6 Free Dating Apps to Download Before Valentine’s Day

The horrendously red hearts dangling from pretty much every Archies store out there tells us it’s that time of the year again. While it’s always great to celebrate love, in whichever form, love for pets and family and hobbies and life, this particular day has come to be associated with a specific kind of love. And in case you have missed out on finding yourself someone to share it with, things might not be too pleasant.

To make sure things don’t come to this for you, here’s a list of apps to make life easier this Valentine’s Day. While Indian parents are busy creating secret profiles for their kids on matrimonial websites, the kids are already taking things a step further with these apps.

1. DesiCrush

This is pretty much the Indian version of Tinder.  It requires the user to create an account with an image and basic details. For verification purposes, the user would have to link their account with Facebook. There are preferences that can be given based on which matches would be made. Once two people mutually like each other’s profile, a match would be made and they can begin chatting. DesiCrush is available in both Google Play Store and the App Store.

2. Woo

Called ‘Matchmaking app for singles’, Woo is a fun app that allows the user to connect with the right person. Once again, you are required to create an account using Facebook and enter your basic details. Even though Woo is very particular about its users’ privacy, one concern that many may have with the app is that it leaves your Facebook profile accessible to everyone you chatted with, even if you ‘unmatch’ them later. On the brighter side, the app allows you to record seven second long voice messages to exchange, and shows only the initials of its women users to other people until they choose otherwise. Woo is a free Android app that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the App Store.

3. OkCupid

OkCupid is an app that breaks away from hetero-normative roles and lets the user choose from hetero, homo and bi-sexual partners. This app also has one of the most elaborate searches. It asks you detailed questions about your life, habits, choices and preferences. The user can increase these filters, refine their searches and get a better look at who is viewing and visiting their profile by opting for a paid subscription of the app called ‘A-List’. Otherwise OkCupid is available for free download on both Android and iOS devices.

4. TrulyMadly

TrulyMadly is a great app that includes games like ‘Hocus Pocus’ and ‘Styletastic’ to help you find like-minded people. In case you feel at a loss of words, to describe yourself or express ideas in your profile, the app comes to your rescue in the form of stickers that it offers. The profile can be created either using Facebook or your email address. TrulyMadly can be downloaded for free from Google Play and the App Store.

5. Tinder

The immensely popular dating app which needs no introduction -Tinder. Once again, you have to create an account using your Facebook profile and put up a picture with a short description. Depending on whether or not you like the results it shows, you can swipe right to choose or left to move on, along with an option to ‘Super-like’ people you see. In case the user wishes to disclose their location, or undo a left swipe, it can be done on a paid version of the app called Tinder Plus. The usual app is available for free download on both Android and iOS devices.

6. Grindr

Grindr is the world’s largest dating platform for gay and bisexual men. It is available in about 190 countries, including India. It helps users find partners based on their location and is available with both paid and non-paid subscriptions. The official website asks potential users to “View the gorgeous men of Grindr the way they were meant to be – large and in charge.” Point conveyed and noted. Grindr can be downloaded from Google Play as well as the App Store.