Zoosk is one of the most popular dating apps in the world, available in over 80 countries and 25 different languages. The online dating service was launched in 2007 and has grown into the premier brand in the massive Sparks Network – which includes apps like Christian Mingle and Elite Singles.
- Introduction to Zoosk
- Who Is Zoosk Best For?
- The Zoosk Compatibility Matching System
- Zoosk’s Communication Features
- Zoosk’s Membership Options
- Creating Your Zoosk Profile
- How to Delete an Zoosk Account
- Zoosk Customer Service
- Zoosk’s Mobile App
- Zoosk FAQ
Our Zoosk review will teach you everything you need to know about the online dating app, take you through the entire sign-up process, and share a wide range of customer experiences. We’ll also give detailed advice on creating your profile to ensure maximum exposure.
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Introduction to Zoosk
While conducting this Zoosk dating app review, it became abundantly clear why it’s one of the most long-lasting and popular dating services on the market. The community consists of millions of users all over the planet and offers tons of creative fun ways to engage with each other.
A Brief Overview of Zoosk’s History and Success
Zoosk began its journey in the online dating world in 2007 when dating apps were becoming sleeker and more appealing to the user, getting away from the rough, cumbersome designs that plagued those early online dating sites in the late 90s early 2000s. As a result, Zoosk has always been more a part of the “modern era” of dating sites with its eye-catching design and advanced matching algorithm.
In 2023, Zoosk boasts over 40 million total users across the world. A total of 3 million messages are sent each day on Zoosk, and the Carousel is constantly running, creating millions of mutual matches; it’s a dating app that experiences high user engagement. The app serves 80 countries and comes in 25 languages.
Zoosk’s Unique Approach to Online Dating
Zoosk’s strength is developing ways to “gamify” online dating — encouraging more interaction and enhancing the overall member experience. The more active you are on the Zoosk online dating app, the more visible your profile becomes to other users. You’ll receive more profile views, messages, and general attention, boosting your popularity.
“What we have learned from our experiments with gamification is that you can get more out of the system both for the users and for the business,” explains Shayan Zadeh, one of the original co-founders and former CEO of Zoosk. “For example, providing a positive feedback loop on ‘good engagement’ to our users has not only given them more incentive to engage with the product, but also has been driving the members to send more thoughtful messages.”
You’ll see links to purchase “coins,” which can be used to boost your profile or activate other helpful enhancements.
- For example, the virtual currency system gives readers unique ways to reach out to each other or send “gifts” to grab their attention.
- Then there’s the “popularity” system that shows you how many Zoosk members are checking out your profile, for how long, and what you can do to improve those numbers.
Of course, the vast majority of the best Zoosk dating features are only available to paying subscribers. Luckily, our review of Zoosk.com found that this dating app’s prices are lower than their closest competitors.
Is Signing Up for Zoosk Worth It?
Zoosk is a dating app that’s worth it. This offering from the Sparks Network is worth the time, money, and energy if you’re someone who is:
- Open to finding serious OR casual dating experiences/relationships
- Interested in dynamic, exciting features (Zoosk Live and Great Dates)
- Looking for swipe-style dating profiles (The Carousel and SmartPicks)
- Not interested in unsolicited messages (mutual matches allow you to message only the profiles you like)
- Looking for a large dating pool (40 million)
- Interested in international dating experiences (available in 80 countries and 25 languages)
Our Ratings
Zoosk comes in with an excellent rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. We highly recommend checking out the platform if you’re looking for a modern dating app that can help you discover true love, casual dates, or friendship.
Overall:
Category | Score |
---|---|
Features | 3.5 |
Ease of Use | 4.7 |
Match Quality | 2.5 |
Cost | 4.3 |
Active User Base | 2.7 |
Overall | 3.5 |
What We Like
One of our favorite discoveries while reviewing the Zoosk dating app is the flexibility it offers its users checking out potential future partners. Rather than limiting you to matches chosen by the service, you can use the search function to set any parameters you wish and browse the user base for yourself.
Here are a few more things that we appreciate about Zoosk:
- The proprietary “behavioral matchmaking” engine claims to use data and algorithmic recommendations to help users find partners.
- Users can choose to use matchmaking algorithms or search the entire user base based on other preferences.
- Relative cheap monthly subscription rates.
- Integrated with Facebook for quick profile creation/photo uploads.
- A total user base of over 40 million / 500,000+ paying subscribers.
Another plus is that, unlike other top-tier dating apps, creating a Zoosk profile takes almost no time. You’ll only need about five minutes to set up your free account before you’re browsing singles in your area.
