[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":80},["ShallowReactive",2],{"iKa2CPrG0r":3,"Ue6sy8ZKOi":10,"xfpv1Z8hFo":30,"Nd1iNVj7K0":45},{"$typeName":4,"id":5,"metaTitle":6,"metaDescription":7,"idTemplate":8,"status":9},"core.api.platform.blog.GetBlogResponse",20,"BestDates Blog: Useful Tips, New Features & Expert Advice","Explore practical communication tips, platform updates, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build better connections on your BestDates journey","1","active",{"$typeName":11,"items":12},"core.api.platform.blog.GetCategoriesResponse",[13,18,22,26],{"$typeName":14,"id":15,"name":16,"slug":17},"core.api.platform.blog.Category",25,"Product","product",{"$typeName":14,"id":19,"name":20,"slug":21},21,"Trust & Safety","trust-safety",{"$typeName":14,"id":23,"name":24,"slug":25},23,"Advice","advice",{"$typeName":14,"id":27,"name":28,"slug":29},22,"Building Friendships","building-friendships",{"$typeName":31,"article":32},"core.api.platform.blog.GetArticleResponse",{"$typeName":33,"id":34,"idCategory":23,"title":35,"content":36,"slug":37,"coverImage":38,"coverImageAlt":35,"metaTitle":39,"metaDescription":40,"isFeatured":41,"dateUpdated":42},"core.api.platform.blog.Article",82,"BestDates Profile Tips: How to Make a Strong First Impression","\u003Cdiv class=\"blog-content\">\n\u003Cstyle>.blog-content{width:100%;}.blog-content pre{display:none;}.blog-content h1{padding:38px;text-align:center;text-transform:none;color:var(--content-primary-inverse);background-color:var(--background-tertiary);font-size:46px;font-weight:700;line-height:62px;}.blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:64px;margin:64px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:36px;font-weight:700;line-height:44px;}.blog-content h3{margin:24px 0 16px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:600;line-height:36px;}.blog-content h4{margin:16px 0 12px 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h2{scroll-margin-top:52px;margin:52px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:700;line-height:36px;}body.mobile .blog-content h3{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content h4{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content p{margin:12px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul p,body.mobile .blog-content ol p,body.mobile .blog-content ul ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol ul,body.mobile .blog-content ul ol,body.mobile .blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item{list-style-type:disc;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item-ordered{list-style-type:decimal;}body.mobile .blog-content details{margin-bottom:12px;}body.mobile .blog-content details summary{font-size:16px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table td,body.mobile .blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 4px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}body.mobile .blog-content table td *,body.mobile .blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}\u003C/style>\n\u003Cdiv>\n\u003Cp>Your profile on BestDates isn't just a page that describes you. Think of it as your opening line — the right one doesn't appeal to everyone; it resonates with the right person. The people who put a little thought into their profiles before they start filling them in tend to get more out of BestDates, and this guide is designed to help you do exactly that: the strategy behind it, the photo you choose, what you write, and how to make first contact.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"before-you-start-two-questions-to-ask-yourself\" data-toc-id=\"before-you-start-two-questions-to-ask-yourself\" data-title=\"Before You Start: Two Questions to Ask Yourself\">Before You Start: Two Questions to Ask Yourself\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Most people open their profile, fill in whatever comes to mind, and move on. The ones who get better results spend a few minutes thinking first. Here are two questions worth asking yourself before you touch anything:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Who do I actually want to connect with?\u003C/strong> Most people describe themselves without thinking about who they're describing themselves to. The answer shapes everything: what to include, what to leave out, how to say it.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>What would I want someone to notice about me first?\u003C/strong> Not everything belongs in a profile. Identifying the two or three things that would give the right person a reason to write helps you lead with what matters.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-tools-you-have-to-express-yourself\" data-toc-id=\"the-tools-you-have-to-express-yourself\" data-title=\"The Tools You Have to Express Yourself\">The Tools You Have to Express Yourself\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>The BestDates platform gives you several ways to show who you are beyond a single paragraph. Understanding what's available helps you use it properly.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Your photos\u003C/strong> sit at the top of your profile and do the most immediate work. You can add public photos that all members can see, and private photos that you share selectively once a conversation is going.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Your profile sections\u003C/strong> let you write a short introduction in your own words, fill in structured fields covering your interests, tastes, and preferences, and specify what kind of connection you're looking for. Each part serves a different purpose; filling in all of them gives others a fuller picture.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>The newsfeed\u003C/strong> lets you publish short posts, photos, or updates that appear on your profile and in the feeds of BestDates members who follow you. It's a simple way to show a side of yourself that doesn't fit into a few profile fields on BestDates, and it gives people a reason to come back.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>The verification badge\u003C/strong> is available from your BestDates account settings and takes just a couple of minutes to complete. It signals to other members that your identity has been checked, which builds confidence on both sides of a conversation. For anyone who wants to understand how the process works in detail, our \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/identity-verification-how-it-works/\">BestDates identity verification guide\u003C/a> covers it in full.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"choosing-the-right-photos\" data-toc-id=\"choosing-the-right-photos\" data-title=\"Choosing the Right Photos\">Choosing the Right Photos\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your BestDates photo is seen before anything else, and it shapes the first impression before a word has been read.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>What tends to work\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>What to avoid\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A clear, well-lit portrait with your face easy to see\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Blurry, dark, or distant shots\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Natural light (near a window or outside on an overcast day)\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Indoor flash or heavy editing\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A warm, natural expression\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Heavily filtered or edited photos\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Just you in the frame, taken recently\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Group shots or outdated photos\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Nothing covering your face\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Sunglasses, masks, or anything obscuring your face\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cp>For your BestDates albums, variety helps. A mix of settings and situations gives other members a broader sense of who you are. A photo of you doing something you enjoy (a hike, a cooking project, a book you're reading) gives people a natural opening to write about. Keep everything appropriate.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"writing-a-profile-that-starts-conversations\" data-toc-id=\"writing-a-profile-that-starts-conversations\" data-title=\"Writing a Profile That Starts Conversations\">Writing a Profile That Starts Conversations\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Most people undersell themselves in their profile introduction, usually by defaulting to things that could describe almost anyone. Two to four short, conversational lines tend to work better than a long paragraph. The goal isn't length — it's giving someone a specific reason to write.