It is no news to hear that men and women alike are getting frustrated with online dating sites. For the most part, it seems women bear the brunt when it comes to unsolicited messages online. This is particularly annoying when these messages include pornographic material. Most sites presently filter out explicit content (unless it is primarily a hookup site).
With Bumble, the ball is in the ladies’ court, so to speak. Initiating a conversation starts with her, and all the man can do is wait for a message from the same. The site has a 24-hour window for ladies to respond to a man’s reaction to their post. If she doesn’t, the conversation and possibly, the potential new friend, will disappear entirely. This is the case with the free version.
The demographic itself speaks for a group of people who may just be looking for some good, clean fun. Nothing ridiculously kinky, or even long term, the majority of the members fall under 30. With an app that offers the same features as the desktop version, the site is mostly image-oriented. The better your pics (especially as a dude), the more likely a lady is to message you. So, who wins here, men or women? Or are there only losers like many other sites? You be the judge.
Overview
This site’s app was created off the same platform as Tinder. There are, in fact, a lot of similarities between the two apps. The main difference and perhaps Bumble’s strongest feature is that it is female-oriented. The ladies get to decide who to interact with. This was done to eliminate the ever-annoying lewd and unsolicited texts that are the basis of online dating. Simply put, as you swipe to the right or left, you are, in fact, liking or dismissing a photo. Once a lady likes a photo, the man gets to twiddle his thumbs as he waits for a message from the lady (ladies). If she does, in fact, ignore it altogether, there may not be any more communication (or opportunity for one) after 24 hours have elapsed.
Member Structure
Bumble’s clientele is comprised of younger adults. Most of the users are women and men below the age of thirty. The ratio is men and women point to them being equally distributed. These youth visit the site at a rate of approximately three million (US) monthly. A review of the site shows that a majority of members are not just looking for hookups. Many want the friendship aspect, as well as a bit of love, of course.
Signing up
Years back, you could not register without a Facebook account, period. Of course, with time, this changed, for obvious reasons. Not everyone is active on Facebook. Even if they are, many would want a totally different existence outside of social sites. So, in order to sign up on Bumble.com today, it will take less than three minutes. Once you connect with your FB account, personal information, including friends from Facebook, will show up as recommended matches. Simply link your account, or input your phone number and flirt away (or wait to be flirted on, if you are a guy.
Profile Quality
The irony of it all. In the real world, men are not as being visual beings, everything that the eye sees, the body wants. Well, on Bumble, the entire interface is based on visuals, and what the LADIES think of them. The photos in themselves will most likely be extracted from your FB profile if you used that to register. On the other hand, a member will decide which photos to upload on this new profile, if they registered using their phone number. The profiles have less information on interests, hobbies, dislikes, and likes as they focus more on what people look like. Imagery is everything. Incidentally, all these pics (and the information therein) are available for the public’s viewing.
Contacting Members
In a nutshell, ladies will let you know if you will, in fact, be communicating, and when. Men get to swipe on photos, responding in a manner that says, “I like what I see” or nothing at all. Men cannot message anyone they like until they respond first- unless it is a same-sex relationship. With gay or lesbian matches, either party can send a message when they feel the need to. Messages are sent for free, and the 24 Hour limit is enforced here as well.
Special Features
The mobile app comes with an impressive interface and provides all of the features that the website does. Users can easily check their messages and scroll through profiles. While some pages take some time to load, the app is generally great for busy young professionals who want to browse on the move. With features like pop-ups for highly compatible matches and all main features listed on the bottom of the screen, the app is easy and convenient to use with one hand. In fact, it is more popular than the website!
- Bumble BFF – This is a very straightforward (and cute) addition to their mobile app. The demographic on this platform tend to focus more on building relationships, more than hookups. This option is available for those who are looking for friendships- not sex.
- BumbleBizz – Who would’ve thought. A site that takes into account those who want just to chill (friendships) and those who want to link up with other professionals. BumbleBizz lets you connect with your LinkedIn account to find new connections for business-oriented matter, not love
- If you upgrade to a premium package, you have the option to salvage a swipe that you accidentally sent the wrong way. Meaning, if you swiped right (to dismiss), you can get a second chance to amend your decision.
Mobile App
Using the app, which you can download from the App store, you will get notifications for matches nearby. This is based on location settings on your phone. The app will trace someone (in close proximity) who fits your preference list in age and gender. This leaves you with the option to swipe right or left on their pics. Right meaning you like their photo. At this stage, the lady has to start up a conversation before the man has a chance at the same. The app is free to download and use, but of course, there are benefits that come with a paid subscription
Testimonials
“I have very little time at my disposal to find a dive bar and sit waiting for women. This app has helped a great deal, especially for the lady who most likely would get offended from unwarranted and explicit photos. Even as a man, I prefer that ladies get to go first. I have to say it’s a good boost to your ego when she makes the first move.”
—Thomas, 29
“There is a new feature for face time, amongst others now. It seems that the site is really picking up for the ladies. I love it because it is not just about sex anymore. Many of the people I meet here actually want to set up a girls’ night out, or something similar. I would recommend this site for anyone who wants some sensible matchmaking, and good, clean friendship building.”
—Diedre, 30
“This is the best site for women to date! When you subscription is depleted, you have an opportunity to view some connections that you made earlier. It is a refreshing experience to say the least. Not to mention that you do not receive countless absurd messages, and even more obscenities through photos.”
—Felister, 23
Costs and Prices
This is a free-to-use application. All activities, including messaging and viewing, can be done on the desktop site, or the mobile platform. There are a few paid packages to explore if you choose to do so. The Boost option is a paid package, giving you the Beeline advantage. This will cut down swiping time through listings of those who’ve liked you. All you get to do now is click yes to show interest. Other features here include Rematch, which considers matches that are now obsolete. All these options are available under the paid subscriptions below.
1-week membership $ 8.99 1-month membership $ 24.99 3-month membership $ 16.66/ month 6-month membership $13.33/ month
Special Features – other special features include
- Circumventing existing timelines such as the 24 Hour deadline to respond to messages. This feature is available as a perk on their Boost Premium subscription.
- It is now compatible with Instagram so photos can be downloaded directly from your IG account
- Bumble Hive is open to all paying members. Occasionally, the admins cater for some live meets. These are great events to socialize not just to gain new friends but possibly business partners.
- A virtual dating badge shows other users that you are willing to participate in some fun, video calls.
Summary
Frequently Asking Questions