Speaking of which, the website and app designs are both beautiful. On your home page, you’ll see a large, bright picture of one of your Zoosk matches, along with their basic profile information. From there, you can send them a like or smile, send a quick message, or swipe through to the next person. The layout is flawless and highly convenient to use.
What We Don’t Like
No dating website or mobile app is perfect. And believe us; there are some things we found doing this Zoosk review that we didn’t care for:
- Automatic subscription renewal.
- Lots of add-on costs for features.
- No customer support hotline.
- No refunds.
- You must pay to communicate with other users.
- Too many fake profiles.
Who Is Zoosk Best For?
Zoosk mainly caters to a younger demographic — approximately 75 percent of the app’s users are under the age of 35. However, singles of any age are welcome to sign up.
Demographics and User Base
Zoosk has a diverse base of members and free trial users, though the app tends to favor younger singles. If you’re 18 or older, you can legally use Zoosk. There aren’t any restrictions for joining beyond this.
Fast Facts | Details |
---|---|
User Base | All singles (18 or older) |
What Kind of Relationships? | Casual dates or serious love/romance |
Average Age | 75% of users are under 35 |
Active Members | 40 million |
Messages Sent Daily | 3 million |
Paid Subscribers | 500,000+ |
Gender Distribution | 48% men to 52% women |
The dating pool at Zoosk is one of the better ones we’ve seen in reviewing other dating services. But although there are over 40 million who have registered accounts, there are only 500,000 who have committed to the paid membership plan. The platform is well split-between men and women.
Relationship Types Best Served by Zoosk
Unlike other paid dating services, Zoosk does not limit the types of relationships it seeks to create. The service may be used by straight, bi, and homosexual singles looking for anything from friendship to casual hookups to lasting long-term relationships.
Note: For bisexual subscribers, Zoosk will provide a second profile for free since you can only choose one gender preference per profile. That way, you’ll have one account for your women’s matches and another for men.
The Zoosk Compatibility Matching System
This 2024 review of Zoosk has reminded us once more how much we love its compatibility matching system. Let’s go over how it all works, and you’ll see what we’re talking about! It’s one of the better methodologies for online dating and matchmaking.
How the Compatibility Matching System Works
To best understand how matchmaking works at Zoosk, you need to become familiar with the Carousel and SmartPicks:
- Carousel – The Carousel is a feature that lets members use Zoosk in a way more like popular swipe-based dating apps. You can see the photo and ages of other users, then answer “yes,” “no,” or “maybe” as to whether you’d be interested in meeting them.
- SmartPick – The Zoosk SmartPick feature evaluates compatibility between two members. The SmartPick algorithm learns from your Zoosk activity and Carousel votes to develop better match recommendations in the future. Your results can also be improved by answering a SmartPick Survey.
So, the longer you’re a Zoosk member and the more you use the service, the better it will get to know you and what you like. Your experience only improves with time!
The Role of the Carousel in Matchmaking
If you both want to meet, it creates a Mutual Match, and you can start a conversation in the messages. If you select “yes” or “maybe” on the Zoosk Carousel, that member receives a notification informing them that you’d like to meet. They’ll be asked if they’d like to meet you too. They’ll also appear in your Connections.
Zoosk’s Communication Features
Our Zoosk review has shown us that communicating on this platform can be super exciting; the methods are like none that we’ve seen anywhere else, utterly unique to Zoosk. While free trial members have no access to Zoosk’s communications systems, premium members can enjoy communication with no limits! And there are several ways for members to speak with other paying members.
Let’s dig in!
Mutual Matches
Mutual matches occur on Zoosk when two members like each other’s profiles. A mutual match is created, and these appear in the “Connections” section. Members who share a mutual match can then send messages to one another. This is a solid feature that ensures singles are only begin approached by Zoosk members they’ve previously expressed interest in on the Carousel.
Great Dates
Great Dates is one of Zoosk’s newer features. It’s a way to connect with your match in a virtual date setting – allowing you to get to know each other better from the safety of your home. Then, if the Great Date goes well, you’ll be much more comfortable with each other when it’s time to meet in person.
Zoosk offers a collection of unique virtual dates — each designed to inspire conversation and create a deeper connection with your prospective match. You can interact through video chat while exploring various locations and adventures together.
Great Dates are an excellent way to connect without having to worry about lulls in the conversation. The virtual activities will keep you both engaged and entertained.
Zoosk Live
Zoosk Live is a live stream service that allows members to create their streaming broadcasts visible to the rest of the community. These streams are an effective way to meet other members and gain followers, thus boosting your profile popularity. You’ll find streams dedicated to a wide variety of topics and themes, making it easier to meet users with similar interests.
