[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":80},["ShallowReactive",2],{"iKa2CPrG0r":3,"Ue6sy8ZKOi":10,"vubdAfzOpn":32,"GtR295wjuP":47},{"$typeName":4,"id":5,"metaTitle":6,"metaDescription":7,"idTemplate":8,"status":9},"core.api.platform.blog.GetBlogResponse",20,"BestDates Blog: Useful Tips, New Features & Expert Advice","Explore practical communication tips, platform updates, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build better connections on your BestDates journey","1","active",{"$typeName":11,"items":12},"core.api.platform.blog.GetCategoriesResponse",[13,19,24,28],{"$typeName":14,"id":15,"name":16,"slug":17,"categoryGroup":18},"core.api.platform.blog.Category",21,"Trust & Safety","trust-safety","safety",{"$typeName":14,"id":20,"name":21,"slug":22,"categoryGroup":23},22,"Building Friendships","building-friendships","friendship",{"$typeName":14,"id":25,"name":26,"slug":27,"categoryGroup":27},23,"Advice","advice",{"$typeName":14,"id":29,"name":30,"slug":31,"categoryGroup":31},25,"Product","product",{"$typeName":33,"article":34},"core.api.platform.blog.GetArticleResponse",{"$typeName":35,"id":36,"title":37,"content":38,"slug":39,"coverImage":40,"coverImageAlt":37,"metaTitle":41,"metaDescription":42,"isFeatured":43,"dateUpdated":44,"categoryGroup":27},"core.api.platform.blog.Article",97,"Safe Communication Habits on BestDates: What to Share and When","\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 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*{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}body.mobile .blog-content h1{padding:24px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:20px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content 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>At some point in a BestDates conversation, most people wonder how much to share with someone they've only just started talking to. A phone number, a workplace, a neighborhood, or something more personal all deserve a little thought first.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>The wider picture shows why. According to a \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/data-visualizations/data-spotlight/2026/04/reported-losses-scams-social-media-eight-times-higher-2020\">Federal Trade Commission data spotlight\u003C/a> published in April 2026, nearly 30% of people who reported losing money to fraud in 2025 said it started on social media, with total reported losses of $2.1 billion.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Whether you've just created your BestDates account or you've been here a while, a few habits help. They aren't about suspicion. They're about giving exchanges the pace and space to develop in a way that works for you.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-to-share-at-each-stage-of-a-conversation\" data-toc-id=\"what-to-share-at-each-stage-of-a-conversation\" data-title=\"What to Share at Each Stage of a Conversation\">What to Share at Each Stage of a Conversation\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>There's no need to share everything in the opening messages. A simple way to pace a conversation is to let it deepen in steps, as the table below shows.\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>Stage\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Fine to share\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Better to hold back\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>First messages\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Interests, hobbies, favorite topics\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Phone number, workplace, last name\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A few exchanges in\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Lifestyle, field of work, everyday routines in general terms\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Home address, daily schedule\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Over time\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Personal stories and opinions, at your own pace\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Financial details, passwords, identity documents\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cp>When people first join, they often ask: is BestDates safe? The answer has two parts. Our part is the system: moderation, reporting, and verification tools on BestDates aimed at reducing unwanted content. Your part is awareness: what you share, when you share it, and how you use features such as Report Abuse and block. Both parts work together, and the rest of this article covers yours.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"writing-your-profile-and-your-first-messages\" data-toc-id=\"writing-your-profile-and-your-first-messages\" data-title=\"Writing Your Profile and Your First Messages\">Writing Your Profile and Your First Messages\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your profile is the first thing another member sees on the BestDates website, and everything entered in a profile field is publicly visible. These tips help you write one you're comfortable with:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Write two to four short lines in a conversational tone\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Mention interests that give other members an easy place to start\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Leave out your phone number, home address, email address, and social media handles\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>A thoughtful first message on BestDates does more than a generic one, and quality matters more than quantity:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Refer to something specific in the other person's profile, such as a shared hobby\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Ask one open question that is easy to answer\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Try an opener such as \"I saw you're into hiking too. How did you get started?\"\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>When the blank page feels difficult, icebreakers are there as conversation starters you can choose to use. For more ideas, read our guide on \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/start-conversation/\">how to start a conversation online\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"financial-details-are-a-firm-line\" data-toc-id=\"financial-details-are-a-firm-line\" data-title=\"Financial Details Are a Firm Line\">Financial Details Are a Firm Line\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Never share financial information with someone you've connected with through BestDates or any other online platform, even if the conversation has ended. That covers bank details, card numbers, digital wallet information, and passwords of any kind.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Requests for money can arrive after a long, friendly exchange, even when framed as an emergency, so the request itself matters more than how well the conversation went. If it happens, these steps help:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Stop replying to the request\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Save a screenshot of the message, including the time it was sent and the profile name\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Use the Report Abuse option on the profile\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Block the member to end contact\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If you've shared card or bank details, contact your bank or card provider right away, and change your password if you've shared login details\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"signs-worth-taking-seriously-in-a-new-conversation\" data-toc-id=\"signs-worth-taking-seriously-in-a-new-conversation\" data-title=\"Signs Worth Taking Seriously in a New Conversation\">Signs Worth Taking Seriously in a New Conversation\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Certain patterns are worth recognizing when they appear in a BestDates conversation. Messages that feel templated, don't respond to what you actually said, or escalate quickly in intensity are worth noting, and so are stories that shift over time. Other common patterns include:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Repeated requests for money, gift cards, or transfers outside BestDates\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Cryptocurrency investment pitches from someone you've only just started talking to\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Pressure to switch to a personal messaging app or another external service before you've had time to get to know the person\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Claims of an emergency that call for a fast financial decision\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>None of these is conclusive on its own. If you notice one, the block feature ends contact in one action.