Zoosk claims to fame is its implementation with social networking sites. It began in 2007 and was launched as a Facebook dating application. However, after its initial success, the service took off independently. It is now a subscription-based dating service which accesses many popular social media sites like Face Book, Bebo, Hi5, Tagged and MySpace. The service also has a mobile phone version of their website, as well as an iPhone application and an instant messenger. Obviously, the company is a favorite with younger online viewers addicted to social media clubbing. Zoosk encourages people to integrate their service with Face Book on their homepage. The service was recently featured in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek Magazine. Unlike many dating websites, which require a great personal investment from new users, Zoosk capitalizes on the ubiquity of social networking, making the transition from socializing on the web to dating very easy.
In order to sign up, a user only needs an email address and a password. After verifying the password users can start exploring Zoosk by creating a profile. This involves:
- Entering personality, body and demographical information
- Location information
- A character description, with categories of “your story”, “your perfect match” and “your ideal first date”
- Photographs
- Likes (books, music and movies)
- Asking others for testimonials
- Using icebreaker topics to start a conversation
Users can browse other profiles free of charge. Options include sending messages, winking, sending gifts and adding friendship. Profiles are detailed and contain photos. The graphics of the website are distinctively social media style, and resemble Face Book’s friendly, colorful and plump lettering.
Targeted Membership:
Younger users and inexperienced users who might also use Face Book and want a seamless integration.
Number of Members:
The website claims to have over 50 million registered users, presumably travelers from Face Book.
Free Membership Levels:
Yes, although heavy communication requires a subscription.
Free Features:
- Community access, including news reports on members (Face Book style) and full profile searching
- Registered users can access various features of the service using “virtual currency”
- Free download of the Zoosk personal messenger
- Winking enabled
- Direct link from personal ad to Face Book page
- Limited communication with members after profile completion
Restrictions:
Limited communication and until you run out of virtual currency. You can buy virtual currency “zoosk coins” or play for some extra coins by taking part in the “Daily Zoosk Raffle” which takes place every 24 hours.
Membership Levels and Fees:
- 12 months, $9.99 per month, one payment of $119.88
- 3 months, $19.95 per month, one payment of $59.85
- 1 month at $29.95 per month
- PayPal option or credit card
Paid Membership Features:
- Respond to emails and winks
- Chat with friends
- Premium profile placement (returns more often on search listings)
- Users can find out who viewed their profile (not available on Face Book)
Search by Member Options:
Yes, available to all registered users:
Regions:
Zoosk has a global community that spans 40 different countries and 20 different languages. For a full listing of countries and states, try a location search.