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\"I enjoy hiking, cooking new recipes, and reading mystery novels\" gives someone far more to work with on BestDates than \"I like having fun and meeting new people.\" The specific detail that feels too small to mention is usually the one that earns a reply.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>A few things worth keeping in mind:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Write the way you talk.\u003C/strong> If it reads like a formal bio, it'll probably feel like one too.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Be specific.\u003C/strong> One particular detail beats three generic ones every time.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Leave a thread.\u003C/strong> End on something that naturally invites curiosity or a follow-up.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Stay positive.\u003C/strong> Describe what you bring to a conversation, not what you're screening for.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"content-rules-and-what-we-dont-allow\" data-toc-id=\"content-rules-and-what-we-dont-allow\" data-title=\"Content Rules and What We Don't Allow\">Content Rules and What We Don't Allow\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>BestDates is built around meaningful communication between adults, and we hold the community to clear standards. Here's what we don't allow:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Profile photos must show you and only you. Using someone else's image or a photo that misrepresents you leads to account removal.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>No explicit, offensive, or inappropriate content anywhere on your profile or in your posts.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>No content involving minors, of any kind. This is treated with zero tolerance.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>No personal contact information in public-facing profile fields.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Impersonating another person or providing false information is grounds for a permanent ban.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>If another member crosses a line, use the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/how-to-report-concern/\">block and report options\u003C/a> available on every profile. Our moderation team reviews reports and acts on them. For anything that needs a closer look, our BestDates customer service team is reachable at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"first-messages-are-part-of-the-first-impression\" data-toc-id=\"first-messages-are-part-of-the-first-impression\" data-title=\"First Messages Are Part of the First Impression\">First Messages Are Part of the First Impression\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A strong profile on BestDates opens a door — a strong first message is the step through it. The most common mistake is sending something generic. A message that could have gone to anyone tends to get treated like it was meant for no one.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>The simplest improvement is to reference something specific from the other person's profile or a recent post they've shared. Ask one question that invites a considered answer. Warm and easy is the right register; a first message isn't the place for a long introduction.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>For a walkthrough of all messaging tools, icebreakers, and other features on BestDates, take a look at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/bestdates-features-explained/\">our complete platform guide.\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"making-it-work-over-time\" data-toc-id=\"making-it-work-over-time\" data-title=\"Making It Work Over Time\">Making It Work Over Time\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your profile isn't something you set up once and forget. The members who get the most out of BestDates are those who keep their profiles current on the BestDates website, add new photos occasionally, and stay active on the newsfeed. A profile that reflects who you are right now on BestDates, paired with a thoughtful first message, is the strongest first impression you can make. \u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","profile-tips-first-impression","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzklehlc307vnu6.6c661b69.jpg","BestDates Profile Tips: Make a Strong First Impression","Your profile on the BestDates platform sets the tone for every conversation you'll have. Here's how to make every part of it work for you.",false,{"$typeName":43,"valueIso8601":44},"common.DateTime","2026-10-21T10:29:23+00:00",{"$typeName":46,"items":47},"core.api.platform.blog.GetRelatedArticlesResponse",[48,59,70],{"$typeName":33,"id":49,"idCategory":19,"title":50,"content":51,"slug":52,"coverImage":53,"coverImageAlt":54,"metaTitle":55,"metaDescription":56,"isFeatured":41,"dateUpdated":57},68,"How to Report a Concern on BestDates","\u003Cdiv class=\"blog-content\">\n\u003Cstyle>.blog-content{width:100%;}.blog-content pre{display:none;}.blog-content h1{padding:38px;text-align:center;text-transform:none;color:var(--content-primary-inverse);background-color:var(--background-tertiary);font-size:46px;font-weight:700;line-height:62px;}.blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:64px;margin:64px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:36px;font-weight:700;line-height:44px;}.blog-content h3{margin:24px 0 16px 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.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul p,body.mobile .blog-content ol p,body.mobile .blog-content ul ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol ul,body.mobile .blog-content ul ol,body.mobile .blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item{list-style-type:disc;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item-ordered{list-style-type:decimal;}body.mobile .blog-content details{margin-bottom:12px;}body.mobile .blog-content details summary{font-size:16px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table td,body.mobile .blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 4px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}body.mobile .blog-content table td *,body.mobile .blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}\u003C/style>\n\u003Cdiv>\n\u003Cp>Not every conversation on BestDates goes the way you'd expect. Someone might push for details you're not ready to share, send something you didn't ask for, or try to move things off the BestDates platform before you're ready. \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>According to a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.transunion.com/report/online-dating-2025\">TransUnion Online Dating Report\u003C/a>, 70% of online users have expressed concern about scams on digital platforms where people connect, signaling strong demand for better safety measures. Whether you just created a BestDates new account or you've been here for a while, you don't have to figure out how to handle it alone. This guide shows you how.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"why-reporting-matters\" data-toc-id=\"why-reporting-matters\" data-title=\"Why Reporting Matters\">Why Reporting Matters\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>When something bothers you here on BestDates, reporting it is one of the most useful things you can do, for yourself and for everyone else.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Here's why. When you flag a concern, our team reviews it. If a BestDates member is behaving badly, we can act on it — remove content, restrict access, or block the account entirely. That protects you, but it can also protect the next person that same account might have contacted.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>There's another reason it matters. Our safety systems look for patterns across reports, not just individual cases. So if several people flag an account for the same behavior, that signal reaches us much faster than it would if each report sat in isolation. Your report contributes to something larger than your own experience — even if you never see the result directly.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If something felt off during a conversation and you're not sure whether it is worth flagging, it probably is. We'd rather hear about it and find nothing wrong than have you brush it off and feel uncomfortable on BestDates. There is no such thing as a report that is too small.