computer. Video presentation helps sell yourself as one and attract more attention.
- âMagazinesâ section
The community members can place their publications in this section, meaning to post articles where they share their experience, give tips, and discuss various sides of dating. This option is very engaging, and helps men and women be always in sight.
- Blogging.
Those who own FriendFinder accounts can run their blogs on the website. Free users have the right to post short texts, and premium members are entitled to publish articles with images and photos. A comment section under each of the posts allows both free and VIP users to give their opinions and share impressions.
- âHot or Notâ
This unique feature is similar to a Tinderâs swipe. The option makes it possible to approve or reject other usersâ photos when you tap the âHotâ or âNotâ button.
- Live Webcam
This adult feature allows people to watch other users online, viewing their activities and love games.
- Tokens
FriendFinder rewards you with points for your activities on the website. You can spend them to unlock opportunities that are usually available for premium members.
Partner search
FriendFinder drives traffic from the USA, India, Germany, the UK, Canada, and several more countries. However, if you have scheduled a date for this weekend, itâs also possible to find a partner nearby. The website provides you with tons of opportunities to make your plans come to reality.
How does FriendFinder work?
Once youâve entered the FriendFinder space, the whole universe of dating is right in front of you. You should just register to start getting benefits, but upgrade the account to premium membership to access a full set of options.
Once your profile is ready, youâll get matches and likes. Besides, you can start outreaching other members to initiate a promising conversation. If you need a partner in your locality, itâs better to use the âHot or Notâ option. When you plan a trip, choose a resident of the country you are going to visit. The âWhoâs onlineâ feature will help you to contact active members instantly.
Searching options and filters at FriendFinder
The initial search implies such filters as age, sex, and location. The deeper seeking means using any piece of the profile content as filters, including body type and education. Besides, itâs possible to base a search on whoâs online, new members, and more.
In addition to filters, people can also use instant messages to outreach people from other cross-branded resources. Moreover, you can use your social media profile on Facebook to connect with relevant partners. Bear in mind that itsâ possible to adjust the list of match preferences to get valid suggestions.
Communication methods
Note that only a premium member of FriendFinder has the right to initiate a contact. Free users are entitled to send flirts to let their favorites know about their interest and sympathy. Those who acquire a subscription, get access to a chat room, instant messenger, and flash chat. Besides, you can participate in forums and group chats to show your best sides and to find a partner. Interaction via blogs might also be pretty useful.
FriendFinder Alternatives
If you want to vary your dating experience, try some alternatives for FriendFinder.
- eHarmony
This international dating service focuses on serious matches to help people find soul mates despite religion, distance, race, and languages.
- Match.com
Itâs versatile and entertaining, connecting people for love. If you cannot find a partner within six months of your membership, the platform will comfort you with another six free months.
- Ashley Madison
The website works for married people or those who have relationships. It caters to cheaters that find discreet or even âtabooâ dating for thrills and extreme.
- Tinder App
Itâs a hookup swipe-styled app with the huge user pool. The service has the rep of the platform for casual dating, but you can find a partner there for all kinds of relationships.
- OKCupid.com
The portal stands out from rivals, being a multi-layered service with low-priced paid plans. The service allows sending free messages, but only if both members like each other.
- LavaLife.com
The website covers the USA and Canada, being friendly to sexual minority groups. You can find like-minded people regardless of your preferences and expectations.
- Cupid.com
The platform features a robust database of singles from the United Kingdom, the flash-based video conferences, and free test-drive that is valid for 24 hours from the moment of signup.
- Badoo.com
Badoo mimics social media platforms when it offers opportunities to make new friends online. It focuses on flings and flirts rather than on long-lasting dating.
- Master Matchmakers
The service cooperates with the affiliated professional matchmakers in the largest cities of the USA. The unique platform combines typical features of online dating with such offline agenciesâ perks as personal coaches and matchmakers.
- LDS Planet
This website will suit those looking for serious relationships and marriage, LDS Church members, and single Mormons. The platform is notable for a large number of happy love stories.
Membership Price and Payment Method
The prices on FriendFinder are average and affordable enough to prevent you from hurting your wallet. Itâs possible to use credit/debit cards to pay the bill. The mobile daters users can pay via their smartphones.
