Bumble

• User-Friendly App
• Not Just For Dating
• Unique Approach
• Post-Match Chat Rate
• Focuses on Safety
• Lots of Users
• Photo Verification 
• Snooze Feature

User-Friendly App

The app is user-friendly and easy to navigate. To get started: 

• Download the app (iOS or Android)
• Set up the profile
• Choose the preferred gender (Men, Women, or Everyone)
• Start swiping

Previously, users were required to initially log in through their Facebook account to access Bumble. However, since the Cambridge Analytica debacle, users now have the option to sign up with a phone number instead. 

If you do sign up with your Facebook account, the platform pulls from their social media profile, making it faster and easier to build your dating profile. You can even import photos from your Facebook profile. The app displays employment history, age, and education information on users' profiles unless otherwise specified. In addition to Facebook, users also have the option of linking their Spotify or Instagram account. 

Another way that Bumble offers a more user-friendly experience is by offering more inclusive gender descriptions. Rather than having to select your gender as Male or Female, as you often are required to do on some of the more old-school dating sites, Bumble offers inclusive gender identity and sexual orientation options on its app. 

Not Just For Dating

Although Bumble started primarily as a free dating app, users can also use their Bumble account to expand their career opportunities and social network. On Bumble Bizz, members can pursue a career change, meet team-members, co-workers or become a mentor.

Bumble Bizz was created so that professionals can connect with other professionals and help make networking feel more natural. 

Bumble BFF is an excellent option for people who are new to a city or are wanting to expand their social circle. BFF was designed to make it easier for users to build a supportive community. No matter where users are located, Bumble BFF makes it easier to create meaningful and lasting relationships. 

All three modes are available to access easily in one account, without needing to download multiple mobile apps. 

Unique Approach

Unlike the majority of dating sites, this app gives men a break and females the power. Bumble hopes that by giving women the power to make the first move, it creates a safer dating environment built on equal ground. Stereotypically, the man is the one who is expected to initiate the conversation, and Bumble is trying to bring equality into the mix.

So how does Bumble work?

It only allows communication once both users have mutually selected each other, a safety and compatibility feature that many women enjoy when using the app. Going into that first conversation, both individuals will have already expressed some form of interest for one another.

This app is also great for men that find initiating conversations with women stressful or daunting. Men on the app commonly claim that when women contact them, it makes them feel "flattered." However, for men who have their eyes set on a woman who did not contact them in the first 24 hours, they can choose to extend the allotted time to 48 hours, once a day. Even with the time extension, however, it is not guaranteed that the women will respond. If she chooses not to, the connection still disappears.

In addition, Bumble is a same-sex friendly dating app, if there is a mutual connection, both users have the ability to make the first move and start the conversation. If you are interested in pursuing a same-sex relationship or a platonic relationship on the Bumble app, keep in mind that the 24-hour time frame still applies for either of the two parties to start the conversation.

Post-Match Chat Rate

Common complaints about dating apps like Tinder are that once a match is made, users don't always follow-through and chat with their matches. With this dating service, Bumble's unique approach to matching and messaging and its 24-hour rule, provide a higher incidence of post-match messaging. 

Focuses on Safety

Bumble aims to create a safe and enjoyable experience for every member using the app/site. As Bumble has a diverse community, the company urges its users to be respectful of others' beliefs, interests, and property. Bumble states that it takes a strong stance against hate speech, rude or abusive behavior, bullying, and misogyny. The online dating app encourages all its users to report any inappropriate behavior.

Bumble also has particular photo guidelines:

• No kids on their own. They must be in the photo with an adult, and fully clothed
• No photos in bikinis/swimwear indoors
• No pictures in underwear
• No Shirtless/underwear Mirror Selfies. (praise the maker)
• Face must be clearly visible in all photos
• No watermarks or text overlaid
• No pornographic material
• No graphic hunting photos
• No guns

Bumble users can also report a fake profile by scrolling to the bottom of the profile and clicking on the ‘Block and Report’ option. Users will then be asked to give a report reason and include any additional comments for the Bumble moderation team to consider. 

On top of that, iOS users can try out the Private Detector, which will warn you if any lewd photos are sent to you via messaging. 

Lots of Users

As of September 2019, Bumble was the second-most popular dating app in the United States by size, with an audience of 5.03 million. The first place was Tinder, with 7.86 million. 

What does it mean for you?

Using one of the most popular dating apps means that your local dating pool should be larger, than if you use a less popular option. According to Statista, less popular options include online dating apps like Plenty of Fish (4.28 million), Match (1.95 million), or OK Cupid (1.79 million). 

Photo Verification 

To help cut down on fake profiles, Bumble has an option to verify your profile. The system provides a selfie pose that you have to copy. Once you submit the picture, it will be reviewed by a real (human) administrator, within a few minutes. 

Once your profile is verified, you can request verification on your matches' profiles as well. 

Snooze Feature

Bumble offers a snooze feature that keeps you out of potential matches' dating/swiping pool while preserving your account and any saved connections. There are a few different snooze time limit options:  

• 24 hours
• 72 hours
• 7 days
• Indefinitely

So, if you are too busy to Bumble, you don't have to worry about not responding quickly enough to potential matches, before they expire. You can also take a social media cleanse, without having to delete your app or profile. 

• Only 24 Hours to Connect with Someone
• Bumble Profile Limitations
• Lack of Complete Algorithm
• Not All Features Are Available on the Website

Only 24 Hours to Connect with Someone

Some men are frustrated that women don't always start the conversation in the 24 hour period, resulting in a lost dating connection. The time limit adds pressure and can make the process feel inorganic and rushed. Not only that, but the 24 hour time period is easy to forget. If women don't initiate the conversation with guys in the allotted time, he is left powerless, and the match disappears. If turned on, push notifications can act as reminders for women.

There is an Extend option. All app users get a free Extend per day. If you subscribe to Bumble Boost, you get unlimited Extend use. 

Bumble Profile Limitations

Bumble only allows users to have 6 pictures, their job title, place of employment, education, and then a tagline that is limited to 300 characters on their complete dating profile. Users don't have access to much information right off of the bat, but setting up your account is way faster than dating sites that require a long questionnaire. 

Like Tinder though, a majority of users base their decision on the physical attractiveness of your profile picture, so word count might not be the biggest issue on this platform. 

Lack of Complete Algorithm

There is no formula or complete algorithm to how matches are chosen. Bumble will match based on age, Facebook information and location. While users can add their education, and job information, there is no verification process to make sure those are correct. When specifying preferences for what the user wants in the other person, the only customizable options are age gender preference.

As far as distance goes, Bumble will first show the closest options. Once those run-out, the dating app will show options farther and farther away. 

Not All Features Are Available on the Website

While Bumble recently made its online dating services available on the web, Bumble Web currently does not offer Bumble Bizz, Bumble BFF, Beeline, or Advanced filters. In addition, purchases for Bumble Boost and Bumble Coins must be processed via mobile device on the Bumble app (you can find the dating app on the app store) to access all the features that this dating platform has to offer.