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-you-can-report\" data-toc-id=\"what-you-can-report\" data-title=\"What You Can Report\">What You Can Report\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>You can report almost anything another member shares on BestDates, and the option appears right on the content itself rather than being buried in a settings menu. For a full overview of what we prohibit on the platform, you can also review our \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/community-pages/rules-policies#acceptable-use-policy\">Terms of Use and Policies\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Types of issues you can report:\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Scams.\u003C/strong> Messages or profiles that push for money, gift cards, or personal financial details.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Harassment.\u003C/strong> Someone who won't stop after being told no, or who turns hostile.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Boundary violations.\u003C/strong> Unwanted explicit content, or pressure for private photos.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Impersonation.\u003C/strong> Copied photos, a fake bio, or someone pretending to be someone they're not.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Spam.\u003C/strong> Unsolicited bulk messages, promotional content, or repeated identical outreach.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>General rule-breaking.\u003C/strong> Anything else that crosses our community guidelines, even if it doesn't fit neatly into one of the categories above.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-report-something-on-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"how-to-report-something-on-bestdates\" data-title=\"How to Report Something on BestDates\">How to Report Something on BestDates\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>The report option is designed to sit close to the content itself, so you don't need to navigate away or search through settings. You'll find it:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>On a profile, near the top of the page.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Inside a chat, next to the message that crossed a line.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>On a photo or post shared in the feed.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>From the BestDates website, reporting takes three steps:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Tap or click the report option on the profile, message, or post.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Choose the category that best matches what you're flagging.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Add detail if you can. A short note about what happened is easier and faster for a reviewer to act on than a bare flag with no context.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-happens-after-you-report\" data-toc-id=\"what-happens-after-you-report\" data-title=\"What Happens After You Report\">What Happens After You Report\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Every report you file on BestDates gets scored automatically, the moment it arrives, so urgent cases move ahead of routine ones.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Priority\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>What It Covers\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>What Happens\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>High\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Threats, or content that puts someone at risk\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Reviewed first, fastest response\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Medium\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Rule-breaking that isn't urgent\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Standard review queue\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Low\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Borderline cases\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Still reviewed, in order\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Ch3>The Steps After Submission\u003C/h3>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Submission.\u003C/strong> You pick a category and add as many details as you can.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Scoring.\u003C/strong> The system automatically scores the report as high, medium, or low priority.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Routing.\u003C/strong> The report goes to the team responsible for that type of issue, and you'll typically get an automatic confirmation that it was received.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Human review.\u003C/strong> A trained specialist reviews anything unclear, sensitive, or high-priority, weighing whatever details you included.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Resolution.\u003C/strong> You're told the outcome or next steps once the case is handled.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>We don't share the full details of an investigation with either side to protect everyone's privacy. You'll find out whether content was removed or an account was restricted, but the person you reported won't know who filed it.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"reporting-vs-blocking-two-different-tools\" data-toc-id=\"reporting-vs-blocking-two-different-tools\" data-title=\"Reporting vs. Blocking: Two Different Tools\">Reporting vs. Blocking: Two Different Tools\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>On BestDates, reporting and blocking solve different problems, and you don't need one to use the other.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Reporting\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Blocking\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>What it does\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Brings your case in front of a safety reviewer\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Cuts off contact right away\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Speed\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Takes time to review\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Immediate\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cp>If something feels like an actual safety concern, using both makes sense: reporting gets a reviewer to look at the account, while blocking stops the contact during that review. For something that's more a matter of personal preference than an actual violation, blocking on its own is usually enough.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cimg src=\"https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzklq9cjtdq8f67.d43e57e4.jpg\" alt=\"How to Report a Concern on BestDates\">\n\u003Ch2 id=\"beyond-your-case-how-reports-make-bestdates-safer\" data-toc-id=\"beyond-your-case-how-reports-make-bestdates-safer\" data-title=\"Beyond Your Case: How Reports Make BestDates Safer\">Beyond Your Case: How Reports Make BestDates Safer\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A report you file on BestDates rarely stays contained to your own situation. However, it also becomes one small piece of evidence that helps protect BestDates members you may never personally meet.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Reports don't just resolve individual situations; they improve the platform for everyone. Here's how that works in practice:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Building a stronger case.\u003C/strong> Repeated reports against the same account add up, and our team uses that pattern to determine when a stronger response is warranted under our community guidelines.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Flagging platform gaps.\u003C/strong> A spike in one category of BestDates complaints can point to a gap in the platform itself (a missing prompt, an unclear flow, or a design problem), which then gets fixed.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Training our detection systems.\u003C/strong> Every well-submitted report contributes to the data that helps our automated tools improve. Reports reviewed today help our BestDates systems catch similar content in the future, before anyone else has to flag it.