Best Dating Sites
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Niche dating apps are great because they can increase your chances of finding a compatible partner –– which is typically everyone’s goal. Such smaller dating pools can help expedite the dating process because singles don’t have to go through tons of profiles to find their perfect match. You’ll more likely come across a potential date within a like-minded community.
African-American singles are one group that deals with different dating challenges. Black singles can take advantage of a handful of dating apps, but it’s nothing like dating in a space where people not only look like you but also share similar upbringings and beliefs.
The BLK dating app is a popular niche dating platform that’s worth trying if you want to experience elite Black dating. The app is designed to support and encourage more Black love in the world through its features and ongoing support. The hashtag #BlackLove isn’t something that is just seen on social media. BLK plans to continue to serve the Black community and maintain a safe space where they feel welcome. This article will assess how BLK works and how successful it’s been so far.
How It Works: A Popular Dating App for Black Singles
BLK was founded in 2017 by Match Group, which owns Tinder, Match.com, Hinge, OkCupid, and Plenty of Fish, among others. Since its launch, BLK has been on a mission to create a safe space for Black men and women to find meaningful connections with people who share similar likes and interests.
Users find familiar swiping features on BLK to select a match and can swipe left or click the “X” icon on profiles they’re not interested in and swipe right or click the heart icon on profiles that pique their interest. Although BLK approaches matchmaking in a traditional way, its user base of Black singles and special features such as BLK Live distinguish the platform.
BLK Live was created to help build a strong and supportive community. Members can choose to view various livestreams from their favorite streamers, who offer everything from rap battles to enticing dating discussions. BLK Live is a great way to feel connected with the outside world without having to go outside. It’s also a great way to discover other members who share the same interests.
Cost Breakdown: The Paid Subscription Offers Good Perks
Members can join and create a free profile but need to pay for a subscription to use most of BLK’s services. But don’t fret because it’s super affordable and most users say it’s worth the investment. Here is the pricing breakdown for in-app purchases.
- 1 Week of Premium Membership for $9.99
- 1 Week of Elite Membership for $17.99
- Boost – 1 Pack for $2.99
- 1 Month Premium Membership for $19.99
- 1 Month Elite Membership for $29.99
- Super Like — 5 Pack for $4.99
You should pick a subscription based on what you’re looking for and the kind of online dating experience you want on BLK. A premium subscription offers members features that include five super likes per week to help them stand apart from the crowd, rewinds, and unlimited likes, among others.
If you’re looking for enhanced features, check out BLK’s elite membership. With an elite subscription, you can access all of the platform’s premium features — and more. Members can see who likes them to match instantly, and get an ad-free online dating experience.
Safety Features: Community Moderators Remove Fake Profiles
The BLK team prioritizes safe online dating. While online dating is generally a fun and easy way to meet new people, it isn’t without hazards. When you have a ton of scammers in your DMs, it can turn a fun situation into a frustrating one. BLK encourages all daters to remain safe while online dating. That’s why the app provides a list of safety tips members can refer to when needed.
“Your safety is a top priority to us. It is at the core of the way we design, build, and provide our services to you.” – BLK team
The BLK team uses a combination of automated tools and human moderators to review online interactions and take appropriate action against any person deemed harmful to the community.
Whether you’re online dating for the first time or have been on the scene for years, these tips will help you stay guarded against catfishing and other potential threats. BLK advises members to always protect their finances by never sending money to anyone. And if you think you’ve encountered a scammer, you can report it to BLK and the team will conduct a thorough investigation.
Success Rate: BLK Has 4.6 Stars in the App Store
BLK has a rating of 4.6 stars on the Apple App Store, which is a pretty rare feat in the online dating industry! The platform has been around for less than 10 years but is considered a trailblazer for online Black dating. Black singles have expressed that BLK makes them feel comfortable to be themselves –– which is the app’s primary goal. Online dating apps are becoming much more than just a space to find local dates but meaningful connections and community support.
“I’ve been getting a lot of support, which is amazing thanks BLK for making a cool site where we can just be ourselves and support each other in a positive, healthy way.” said a BLK user in a review.
According to members, BLK is also good if you’re struggling to find high-quality local dates. Some daters find themselves compromising when they want to find someone nearby. BLK helps users find local dates that meet their expectations.
“I’m actually pleasantly surprised. I really enjoy the way you have to match before you are able to exchange messages. It cuts down on a lot of unwanted attention and allows the user to progress faster toward their dating goals. Also, there’s a pretty fine selection of men in my area… I Love it,” said a BLK user in a review.
It’s important to note that BLK has had some mixed reviews. Some Reddit reviews show that it doesn’t work for everyone, and common complaints include the quality of the dating pool. Although BLK was designed for Black singles to find meaningful relationships, some members have found it takes time to find someone looking for something serious. So, if you have patience, you may have a better BLK experience.
