Facebook is testing a video speed-dating app called Sparked that will first allow 4-minute dates to help users find if they are compatible with each other.
Sparked is developed by the company’s in-house NPE (New Product Experimentation) team.
The free-to-use app will offer no public profiles, no swiping and no direct messages (DMs) but a simple video speed-chat.
During the sign-up process, Sparked tells users to “be kind,” “keep this a safe space” and “show up.” A walkthrough of how the app works explains that participants will meet face to face during a series of four-minute video dates, which they can then follow up with a 10-minute date if all goes well. They can additionally choose to exchange contact info, like phone numbers, emails or Instagram handles.
Video dating only recently became a popular idea, mostly spurred by the pandemic and people staying at home and limiting their in-person interactions