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>For a fuller picture of how our safety infrastructure works, read our \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/trust-and-safety-guide/\">complete guide on Trust and Safety on BestDates\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"getting-help-when-you-need-it\" data-toc-id=\"getting-help-when-you-need-it\" data-title=\"Getting Help When You Need It\">Getting Help When You Need It\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>If you need help with a safety concern, an account issue, or a billing question, our support team is available around the clock. You'll typically hear back within 24 hours, and most complex issues are resolved within five business days.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If a report won't go through, make sure you're signed in and try again. For anything that needs a closer look, reach out to our team directly at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If you're considering stepping back from BestDates entirely, there are two options worth knowing about:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Deactivating your account\u003C/strong> is temporary and reversible. Your profile is hidden, notifications stop, and your data stays intact. You can return simply by logging back in with your BestDates login credentials.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Deleting your account\u003C/strong> is permanent. Your profile and data are removed from our servers and cannot be restored.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>If you're not sure which fits your situation, our team can help. That includes handling a BestDates account deletion request if permanent removal is what you need.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-bigger-picture\" data-toc-id=\"the-bigger-picture\" data-title=\"The Bigger Picture\">The Bigger Picture\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Filing a report can feel like a small, private act — something that only matters to your own situation. In practice, it rarely stays that small. Every report you submit on BestDates adds to a shared picture that helps catch the same trick before it reaches someone else, which is part of what keeps BestDates online communities safer over time. \u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" data-toc-id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" data-title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>Is BestDates safe?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>BestDates is built with multiple layers of protection working together: encryption, automated moderation, human review, and reporting tools that operate around the clock. Our systems are designed to detect and respond to harmful behavior quickly, and our support team is available to help with any concerns. No platform can eliminate all risk, which is why knowing how these tools work and using them when something feels off matters.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>How do I report someone on BestDates?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>Open the profile or conversation you want to flag and look for the report option; it appears directly on the content, so you don't need to navigate away. Choose the category that best describes the issue, add a short note if you can, and submit. Our team reviews it from there, and you'll hear back once the case is handled.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>Will the person I report know it was me?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>No. The person you report never sees who filed the report against them. We also don't share the full details of the investigation with either side, though you'll be told whether the content was removed or the account was restricted.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>How do I block someone?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>Open their profile or your conversation with them and select the block option. It takes effect immediately: you stop receiving messages from them, their content no longer appears in your feed, and they can no longer view your profile. You don't need to file a report first.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>How do I contact BestDates customer service?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>Reach our customer service team anytime at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a>. You'll get an initial response within 24 hours, and most complex cases are resolved within five days.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>What's the difference between reporting and blocking?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>Reporting brings your case to a safety reviewer for possible account-level action — blocking cuts off contact immediately without waiting for a review. They solve different problems, so use either one, both, or neither, depending on what the situation calls for.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","how-to-report-concern","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzkl4qcdavl46kr.26ebaa12.jpg","BestDates Reporting Guide","BestDates Reporting Guide: What You Need to Know","On the BestDates platform, flagging a concern takes a few steps. Here's what you can report, where to find the option, and what happens once you submit",{"$typeName":43,"valueIso8601":58},"2026-10-08T11:50:16+00:00",{"$typeName":33,"id":60,"idCategory":15,"title":61,"content":62,"slug":63,"coverImage":64,"coverImageAlt":61,"metaTitle":65,"metaDescription":66,"isFeatured":67,"dateUpdated":68},72,"BestDates Features Explained: All You Need to Know","\u003Cdiv class=\"blog-content\">\n\u003Cstyle>.blog-content{width:100%;}.blog-content pre{display:none;}.blog-content h1{padding:38px;text-align:center;text-transform:none;color:var(--content-primary-inverse);background-color:var(--background-tertiary);font-size:46px;font-weight:700;line-height:62px;}.blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:64px;margin:64px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:36px;font-weight:700;line-height:44px;}.blog-content h3{margin:24px 0 16px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:600;line-height:36px;}.blog-content h4{margin:16px 0 12px 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h2{scroll-margin-top:52px;margin:52px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:700;line-height:36px;}body.mobile .blog-content h3{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content h4{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content p{margin:12px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul p,body.mobile .blog-content ol p,body.mobile .blog-content ul ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol ul,body.mobile .blog-content ul ol,body.mobile .blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item{list-style-type:disc;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item-ordered{list-style-type:decimal;}body.mobile .blog-content details{margin-bottom:12px;}body.mobile .blog-content details summary{font-size:16px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table td,body.mobile .blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 4px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}body.mobile .blog-content table td *,body.mobile .blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}\u003C/style>\n\u003Cdiv>\n\u003Cp>This is the main reference guide for everything available on BestDates. Whether you've just created a BestDates sign-up or you've been on the platform for a while, it covers all the tools and what you need to know.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Most of the questions members have follow the same pattern: how do I find people here? What's the easiest way to start talking to someone? What can I send in a message? How do I stay safe? And what can I do for free versus what costs money? \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>We built this guide to answer all of those in one place, walking through each feature from the perspective of the situation it was designed for. If you've been wondering how something works on BestDates, or whether a tool exists for something you want to do, the answer is probably here.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-i-find-people-on-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"how-do-i-find-people-on-bestdates\" data-title=\"How Do I Find People on BestDates?\">How Do I Find People on BestDates?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>One of the first things you run into on any communication platform is the same question: where do I even start? The BestDates dating site offers three ways to find people, each suited to different situations depending on what you're looking for.