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"protecting-your-bestdates-account\" data-toc-id=\"protecting-your-bestdates-account\" data-title=\"Protecting Your BestDates Account\">Protecting Your BestDates Account\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A few habits keep your account in good order. This checklist covers the basics:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Use a strong password of 8 or more characters that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Don't reuse that password on any other service, and consider a password manager\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Change your password every 3 to 6 months\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Log out on shared or public devices\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Don't respond to any message that claims to be from BestDates support and asks for your login details\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information, and our support team doesn't ask members for their passwords.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"reporting-blocking-and-verification-at-a-glance\" data-toc-id=\"reporting-blocking-and-verification-at-a-glance\" data-title=\"Reporting, Blocking, and Verification at a Glance\">Reporting, Blocking, and Verification at a Glance\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>BestDates gives members different tools for different moments. Here is what you can do in some common situations:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If a message makes you uncomfortable, report it from the conversation, or block the member to end contact right away\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If a profile looks off to you, use the Report Abuse option on that profile so the BestDates team can review it\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If you'd like more context about who you're talking to, look for a verification badge and weigh it alongside your own judgment\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If you want a break, deactivate your account in Settings and return by logging back in\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If you decide to leave BestDates, delete your account in Settings, which ends it permanently\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>On BestDates, members can choose voluntary identity verification through a best-in-class third-party provider, and those who complete it receive a verification badge. The badge confirms that an identity check took place and says nothing about the rest of a profile. When specific signals suggest that an account may belong to someone under 18, age verification is triggered, and access is paused until it is completed.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>BestDates moderation combines automated tools with trained specialists who review publicly visible content such as profiles, profile photos, and newsfeed posts, along with member reports. To see how these tools fit together, read \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/trust-and-safety-guide/\">the full guide to our protection system\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"building-good-habits-over-time\" data-toc-id=\"building-good-habits-over-time\" data-title=\"Building Good Habits Over Time\">Building Good Habits Over Time\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Communicating well online comes down to a handful of small habits: pacing what you share, noticing patterns, using the tools available, and giving conversations time to develop on BestDates. Nothing about BestDates asks you to move faster than feels comfortable, and if pressure builds to share more or switch platforms before you're ready, you can slow down or step back. For anything that needs closer attention, write to \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a>. Initial responses typically arrive within 24 hours.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","safe-communication-habits","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzkl124s6pdvfd6.754a493b.jpg","BestDates Safe Communication: What to Share and When","Is BestDates safe? 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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>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":45,"valueIso8601":60},"2026-10-26T07:54:18+00:00",{"$typeName":35,"id":62,"title":63,"content":64,"slug":65,"coverImage":66,"coverImageAlt":63,"metaTitle":67,"metaDescription":68,"isFeatured":43,"dateUpdated":69,"categoryGroup":18},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 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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":45,"valueIso8601":60},{"$typeName":35,"id":71,"title":72,"content":73,"slug":74,"coverImage":75,"coverImageAlt":72,"metaTitle":76,"metaDescription":77,"isFeatured":43,"dateUpdated":78,"categoryGroup":27},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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.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\u003Ch2 id=\"bestdates-social-media\" data-toc-id=\"bestdates-social-media\" data-title=\"BestDates Social Media Accounts Matched to Your Interest\">BestDates Social Media Accounts Matched to Your Interest\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>If you are curious about BestDates, our social media pages are a good place to explore the platform before you register. Depending on your interest, you may want to:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Take a first look at how BestDates works: \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.instagram.com/bestdatescom/\">BestDates Instagram\u003C/a> and \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.youtube.com/@bestdatescom\">BestDates YouTube\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Learn more about the place where members meet new people online: \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/@bestdates__\">BestDates TikTok\u003C/a> and \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.pinterest.com/bestdates_/\">BestDates Pinterest\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Keep up with our updates and announcements: \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.facebook.com/bestdatescom/\">BestDates Facebook\u003C/a>, \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://x.com/BestDates_X\">BestDates X\u003C/a>, and \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://www.threads.com/@bestdatescom\">BestDates Threads\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>When you decide to take the next step, you can create an account on BestDates. The platform runs in a browser, so there is nothing to install.\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.",{"$typeName":45,"valueIso8601":79},"2026-10-28T10:35:12+00:00",1793279471701]