If you’re single and have a computer or a smartphone, chances are you’ve tried online dating. There are tons of services available for finding your next one-night stand or more importantly, a long-term relationship. I was never that guy who used dating apps for just a hookup, but meeting people online for something meaningful was always a bit of a challenge.
56K Online Dating
Back in 1999 I first arrived on the online dating scene when I stumbled upon the website for matchmaker.com. It was a new online dating service that offered a two-week free trial. Although they claimed to have 2 million registered users, I’m guessing 75 percent of them were guys. The odds of me meeting anyone was pretty slim. However, after the first week, I met my first wife and the mom of my oldest son. Who would have thought online dating would be so easy with just a dial-up connection using a 56K modem?
Unfortunately, that relationship didn’t last, and a few years later I was back on the dating scene. I tried the paid services like Match.com and eHarmony, but I didn’t have much luck. Searching through hundreds of profiles was daunting and the fear of being catfished was always in the back of my mind.
Swiping Right
When Tinder and Plenty of Fish (POF) came on the scene, those were a game-changer for me. They were easy to use, quick, and free! Although dating apps like Tinder and POF are easy to use and free, it really takes time to get to that initial date. You still need to go through waiting to hear back from them, texting back and forth, and trying to get them to send you more recent pics to get a better idea of what they look like. When you finally get to that first date, it’s disappointing to find out that they have really jacked up teeth or aren’t nearly as good looking as the pics they sent you.
Filter Off
Filter Off is the newest dating app that will change online dating for the better. Rather than swiping through and reviewing countless profiles, every night you get three hand-picked dates where you get 90 seconds to connect over live video. After your 90-second “speed date” you both get to decide if you want to match or pass. If it’s a match, then you can keep chatting and ask them on a real date! No more trying to figure out what they look like and no more catfishing. This app takes the “filter off” and shows you who you’re actually talking to.
Interview with Zach Schleien
Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing Zach Schleien, the founder of Filter Off, to learn more about this revolutionary dating app.
What inspired you to create Filter Off?
Zach: Going on dates and realizing that I don’t vibe with them. It was a waste of time and money. I started to FaceTime before I’d ask women out and it worked so much better.
So, what is Filter Off and how is it different from other dating apps?
Zach: Filter Off is a free video first app that is live and not pre-recorded. This is a unique concept where we make real-life dating and create an online experience. It allows you to really get to know your prospective date before meeting in person. We think of ourselves as an event (speed dating) that happens to take place online. We take out the hard work and schedule the dates for you. All you need to do is show up on your (virtual) date. Our goal is to offer an enhanced video dating experience every night!
Is there an age group that the app is limited to?
Zach: The app is for 18+. We see a lot of people in their late 20s and early 30s who are sick of dating apps and the time it takes to meet one person.
I understand that the app is new and was at first only available in New York City. When will it be available in other cities?
Zach: Filter Off will be available globally the week of April 13, 2020.
Have you seen a change in online dating since the pandemic? How has this affected Filter Off?
Zach: There are a ton more people on the app. People feel so isolated in this period and have been using Filter Off to feel more connected.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about Filter Off?
Zach: We also now offer private virtual speed dating events for organizers to make supplemental income. You can even run niche events like for “over 40 singles” or “people who love tennis”. You can learn more about it here.
Wrapping Up
If you’re single and ready to stop swiping and start talking, Filter Off is certainly the dating app for you. This unique approach to online dating is 100% free and will help you to meet real people, avoid awkward dates, and avoid skimming through endless boring profiles.
Filter Off is available from the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Check out the website for more information!