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Search\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If you have a clear sense of who you want to connect with (a particular country, a certain age range, or a specific gender), Search is where to start. You can filter results by country, age, and gender, and choose to see all profiles, only members who are currently online, or only followed members.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>People Carousel\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone arrives on a platform with a fixed idea of who they're looking for. Sometimes you want to browse and see who comes up. The People Carousel on BestDates shows a rotating selection of suggested profiles. You can like or save a profile directly from the carousel without opening it, making it a low-effort way to signal interest while you're still exploring.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Newsfeed\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>The BestDates Newsfeed is built around a different idea: that the best way to find people you'll actually connect with is through what they share. Following someone adds their posts to your feed, and the Newsfeed is also a good way to discover new members based on what they share, rather than just their profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-can-i-show-interest-in-someone\" data-toc-id=\"how-can-i-show-interest-in-someone\" data-title=\"How Can I Show Interest in Someone?\">How Can I Show Interest in Someone?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>You've found someone interesting, but you're not sure how to make the first move. BestDates offers several ways to signal interest, and they'll appear at different points depending on where you are on the platform.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Like:\u003C/strong> when you're browsing the People Carousel, a heart icon lets you like a profile with one tap. The other member is notified that you've shown interest, which may prompt them to visit your profile in return. No pressure on either side.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Wink:\u003C/strong> when you visit someone's profile for the first time, you'll see two options: Wink, or Say hello. A Wink is a one-time gesture that says \"I noticed you\" without committing to a message.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Say hello:\u003C/strong> appears alongside Wink on the chat. Tapping it sends a ready-made opening message. It's the quickest route from interest to conversation.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Follow:\u003C/strong> this one isn't about a single moment; it is about staying connected over time. Following a member means their BestDates online posts keep appearing for you, even if a conversation hasn't started yet.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Like\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Wink\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Say hello\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Follow\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>What it does\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Signals interest\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A light nudge\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Sends a ready-made opener\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Subscribes to their posts\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Free or paid\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Free\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Free\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Paid\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Free\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Starts a chat?\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>No\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>No\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Yes\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>No\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-i-start-a-conversation-on-the-bestdates-website\" data-toc-id=\"how-do-i-start-a-conversation-on-the-bestdates-website\" data-title=\"How Do I Start a Conversation on the BestDates Website?\">How Do I Start a Conversation on the BestDates Website?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Starting a conversation with someone you've never met is the part most people find the hardest. We designed three ways to make it easier, depending on how much control you want over what you say and how many people you want to reach at once.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Icebreakers\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Icebreakers are pre-written conversation starters designed for one specific situation: when you want to reach out to several people at once without writing a different opening line for each one. You pick a message, choose between 2 and 5 members to send it to, and hit send. The same message goes to all of them at once, starting multiple conversations in a few clicks.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>To send an icebreaker:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Find the icebreaker option and select it.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Pick a message from the available options.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Choose between 2 and 5 members to send it to.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Send.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>Icebreakers are a paid feature on BestDates. There is no limit on how many icebreakers BestDates members can receive.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Opening Line Templates\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>When you start a chat with another member, you will see a selection of pre-written opening lines in the message box. These are short, question-style prompts on BestDates designed to invite a reply (for example: \"What is your hobby?\"). You can tap one to send it as your first message instead of writing from scratch.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>You can also save a personal template, so a go-to opener is always available when starting a new conversation. Template messages on BestDates are charged the same as other chat messages.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Writing Your Own First Message\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>For something more personal, typing a message directly is always an option. Referencing something from the other person's profile or a recent post tends to get a stronger response than something generic.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>For advice on what to share and how to communicate safely from the start, read our guide: Safe Communication Habits on BestDates: What to Share and When.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"which-messaging-options-do-i-have\" data-toc-id=\"which-messaging-options-do-i-have\" data-title=\"Which Messaging Options Do I Have?\">Which Messaging Options Do I Have?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Not every conversation is the same. Sometimes a quick exchange is exactly right. Other times you want to write something more considered, or share a photo alongside your message. We built two distinct messaging formats on BestDates to handle both.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Chat\u003C/strong> is live, short-form messaging that lets a conversation develop at a natural pace. It's the format most conversations start in and stay in.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Mail\u003C/strong> is for when you have more to say. Mail messages are longer and support photo attachments, making them better suited to more detailed correspondence or when you want to share something visual as part of the message itself.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Drafts\u003C/strong> are there for when you start a message but don't finish it. BestDates saves it automatically, so you can come back to it later without losing what you wrote.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Chat Translation\u003C/strong> is available to some members and translates incoming and outgoing messages as they arrive. It is designed for conversations on BestDates where language might otherwise be a barrier. Each translated message is clearly marked as a translation, and you can tap to view the original text at any time. If a translation seems off, you can flag it directly.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-i-share-photos-and-stickers\" data-toc-id=\"how-do-i-share-photos-and-stickers\" data-title=\"How Do I Share Photos and Stickers?\">How Do I Share Photos and Stickers?