Tinder has unveiled an AI-powered update to its Photo Verification feature, as part of its commitment to improving safety on the dating app. The new feature requires users to take a video selfie to prove they are a real person and not a bot or catfisher.
The video prompts will be analysed by an AI system, which will match the person in the video to their profile photo. Tinder believes that the new system is a much stronger means of vetting users, as it ensures that the person in the video is who they say they are.
The company has also revealed that it is working with a third-party vendor to manage the video selfie verification process, but declined to name the partner. The update will replace the prior option to upload photos for verification, and existing Photo Verified users will soon receive prompts to upgrade to the latest version of the feature if they wish to maintain their blue checkmark.
Tinder has stated that the new feature will soon be followed by additional functions, including the ability to restrict messages to only Photo Verified users, and the ability to filter likes for Photo Verified members for Tinder Gold subscribers. The company has claimed that Photo Verification has been proven to increase matches, particularly among 18 to 25-year-old users, who enjoy a 10% higher chance of matching if they are Photo Verified.
The update arrives at a time when dating apps are being targeted by bots and fake accounts that can spam users with unwanted messages. By introducing a liveness check, which is only possible with a video selfie, Tinder is taking a significant step towards improving safety and reducing the number of fake accounts on its platform.
The company says the new Photo Verification feature will roll out to all global users today, with the ability to restrict messages to Photo Verified members arriving in the coming months. While the new feature may not make the best first impression for users, it is expected to make a significant impact on safety, and improve the overall experience of using the app.
