datingdirect.com is a relatively ‘frills free’ site that caters mainly for European customers, although its large database of members are worldwide. As with most paid sites, the functionality for free members is limited to browsing and showing interest (‘winking’) but there are occasional free offers or reduced price memberships available if you do not take out a subscription straight after signing up. Profile creation is fairly standard, with a mixture of check box and free text/essay type questions, and all users may upload a picture and a video intro. Photos can take up to 48 hours to be verified. The site is linked to Dating Direct Affinity which provides a psychometric assessment and enables you to be linked to more compatible matches. According to membership level, some of the key features of datingdirect.com are:

• Create a profile, including uploading a picture and video intro
• Search for potential dates, using a wide variety of criteria
• Read profiles
• Mobile phone functionality available
• Create ‘My Test’ and invite other members to answer your questions, e.g “What’s your favorite film?” “Would you be a space tourist?”
• Receive emails of new profiles
• Emails
• Video calls
• Instant Messenger
• Read dating tips and articles

Targeted Membership:

Main focus is UK and Europe

Number of Members:

5 million

Free Membership Levels. Yes

Free Features:

• Create a profile, including uploading a picture and video intro
• Standard searching
• Read profiles
• Show interest in another person
• See who is online

Restrictions:

• Can’t send or read emails
• Can’t view video intros
• Profile viewing is time limited
• No access to Instant Messenger or Chat

Membership Levels and Fees:

• Free
• Premium

Subscription charges:

1 month                        26$

3 months                     99 $

6 months                     159 $

Premium Membership Features:

• Highest ranking in searches
• Premier search
• Unlimited profile viewing, including videos
• Send and receive/read emails
• Access to Instant Messenger and chat
• View additional photos

Search by Member Options:

Premier search has a range of search options, including:

• distance
• age
• online
• education
• interests

Regions:

• UK
• Europe
• Worldwide