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes a conversation reaches a point where showing is better than describing, or you just want to add a little lightness to an exchange. We have two features for that.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Photo sharing\u003C/strong> lets you send images directly inside an active chat. Whether it's something you cooked, a place you visited, or anything easier to show than explain, you can share it. Photos shared in chat are separate from profile albums.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Stickers\u003C/strong> are expressive graphics you can add to any message. They're there for the moments when a well-chosen image says something faster and more accurately than typing it out.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Both photo sharing and stickers are paid features on BestDates.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"is-bestdates-safe-to-use\" data-toc-id=\"is-bestdates-safe-to-use\" data-title=\"Is BestDates Safe to Use?\">Is BestDates Safe to Use?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your sense of security on BestDates matters as much as any other part of the experience. We have built several tools for different situations: whether you want to understand who you're talking to, stop contact from someone, flag something for our team, or take a step back from the platform entirely.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Verification Badge\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Wondering whether the person on the other side of a conversation is who they say they are is a common concern. The verification badge is our response to it. It's optional and available to any BestDates member in your account settings.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>To get verified:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Go to your BestDates account settings and find the verification option.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Have a valid, unexpired government-issued ID ready, along with a device with a working camera and good lighting.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Submit a clear photo of your ID.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Take a live selfie. Our third-party partner matches it against your ID to confirm a match.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If the check passes, the badge appears on your profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>Most members complete the verification process on their first attempt on BestDates. For a full explanation of how the system works, read our guide on identity verification on BestDates.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Block and Report\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If a conversation takes an unwanted turn or someone's behavior crosses a line, you have two tools that work independently of each other.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>To block a member:\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Open their profile or your conversation with them.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Select the block option.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>The block takes effect immediately: they can no longer message you or view your profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>To report a member:\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Open their profile, a message, or a post they've shared.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Select the Report Abuse option (it's available on every profile on the BestDates website).\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Choose the category that best describes the issue and add any details that might help.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Submit. Our moderation team reviews all reports.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>You don't need to block someone to report them, and you don't need to report someone to block them. The two tools are independent.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Account Management\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Deactivating your account is the option for a break without leaving permanently. Your profile is hidden, notifications stop, and your data stays intact. You can return simply by logging back in. Deletion removes all data from our servers and cannot be undone.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cimg src=\"https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzkl92ha9ej6dna.6a876b5b.jpg\">\n\u003Ch2 id=\"bestdates-cost-how-it-works\" data-toc-id=\"bestdates-cost-how-it-works\" data-title=\"BestDates Cost: How It Works\">BestDates Cost: How It Works\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>For anyone looking for a clear BestDates cost breakdown, the first thing worth knowing is that there is no BestDates subscription. The platform does not charge a recurring fee — instead, it operates on a feature-by-feature basis, meaning you pay only for the specific features you choose to use. \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>It is free to create your account and explore the platform — there is no need to commit until you are ready to use the messaging features. When you are, chat, mail, photo sharing, stickers, and icebreakers are subject to a fee. The table below shows the full breakdown.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Free\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Paid\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Registration and account creation\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Chat\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Browsing profiles and Search\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Mail\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>People Carousel\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Photo sharing\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Newsfeed\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Stickers\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Like, Wink, and Follow\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Icebreakers\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Verification badge\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Block and Report\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"get-the-most-out-of-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"get-the-most-out-of-bestdates\" data-title=\"Get the Most Out of BestDates\">Get the Most Out of BestDates\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>That BestDates guide covers every feature currently available on the platform. Each one is built for a different moment — finding people, making a first move, keeping a conversation going, or knowing what to do when something feels off. The platform is designed to work at your own pace, with no pressure to move faster than you're comfortable with.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If a feature isn't working the way you'd expect, or you have a question not covered here, the BestDates support team is available at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a> — initial responses typically arrive within 24 hours. You can also find help articles in the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/community-pages/home\">Safety Center on the BestDates website.\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Creating an account is free, and everything you need to browse profiles and explore the platform comes with it. Register now on \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"http://BestDates.com\">BestDates.com\u003C/a> and start browsing.