4 Alternatives to the BLK Dating App
One of the best things about online dating is that if one app doesn’t fit your needs, you can always find another. Although it’s a growing app, BLK isn’t for everyone. And if it’s not for you, you can still find a suitable partner elsewhere. Here are some other options for online dating:
Relationships: Deep Relationships or Just Casual Dates
Match System: Search by location, age, more
Our Experts Say: “BlackPeopleMeet is a large dating site, and its user base is growing every day. If you’re only interested in black or biracial daters, you’ve come to the right place…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Black Singles* |
47%*
53%*
|
5.7 Million* | FREE Trial for New Users |
BlackPeopleMeet is where Black singles can date and mingle online. It’s considered one of the largest online dating sites for African-American singles and people who are interested in Black partners. The site reflects a modern-dating approach and members can access a simple matchmaking process and communication tools that keep conversations flowing.
“Online dating is always risky. Heck, even I’ll admit I got lucky. How was I supposed to know that one day the perfect woman for me would fall into my lap and show me I actually do have a love life to look forward to? BlackPeopleMeet actually helped me find my soulmate. And I really couldn’t be any happier,” said a BlackPeopleMeet user in a testimonial.
If you’re on a budget but still want to experience the online dating scene, BlackPeopleMeet has you covered. Singles can join BlackPeopleMeet for free to browse profiles, keep track of who’s viewing your profile, and view and rate daily match suggestions. But members must subscribe to unlock more features, including sending and receiving messages.
2. Match
Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
Our Experts Say: “About 1.2 million black and biracial daters visit Match every month, which means it has the largest African-American audience in online dating…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
49%*
51%*
|
39.7 Million* | Try Match FREE |
Match is one of the oldest online dating apps. But just because it’s a legacy platform doesn’t mean it’s not updated. Match was launched in 1995 and has maintained a safe and welcoming space for all singles to find love and constantly evolves to reflect modern dating needs. The platform offers a free membership option, so singles can create a profile, upload photos, send and receive winks, and browse through the site to scout out the dating scene. Users don’t have to bother going into their wallets unless they want access to more perks.
Match is typically used for serious dating, and most members are looking for long-term commitment. With hookup culture full in effect, it’s refreshing to be in an environment where people have the same intentions and relationship goals.
“I really enjoyed being on this app. I did not find my current partner on this site but I met a few interesting people who I am still friends with to this day. I would definitely recommend this app to anyone looking to find a partner or even a friend,” said Charisse, a Match user in a review.
3. eharmony
Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System: Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say: “eharmony matches singles based on results of its popular compatibility questionnaire. It’s a good choice for singles of all ethnic backgrounds…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | View Profiles FREE |
eharmony is considered the number one most trusted dating site. It’s a site where people come to find real love and meaningful connections. The platform is on a mission to help you find someone who gets you— hence its motto: “Get who gets you,” eharmony uses a unique matchmaking approach to pair members based on compatibility.
According to eharmony’s records, someone finds love on the platform every 14 minutes. eharmony prides itself on being one of the few dating apps that has a high-quality dating pool.
The online platform offers niche dating communities, such as Black dating and lesbian dating, to help narrow down the dating search for members. Also, if you’re not a big fan of long-distance relationships, eharmony has a location-based tool to help you find local dates. That means you don’t have to worry about meeting an ideal match from across the world and not connecting with them.
“My experience was wonderful, I met my husband via eHarmony in 2014. We were married in 2016 and it has been heaven ever since. We love the same activities, the same hobbies, and we have a great time with each other all the time,” said Carmen in a testimonial.
Relationships: Dates and Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by gender, age, education, more
Our Experts Say: “Approximately, 13% of ChristianMingles’ monthly visitors are black or biracla, which means it’s a great choice for those singles…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Christian Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
3.5 Million* | Try Now for $19.99/Month |
The faith-based dating app Christian Mingle was created to help Christian men and women find God-centered relationships outside of the church. Religion is something many singles consider when dating. For some, it’s imperative to date someone who shares their beliefs. Christian Mingle allows singles to find a God-fearing partner outside of church events.
Since its launch in 2001, Christian Mingle has gained plenty of attention. The app has won many awards, including the Webby Award in the Religion & Spirituality category in 2013. The Christian Mingle team shared that it believes every single should find a love that lasts. With a free membership, singles can search and view profiles, sort through matches, and send likes.
Christian Mingle continues to find new ways to cater to the dating needs of users and improve the online dating experience. Christian Mingle currently has more than 15 million members, so it should be easy to find a connection within such a large dating pool. The app offers a unique way to find a partner. Member profiles detail their interests and even their upbringings, so it is easy to identify compatibility at a glance.
A BLK Profile Can Help a Single Person Find True Love
BLK is a pretty effective dating app that can certainly change your dating life for the better. It’s not the most popular app, but the niche dating service can help single people of color find similar interests and common ground. Whether you’re looking for Black love or a sense of community, BLK is a great option to explore.
“BLK is a dating and lifestyle app for culture makers in the Black community,” said the BLK team. “We want you to feel safe here like you’re at home. We’re family, and around fam, you are able to express yourself … your full self!”
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