Until now, Tinder has been limited to just text messages alone. Matches that wanted to exchange photos or video call were forced to use to use other social media platforms for it. However, that is to change.
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According to TechCrunch, Tinder's parent company Match Group, the company also behind Match.com, OkCupid and other dating service, explained that it has been experimenting with the video feature in the past but demand for the feature became widespread following the coronavirus lockdown around the world.
Tinder's video feature is a bit different from those on other social platform, presumably, to prevent some random person you just matched with from calling you. Your Match can't place a video call to you without your consent.
For a video call to go through, both parties will have to enable the feature by tapping the video call button. Also, there is no indicator to show the other user that his or her Match has enabled the video calling feature. The only time a user will know of such is when both parties have enabled it.
When both parties have toggled on video chat, they will have to agree to ground rules before the chat that the call will remain "PG". That is, chats will stay clean with no nudity, sexual content, hate speech, violence, illegal activities, and sort.
"Connecting face-to-face is more important than ever, and our video chat feature represents a new way for people to get to know one another in-app no matter their physical distance," said Rory Kozoll, head of Trust and Safety Products at Tinder in statement about the launch.
"Face to Face prioritize control to help our members feel more comfortable taking this next step in chats if and when it feels right for them. We've built a solid foundation, and look forward to learning from this test over the coming weeks," Kozoll added.
For now, this video chat feature will be available for people Virginia, Illinois, Georgia, and Colorado in the US. Others countries that will have access to this feature includes Brazil, Australia, Spain, Italy, France, Vietnam, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Peru and Chile.