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","bestdates-features-explained","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzklmttcrlt86rv.3c202636.jpg","Your BestDates Guide: Every Feature Explained","Your BestDates account includes more tools than you might expect. Here's a complete guide to every feature and how to use it.",true,{"$typeName":43,"valueIso8601":69},"2026-10-15T12:43:30+00:00",{"$typeName":33,"id":71,"idCategory":19,"title":72,"content":73,"slug":74,"coverImage":75,"coverImageAlt":72,"metaTitle":76,"metaDescription":77,"isFeatured":41,"dateUpdated":78},75,"How BestDates Approaches Identity Verification","\u003Cdiv class=\"blog-content\">\n\u003Cstyle>.blog-content{width:100%;}.blog-content pre{display:none;}.blog-content h1{padding:38px;text-align:center;text-transform:none;color:var(--content-primary-inverse);background-color:var(--background-tertiary);font-size:46px;font-weight:700;line-height:62px;}.blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:64px;margin:64px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:36px;font-weight:700;line-height:44px;}.blog-content h3{margin:24px 0 16px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:600;line-height:36px;}.blog-content h4{margin:16px 0 12px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}.blog-content p{margin:12px 0;word-break:normal;overflow-wrap:anywhere;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:400;line-height:24px;}.blog-content ul,.blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;padding-inline-start:40px;}.blog-content ul p,.blog-content ol p,.blog-content ul ul,.blog-content ol ul,.blog-content ul ol,.blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}.blog-content ul li{list-style-type:disc;}.blog-content ol li{list-style-type:decimal;}.blog-content img{display:block;max-width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain;object-position:center;margin-bottom:16px;}.blog-content img.ProseMirror-selectednode{outline:2px solid var(--border-brand);}.blog-content a{transition:250ms color linear;text-decoration:none;color:var(--content-brand);}.blog-content a:hover,.blog-content a:active{transition:250ms color linear;text-decoration:none;color:var(--content-brand-hover);}.blog-content .blog-summary{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-accent-subtle);background:var(--background-accent);}.blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-error);background:var(--background-error-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-success-subtle);background:var(--background-success-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid 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h2{scroll-margin-top:52px;margin:52px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:700;line-height:36px;}body.mobile .blog-content h3{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content h4{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content p{margin:12px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul p,body.mobile .blog-content ol p,body.mobile .blog-content ul ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol ul,body.mobile .blog-content ul ol,body.mobile .blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item{list-style-type:disc;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item-ordered{list-style-type:decimal;}body.mobile .blog-content details{margin-bottom:12px;}body.mobile .blog-content details summary{font-size:16px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table td,body.mobile .blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 4px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}body.mobile .blog-content table td *,body.mobile .blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}\u003C/style>\n\u003Cdiv>\n\u003Cp>When you start a conversation with someone you've never met, your knowledge of the other person is limited. You might have access to their photos, some messages, and perhaps their profile. At some point, the question comes up: is the person you're talking to who they say they are? On the BestDates platform, we think that question deserves a concrete answer. This guide explains how our identity verification system works, why we built it, and what it means for you.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"why-we-built-identity-verification\" data-toc-id=\"why-we-built-identity-verification\" data-title=\"Why We Built Identity Verification Into BestDates\">Why We Built Identity Verification Into BestDates\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>According to a TransUnion Newsroom report published in March 2025, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://newsroom.transunion.com/more-than-eight-out-of-ten-dating-app-users-want-platforms-to-verify-age-recency-of-photos-and-location/\">85% of women and 87% of men\u003C/a> believe dating platforms should verify user information. For BestDates, building a verification system wasn't a simple product update — it was a response to shifting expectations about what a responsible platform should do. These five factors shaped the work:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Regulation is getting stricter.\u003C/strong> Frameworks like DSA and GDPR are tightening requirements on platforms around age confirmation. We decided to get ahead of that rather than scramble when the rules land.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Age verification needed to be more effective.\u003C/strong> We wanted a system capable of preventing access to users who don't meet the minimum age requirement, not just at registration, but throughout their time on the platform.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Reactive moderation isn't enough.\u003C/strong> A reporting system and active moderation respond to problems after they've already occurred. We needed a solution that could identify issues before they arise, rather than responding to them afterward.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>A profile photo proves nothing on its own.\u003C/strong> Standard content checks can't confirm that a photo belongs to the person using the account. Verification closes that gap by matching the document to the person in front of the camera.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>BestDates members asked for it.\u003C/strong> More and more members told us they wanted to interact with accounts they could trust. We heard it consistently enough to act. These are the reasons why the BestDates verification system works the way it does.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>Offering a verification tool to every member — and making it worth doing — is how we respond to these challenges in practice.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"choosing-the-right-verification-partner\" data-toc-id=\"choosing-the-right-verification-partner\" data-title=\"Choosing the Right Verification Partner\">Choosing the Right Verification Partner\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Getting the system right meant choosing the right partner. We were looking for a provider capable of accurately handling document verification at scale across different countries and the variety of ID types users might hold. The check needs to reflect not just whether an ID looks valid, but whether you're the person that ID belongs to.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Our partner is a globally recognized provider in the identity verification space, working with organizations across multiple industries and regions. That reach matters to the users practically: when you go through the BestDates check, you're relying on infrastructure that's built to handle IDs from many countries and the document formats that come with a diverse user base. The system is also continuously refined against live conditions in the field, which means it keeps up with new methods people use to misrepresent their identities online.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>One figure that reflects what that infrastructure delivers: the average BestDates verification check takes under 1 minute from start to confirmed result. For most members, it's a brief stop before the badge appears on their profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-identity-verification-works-on-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"how-identity-verification-works-on-bestdates\" data-title=\"How Identity Verification Works on BestDates\">How Identity Verification Works on BestDates\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>We've built the BestDates verification process to be reliable and clear enough that members actually complete it.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>The system works on two tracks — one that any BestDates member can start voluntarily at any time, and one that our moderation system initiates when it detects something worth a closer look.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>When Our System Triggers a Check\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Our moderation system continuously monitors behavioral signals. If an account shows indicators associated with a potential age risk, we initiate a verification process for it. Unusual payment activity linked to your BestDates account can trigger the same check. In both cases, access to the platform is paused until the process is complete.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>How to Get Verified Voluntarily\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Any BestDates member can choose to verify at any time, without being prompted. Here is how:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Get your ID and device ready.