Bumble’s currently testing a new dating experience that takes the pressure out of first impressions.
Rather than matching on looks alone or reading a bio that may or may not suck, singles participate in a speed dating game.
Every Thursday evening from 7 pm-8 pm, singles jump on Bumble Bantr Live to possibly make a connection with a blind date in 3 minutes or less.
It’s a refreshing angle, revitalizing conversation dating apps desperately lack nowadays. If you don’t put any effort into the chat, chances are you’ll be left hanging… until the next date three minutes later.
Sound familiar?
Bumble teamed up with the popular Apple TV Plus comedy series, Ted Lasso, on this dating app mini-game.
Before we continue, skip the next paragraph as it contains spoilers.
In the hit TV show, characters Rebecca Welton and Sam Obisanya chat distantly before being revealed finally in season 2, episode 6. And, it worked out for them, so why not give it a go?
It functions essentially the same as in Ted Lasso‘s reality, with a few minor differences.
How long will Bumble host Bumble Bantr?
The app rolled out this new feature on October 13th and will keep it on its platform until the end of the year. If daters really love it, Bumble will consider making it a semi-permanent addition to their dating app.
How does Bumble Bantr work?
Using your search preferences, you’ll be matched with 10 to 20 singles that fit your requirements. From here, you’ll have a three-minute window to get to know each other and form a deeper connection, without photos.
This game is only available on Thursday evenings in your time zone from 7 pm to 8 pm.
You’ll know when your time is coming to an end by checking the countdown clock on the app’s interface.
When your three minutes are up, you’ll be prompted with an important decision… to match or not to match?
If you select yes, you’ll be matched officially and able to access their full dating profile. It’s up to you if you want to continue playing the game or stop and connect right away with this current match.
If you select no, you’ll be electronically whisked away to your next blind date.
Does Bumble Bantr Live really work?
The experience is different for everyone and really depends on your location. Some users see this screen right after joining the dating app mini-game:
If you exit the app and re-enter the game, most of the time the problem will resolve itself.
Members of the Photofeeler team tried Bantr Live to give you the complete 411 on what to expect during your hour of blind dating; here are the takeaways:
Bantr Live Pros:
- It’s a fun, pressure-free way to blind date in real life, without the awkward tension of getting up and walking away.
- There’s a chance to connect with people outside your normal dating pool by making connections through conversation.
- The time frame feels long enough to meet multiple prospects without being too tedious or emotionally demanding.
- Since it is anonymous, people seem willing to have more meaningful conversations rather than short one-liners that go stale.
- You won’t match with anyone you unmatched– a critical feature that’s more important than you’d think.
- If you choose not to match with a blind date, they won’t be able to see your profile. You’ll only be officially matched if you both agree to match.
Bantr Live Cons:
- There will always be users with their own agendas; they may already be in relationships, put in little to no effort in the conversation, or are looking for something completely different than you.
- It’s possible you won’t connect with anyone, and if you do, you may unmatch them once you see their full profile and visa versa.
- For users who live in low-populated areas, you’ll have slim pickings or need to expand your dating distance to the max capacity to have multiple blind dates.
Should you play Bumble Bantr Live?
If you’re into faceless conversations, possible love interests outside your dating pool/type, and an engaging way to spend an hour on a Thursday night, definitely give Bumble Bantr a go. You aren’t committing to a full hour, and can quit whenever you’re not feeling it.
Plus, Bumble is offering a complimentary two-month subscription to Apple TV+ when you match with the Bantr Live profile during the game.
Be prepared with some questions to ask, an open mind, and a Photofeeler-approved, attractive profile photo for when you snag a match!
Photos are still king in making first impressions; find out how you come across in your profile picture?
