In an effort to promote safety and authenticity on their app, Tinder is revamping its Photo Verification functionality with artificial intelligence (AI) and video selfies. This upgrade improves the process by which users verify their identity, providing a stronger safeguard against spamming bots and fake profiles.
Previously, users would simply take and upload images of themselves in specified poses to earn the verification blue checkmark. Now, Tinder is raising the bar by requiring users to submit video selfies in place of photographs. In addition, the app will soon let users filter their chats to include only those members who have also passed the Photo Verification process.
The transformations aim at making Tinder a more secure space for its members. They also come at a time when AI tools have made it much easier to produce counterfeit images and personas which can introduce numerous fake profiles on dating apps. Video selfies, as they involve a “liveness” check, offer a more reliable method for validating user identity and eliminating spammers.
Rather than handling the video selfie verification process internally, Tinder has partnered with a third-party service provider, which the company chose not to disclose. The new model demands users complete a set of video prompts that AI would then utilize to confirm whether the user in the video matches the person in the profile photo they aim to verify.
Starting from Wednesday, the rollout of the updated verification feature will require users to record video selfies for initial verification, or to maintain their existing verification status. The old image upload solution will gradually be phased out. Tinder will also soon prompt existing Photo Verified members to upgrade their verification to ensure that the blue checkmarks remain up-to-date, especially for inactive users whose verified photos may have become outdated.
Tinder plans to release further enhancements, namely the ability for members to view only other Photo Verified members in their recommendations, and request Matches to undergo Photo Verification prior to sending messages. Additionally, Tinder Gold subscribers will be allowed to filter their “Likes” page exclusively for Photo Verified members.
According to Tinder, Photo Verification has a positive impact on matches, as users are more confident that matches are genuine rather than bots, and that they are accurately represented in their photos. For example, Tinder revealed that users aged 18 to 25 with Photo Verification experience a 10% higher chance of matching.
The new Photo Verification feature launches today for Tinder’s global users, while the option to limit messages to “Photo Verified Members” only will be introduced in the coming months.
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