\u003C/strong> You'll need a valid, unexpired government-issued ID: a passport or a driver's license; either works. You'll also need a device with a working camera and decent lighting.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Go to your BestDates account settings\u003C/strong> and find the verification option.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Submit a clear photo of your ID.\u003C/strong> The system checks that your document is active and not expired, and reviews its built-in security features: holograms, watermarks, and other elements that confirm the document's legitimacy.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Take a live selfie.\u003C/strong> Our trusted third-party partner compares it against your ID using facial recognition technology to confirm you're the person in the document, and screens out attempts to use fabricated or misrepresented images.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Receive your badge.\u003C/strong> If the check passes, the verified badge appears on your BestDates profile straight away.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>Most members complete the process on their first try. If it doesn't go through, the screen will tell you what needs adjusting: poor lighting, a blurry image, or an ID that wasn't fully in frame are the most common reasons. One correction and a resubmit is usually all it takes.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cimg src=\"https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzkl10u3r1ojuur.9339a6ce.jpg\" alt=\"How to Get Verified Voluntarily\">\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-verification-has-changed\" data-toc-id=\"what-verification-has-changed\" data-title=\"What Verification Has Changed\">What Verification Has Changed\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>These are the improvements we've made in practice, and what each of them means for your experience on the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/\">BestDates dating site\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>More members completing the check.\u003C/strong> The document-plus-selfie process takes less than 1 minute to complete on average. This is a significant improvement, and it means fewer people drop off midway. When you're browsing the BestDates platform, you're seeing a community with more verified members.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>More accurate age verification.\u003C/strong> Our trigger system, working alongside document checks from our partner, has made our age verification more precise. We're identifying potential risk signals earlier and responding to them faster, which keeps the BestDates online platform working the way it should for the members who are here.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Broader coverage.\u003C/strong> Our partner's infrastructure spans a wide range of countries and document types, so we're able to extend verification to more members. We also track where in the flow things feel difficult so we can improve your experience of the process itself over time.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-the-verification-badge-means\" data-toc-id=\"what-the-verification-badge-means\" data-title=\"What the Verification Badge Means\">What the Verification Badge Means\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Say you're browsing on BestDates.com and you come across a profile with a verified badge. The question that naturally follows is: does this mean you can trust everything on this person's profile — their bio and everything they've written, all of it? \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>The badge answers one specific question. It confirms that the document they submitted matched their live selfie, meaning the identity of the person you're interacting with has been verified. What it doesn't extend to is the rest of what you see on their BestDates profile. A BestDates verification badge doesn't cover what someone has written in their bio or what they share with you in your private conversation. Treat both with your own judgment, and if anything you notice gives you pause, use the report or block tools.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>The badge confirms\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>The badge doesn't cover\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Identity check was completed\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Users' profile details\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Account holder is 18+\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>What users say in conversation\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"verification-and-trust-on-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"verification-and-trust-on-bestdates\" data-title=\"Verification and Trust on BestDates\">Verification and Trust on BestDates\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Every conversation you start on the BestDates website begins with a degree of trust you're extending to someone you don't yet know. Identity verification is our way of making that trust a little more grounded — not by promising every interaction will go well, but by giving you the information that the person you're talking to has been verified.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>We are not treating this process as finished. We're working to improve the signals that trigger verification, stay ahead of new approaches to identity fraud, and make the process easier to navigate. The goal is for a BestDates verification badge to be something most members have, rather than something that stands out as exceptional.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>For a broader look at how we approach trust and safety across the platform, read our complete \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/trust-and-safety-guide/\">Trust and Safety guide on BestDates\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" data-toc-id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" data-title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\">Frequently Asked Questions\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>Is BestDates safe to use?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>We've built a system of verification, moderation, and reporting that works around the clock. No platform can promise zero risk, but identity verification adds a meaningful layer to your interactions here. The tools are there; how much you rely on them is up to you.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>Does every member on BestDates need to be verified?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>Not every BestDates account goes through verification. Some accounts are flagged by our safety system, and a check is initiated as a result. Others belong to members who choose to verify voluntarily to earn the badge. It's the same process either way, and the same badge.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>How long does verification take?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>The verification process typically takes just a few minutes, and your results are available immediately once the check is complete.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>What happens if your check doesn't pass the first time?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>The screen tells you specifically what went wrong: usually a blurry photo, poor lighting, or an ID that wasn't fully in frame. Fix that one thing and resubmit. If you're still having trouble, our support team is at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-wrapper\">\n\u003Cdetails data-opened=\"false\">\n\u003Csummary>Is BestDates a legit website?\u003C/summary>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"details-content\">\n\u003Cp>BestDates is an established, operating online dating platform with identity verification, active moderation, and a reporting system running around the clock. Members can verify their identity through a trusted third-party provider, use the built-in report and block tools for anything that concerns them, and reach the support team at any time.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/details>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","identity-verification-how-it-works","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzkl17ddcemqkn5.6d55f741.jpg","BestDates Identity Verification: How It Works","Is BestDates safe to use? Here's how identity verification works, what the badge confirms, and why we built this system.",{"$typeName":43,"valueIso8601":79},"2026-10-19T09:20:43+00:00",1792579024105]