Zoosk Live Features
All users on the Zoosk dating app can access Zoosk Live regardless of their subscription status.
- Watch Live Streams – see what members are talking about!
- Send messages and gifts to streamers.
- Watch Zoosk Live Battles – Streamers take on other streamers in a live contest or debate, and the viewers decide who wins. You can also see the battle results in the Leaderboards section.
- Check out advertised stream events with popular members.
Zoosk’s Membership Options
There are a few ways to use the Zoosk dating app, but the best way to go about things is by becoming a premium member of the platform. There’s a limited free trial that only allows you to enjoy a handful of features, but the paid membership plan lets you use Zoosk to its fullest potential!
Free vs. Paid Memberships
We often see dating app reviews offering readers free trials – this can be slightly misleading. There’s a difference between setting up a free profile without upgrading one’s membership and an actual “free trial.”
With free trials, the user is given access to excellent benefits for a short period after entering their payment information. After the trial, the subscription is automatically renewed into a paying membership, and the customer is charged. Zoosk isn’t running any free trial promotions currently. Nevertheless, you can sign up and create your profile for free.
Unlike many other dating services, you can see other members’ pictures and profiles without paying. Free users can even purchase Zoosk coins, which are redeemable for extra features, even if you still need access to all the app has to offer.
Premium Membership Benefits and Pricing
Compared to other top-ranked dating services, Zoosk is cheap. At only $29.95 for one month, Zoosk is roughly half the cost per month of leading competitors. They also offer affordable month-to-month options, so you’re not asked to make too much of an investment upfront.
Paid subscribers unlock the ability to send unlimited messages, smiles, and likes to other subscribers and see the profiles of people who have viewed them. They can also connect using SmartPick introductions or go on virtual Great Dates with other singles.
Perks of a Paid Subscription
- Unlimited messages
- See the full profiles
- Chat with your connections
- Full access to SmartPicks
- Great Dates
As you’ll see in the following sections, Zoosk provides a wide range of upgrades to personalize your online dating experience. In addition to the features that come with a paid subscription, you can choose from a host of add-ons to further improve your interactions with other members.
Zoosk Coins
Zoosk coins are a form of online currency explicitly made for use on the dating app. They can be purchased and used by paid subscribers and free members alike. The coins may then be redeemed to boost your profile, unlock Carousel matches, or buy gifts for other users.
Coins | Total Cost |
---|---|
1800 | $99.95 |
480 | $39.95 |
180 | $19.95 |
Of course, some features are only available to premium members with Zoosk coins. For example, you must be a subscriber to purchase message delivery confirmations – which makes sense, seeing as you need to be a member to send messages in the first place!
So, keep that in mind before you use your coins to unlock a Carousel match. You’ll still need to upgrade before you can communicate with them.
The primary uses for Zoosk coins are:
- Boosting your profile – Boosts help you promote yourself to other members and increase your popularity much more quickly. The Boost feature highlights your profile and pushes it to the top of people’s search results. You’ll also appear in more members’ Carousel, and your messages will be highlighted in your matches’ inbox.
- Go invisible – Zoosk coins can also make your profile less visible if you so choose. By going invisible, you can browse other members’ profiles anonymously for 30 minutes – meaning they won’t get a notification that you viewed their page.
- Buying virtual gifts – Coins may be redeemed for virtual gifts for other users. These gifts help you stand out from the crowd. They show an added level of interest that goes beyond sending the typical like, smile, or message. For example, you can send someone a bouquet of digital roses.
- Message delivery confirmations – One of the most valuable features available for Zoosk coins is delivery confirmation for your sent messages. With this add-on, you’ll be notified when a specific message has been opened by its recipient. That way, you’ll know if your comment has been read, even if you’ve yet to receive a response.
Subscription Upgrades
Beyond buying Zoosk coins and the added benefits of being a paid subscriber, you can also purchase subscription upgrades. These are add-ons to your monthly membership that give you extra abilities and more control over what other users see.
Instant Crush
Instant Crush gives members two additional features while using the Carousel:
- Crushes – Rather than saying “yes” or “maybe” on the Carousel, grab their attention by letting up to five potential matches per day that you have a crush on them. According to Zoosk, members who receive a “crush” are five times more likely to start a conversation.
- Undos – If you accidentally pass on someone while flipping through the Carousel, this feature lets you go back and change your answer.
Premium Messaging
Premium Messaging allows members to reply to your messages, even if they haven’t paid for a subscription. This massively increases the number of users with whom you can communicate. Up to seven times, more people will be able to respond to your messages!
