TikTok is pausing a short-lived dating feature that threw singles into raunchy chat rooms
TikTok is sunsetting a new dating feature that matched singles in live chat rooms and mirrored a digital blind-dating trend popularized in China.
TikTok has halted a recent experiment involving a dating feature that placed singles in live group chats on its livestreaming platform. The feature, which was available to select users in the US and other markets, aimed to connect individuals for virtual blind dates. According to a TikTok spokesperson, the company often tests features that may not be widely rolled out.
During the short-lived dating experiment, some chat rooms appeared unrelated to romance, while others veered into inappropriate territory, with users requesting comments to activate a "vibration" feature or seeking connections based on specific preferences. While TikTok's community guidelines restrict livestream hosting to users aged 18 and above, restricted content would not have been recommended to those between 13 and 17 unless they had previously followed the host creator.
TikTok's foray into dating is part of the platform's ongoing experimentation to boost engagement and diversify its business beyond short-form videos. The company is exploring various avenues, including a full-service e-commerce platform and the creation of original content. The dating feature may have been influenced by the popularity of livestream blind dates in China, particularly on TikTok's parent company ByteDance's sister app Douyin, where such sessions have gained traction.
Other social media platforms, such as Facebook, Partuler, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn, have also explored dating features as part of their offerings.
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