Free Membership Features
Free membership on FriendFinder provides you with a promising start on the platform. Youâll get the opportunity to build your online presence and attract other usersâ attention to your personality. Except for the standard option to sign up and create a profile (without a photo), you are entitled to start blogging (plain texts without pictures) and create a personal magazine. Besides, itâs possible to join forums for discussions, chats, and just having a good time in the company of open-minded people.
Premium Membership Features
Personal messaging and private interaction with other members requires a paid subscription. Premium presence on FriendFinder gives you full access to messaging, getting profile highlights, looking through the profiles, full-sized photo galleries, and video introductions. Besides, technical support is available via phone to ensure instant solutions for a diversity of issues. If you are into the paid membership, instant messages are also at your disposal since you get access to the instant messenger accounts of other daters (ICQ, AIM, YIM, and MSN).
Is there a critical variance between Gold and Silver plans?
Silver
- One month â $22.95/month
- 3 months â $13.95/month ($41.85)
- 6 months â $10.95/month ($65.70).
Gold
- You can attach up to 20 photos.
- The complete list of matches starts from 30 into infinity.
- The system stores your emails for 120 days.
- Itâs possible to include up to 1000 users in your Hotlist.
- Technical support ensures a response within 12 hours.
How much is dating on FriendFinder?
Silver
Gold
- One month â $34.95/month
- 3 months â $19.98/month ($59.94)
- 6 months â $15.93/month ($95.60).
Is FriendFinder Really Safe?
Technically, FriendFinder is safe if you mean the risk of cyber-attacks. The platform prevents your account from leaking to third-party companies and resources. However, your financial transactions and personal information will be secure until you start sharing the crucial data with other members. The dating portal recommends being cautious even when online interaction has already turned into a face-to-face date.
Technical side of protection
The FriendFinder platform requires email verification before you get access to the portalâs features after registration. Your interaction and transaction stay private and secure due to the SSL encryption of the website. The service takes all the standard measures (firewalls, for example) to secure clientsâ data. If the moderators note suspicious interaction, they track the memberâs ISP (Internet Service Provider) to ban the scammer.
Customer Support
The support service works without a break on FriendFinder. You can get a response in a couple of hours or within 12â48 hours. The timeout is dependable on the membership. Of course, the VIPs are in order of urgency.
Popular user questions:
How to pass FriendFinder photo verification?
Premium users have the right to attach from 5 up to 20 photos and create the eye-catching gallery. The image will be visible to others only when it passes the verification process. The administrators will just analyze the pictures to ensure there is no illegal content. Once the verification is over, the user can savor your gallery. The entire process usually takes a couple of hours.
How to delete the FriendFinder account?
The procedure is multi-staged but still straightforward and timesaving.
- Enter FriendFinder and log in.
- Go to the top menu bar to pass on âMy Accountâ.
- Press âDelete Accountâ and then select the âPermanently Delete My Entire Accountâ option.
The algorithm will redirect you to a new page where itâs necessary to type a password and click the âYes Delete My Accountâ option.
How to see who likes you on FriendFinder without paying?
Once your profile has become public, youâll get âlikesâ. However, messaging is a privilege of the VIP users. If you are a Standard member of the website, this allows you to send winks to show your interest. The receivers might return the flirt to let you know about their admiration.
How to block someone on FriendFinder?
If you prefer to stop interaction with one of the daters, the system allows you to block him/her within the âBlocked Member Listâ. Zero of info will be visible for annoying remora or a scammer.
How to cancel FriendFinder subscription?
The auto-renewal automatically prolongs premium membership. The system will withdraw money from your bank card youâve filed before (the data stores in your âBilling History & Credit Card Infoâ section). If you want to stop membership, follow the instructions below:
- Sign in FriendFinder via your username and password.
- Click the âMy Accountâ link from the top menu of your page.
- Enter the account section.
- Opt for âBilling History & Credit Card Infoâ link to see the product status.
- Click the âOFFâ option under product status to switch off the auto-renewal.
Conclusion
FriendFinder is an all-in-one platform for open-minded people. Regardless of its design, it allows putting an end to routine and fully immersing yourself in tempting and cockeyed online dating. The opportunity to run a personal blog and outreach to other members on forums is a rare chance to shine. So, even if your searches are doomed to failure, the service ensures exciting interaction and plenty of new friends.
Of course, you have to make efforts to stay away from scammers on FriendFinder. Besides, itâs necessary to upgrade to a premium membership to enjoy all the websiteâs features. However, these issues are typical for online dating and might be completely invisible if you know what you are doing.
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