Of all the features our review of Zoosk analyzed, Premium Messaging is easily the most valuable.
Hide & Seek
The Hide & Seek feature gives members control over the attention they receive from other users. You can choose from three levels of visibility:
- Hide – Only the members you message can see your profile.
- Seek – Your profile is fully visible, and people are notified when you view them.
- Sneak – Your profile is fully visible, but you can check out other profiles without informing them that you viewed them.
Discounts and Promotions
The monthly rate is significantly slashed if you choose the 3- or 6-month subscription options. If you select a multi-month membership, the total cost is due at sign-up. They don’t offer installment plans for longer terms.
Creating Your Zoosk Profile
Signing up with Zoosk is a speedy and painless process. It takes the least time of all the dating apps we’ve reviewed. Just visit the website or download the Zoosk app on your mobile device.
#1. Create a Zoosk Profile
New users start by filling out some basic information about themselves and their interests. You choose from a list of options regarding your gender and the gender you’re looking for in a partner. Then you set your location and birth date, provide an email address, and create a password.
Once you’ve answered these general questions, you can read Zoosk’s privacy policy and terms of use. Next, you’re asked about other lifestyle habits and relationship preferences.
Here are some examples from the introduction questionnaire:
#2. Upload Photos
Now it’s time to upload some profile pictures. If you’ve linked your Zoosk profile to your Facebook account, you can choose any photo albums from the social media platform and transfer them to your dating profile. Otherwise, you’ll need to upload some pics from your phone or computer directly to the Zoosk website or app.
After you’ve selected a collection of photos that show multiple sides of your personality, it’s time to pick a profile picture. This is the first impression you’ll make, so it should be a recent photograph with a clear view of your face.
#3. Complete Profile
Once you’ve got the basics done, it’s time to polish up your profile for maximum visibility. On your profile page, you’ll find a list of tasks required to complete your profile. This list includes things like uploading pictures, which we’ve already done.
The most important section on this list is the “icebreakers.” Here you’ll find a handful of questions and writing prompts to help you better show your personality and tell other members who you are and what exactly you’re looking for.
Three of the most popular icebreakers are My Story, Ideal Date, and Perfect Match.
- Dream Vacation
- My #1 sports team is…
- My workout routine is…
- Mountain or sea?
- On a desert island, I would need…
- Soundtrack to my life
- TV or cinema?
- My favorite thing about my hometown is…
- Favorite pizza topping
- My most surprising talent is…
#4. Import or Update Your Interests
The interest section is another way to improve your profile and ensure you and your matches have something in common. If you’ve linked your Facebook account to Zoosk, you can import your interests from there. Otherwise, you can go through the lists of interests provided by Zoosk and pick the ones that apply to you:
- Comedy
- Festivals
- Sports fan
- Writing
- Sports
- Walking
- Indie/Alternative
- Dining
- Dive bars
- Blogging
#5. Verify Your Account
Verifying your account is a crucial step if you’re seriously trying to date on Zoosk. By verifying your phone number and/or connecting your Facebook and Twitter accounts, you can prove that you are who you say you are. That way, potential matches can be confident that your profile is not a bot or scammer.
#6. Buy Add-On and Subscription Upgrades
You’re all set up, and your profile is complete! All that’s left to do now is upgrade your subscription and add on any additional features you may want. Maybe buy some Zoosk coins to boost your profile for a bit – get some early activity going!
Next, you can look at the singles in your area and start communicating with them. Hopefully, you find love as quickly as it took to set up this profile!
How to Delete a Zoosk Account
Are you looking to take a break from Zoosk or quit the app altogether?
If you need to delete your Zoosk account, you can do so in a matter of minutes. Be warned that deleting your Zoosk account is permanent and irreversible. There’s also an option to pause your Zoosk account so that it appears inactive but can be revived for later use. In any case, we’re going to show you how to do both!
- Click on “Settings” in the Main Menu – Begin the process by logging into your Zoosk account. Click on “Settings” in the main menu on the left side of the screen.
- Click on “Account” – Click on “Account” and then select “Account Status.” It should appear as active.
- Pause or Deactivate Your Account – There’ll be two options to choose from at this point: pausing your account or deactivating your account.
Putting a pause on your account will make it so other members cannot see or view your profile. You won’t get any notifications from Zoosk, either. You’re taking a break, and you can access the account later if need be.
Deactivating your account is far more permanent and cannot be reversed once it’s done. - Verify Deactivation – Once you’ve clicked on “Deactivate Account,” you’ll see one more step going over the consequences of completely deleting your account: no profile access, lost connections with your contacts, and no replies to previous messages.
Click on “Deactivate” to finalize deleting your Zoosk profile and account.
Zoosk Customer Service
Zoosk’s customer service center is one of the platform’s limited features. As far as we could see in our review of Zoosk, there are no direct ways to contact the support team by phone, email, or any messaging system. This is one of the biggest letdowns for us in reviewing this dating app.
Zoosk Help Center
At the top of the page, there’s a search bar where you can submit any questions you might have or any problems you’re facing. Once you’ve hit search, Zoosk will direct you to an FAQ page or a relevant article that walks you through the steps to solving the problem.
Top Article Examples
- How Do I Deactivate or Remove My Account from Zoosk?
- How Do I Cancel My Subscription?
- How Do I Cancel my Subscription Purchased in the iOS App?
- How Do I Manage the Notifications I Receive from Zoosk?
- How Do I Create a Great Zoosk Profile?
- What Features Are Free, and What Do I Need to Purchase a Subscription For?
Other Resources
- About Zoosk
- Zoosk Features and Upgrades
- Subscription and Payments
- Account and Troubleshooting
- Dating Tips and Advice
- Video Tutorials
We’re not too crazy about the customer support experience at Zoosk. Yes, plenty of comprehensive resources have proven effective for solving problems on the app. Still, it would be good for the site to have a support team that can take calls or answers messages so customers can experience more of a personal, human touch. This could be especially helpful with more serious issues that could occur.
Zoosk’s Mobile App
Zoosk is a top-rated dating website for all kinds of online singles, but it also comes with a dedicated mobile app that allows for dating on the go! Customers can access Zoosk on their smartphones or tablets by visiting the site using their mobile device’s web browser as well! Mobile apps are available at Google Play and the App Store.
App Features and Functionality
Whether you’re using the Zoosk website or enjoying the perks of the mobile app, you experience the same features available to all premium members. The app design is a slightly modified version of the site for the sole purpose of adjusting to the smaller screens of tablets or smartphones.
Different Format, Same Great Features
The Zoosk mobile app and website let you have access to the following:
- The Carousel (swipe-style profiles)
- SmartPick suggestions
- Great Dates
- Zoosk Live
- Super Sends
- Views
- Mutual Matching
- Purchase Coins (buy virtual gifts, go invisible, etc.)
- Subscription Upgrades (Hide and Seek, Crushes, and Premium Messaging)
Compatibility
The Zoosk mobile apps featured at Google Play and the App Store are free to download. Zoosk can be enjoyed on the go on Android and iOS devices.
Google Play
- Rated 3.4/5 stars
- Based on 626k reviews
- +10 million downloads
- Free mobile app download
- Offer in-app purchases
App Store
- Rated 4.2/5 stars
- Based on 70.2k reviews
- Free mobile app download
- Offer in-app purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some of the most common questions from customers and readers about the Zoosk dating app.
What Kind of Relationships Does Zoosk Help to Create?
Zoosk can be used to make all sorts of connections– from friendships to casual hookups to long-term relationships.
Does the Zoosk App Work the Same as the Website?
Yes, the same features are available on the Zoosk app and website.
How Does Zoosk Determine My Matches?
Zoosk uses a proprietary behavioral matchmaking engine to determine your matches. It also uses the answers provided to “Smart Matches” to improve its algorithms.
What Can I Buy with Zoosk Coins?
Zoosk coins can be redeemed for profile boosts, gifts, temporary invisibility, and message delivery receipts.
Can You Try Zoosk.com for Free?
Yes, but your ability to communicate with other members is significantly limited.
What Features Are Free, and Which Require a Subscription?
Free memberships can complete a profile and look at other profiles. However, you must pay for a subscription before you can communicate with other members or go on virtual dates.
What Do Other Zoosk Members See on My Profile?
On your Profile page, other members can see your pictures, basic information, interests, icebreaker answers, and whether you’re verified. If you want to see for yourself, go to your profile page and click “preview profile.”
Will My Zoosk Profile Pictures Appear in Google Search Results?
No, your Zoosk profile doesn’t include personal information besides your first Name. None of your pictures Will be linked to your Google search results.
Is the Zoosk App Safe to Use?
Yes, it is! If you’re concerned about safety, you can find several articles highlighting steps to take to remain safe on the help Zoosk Page.
Can I Block Other Members on Zoosk?
Yes, you can. You can manage your block list on your account settings Page.
Is Zoosk Right for Me?
Absolutely! Zoosk has a sizable user base with tons of excellent features. If you’re looking for exciting singles in your area, it’s worth a try.