Zoosk’s notoriety comes mainly from its implementation with social networking sites. It was started in 2007 and was initially launched as a Facebook dating application. Since that time, its dating service took off independently and is now on auto-pilot. Currently Zoosk is a subscription-based dating service that accesses many popular social media sites like Facebook, Bebo, Hi5, Tagged and MySpace. The service also maintains a mobile phone version of their website, as well as an iPhone application and an instant messenger. Obviously, the company is a favorite with younger online viewers addicted to social media clubbing. Zoosk encourages people to integrate their service with Facebook on their homepage. The service was recently featured in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal and Newsweek Magazine. This is not a common theme among many other dating sites. Most require a great personal investment from new users, but Zoosk capitalizes on the ubiquity of social networking and makes the transition from socializing on the web to dating very easy process.
Initial registration only requires an email address and a password. After verifying the proper password, users can start exploring Zoosk by creating a profile. This involves:
- Entering personality, body and demographical information
- Location information
- A character description, with categories of “your story”, “your perfect match” and “your ideal first date”
- Photographs
- Likes (books, music and movies)
- Asking others for testimonials
- Using icebreaker topics to start a conversation
Users can browse other profiles free of charge. Options include sending messages, winking, sending gifts and adding friendship. Profiles are detailed and contain photos. The graphics of the website are distinctively social media style, and resemble Facebook’s friendly, colorful and plump lettering.
Targeted Membership:
Younger users and inexperienced users who might also use Facebook and want a seamless integration.
Number of Members:
The website claims to have over 50 million registered users, presumably travelers from Facebook.
Free Membership Levels:
Yes, although heavy communication requires a paid subscription.
Free Features:
- Community access, including news reports on members (Facebook style) and full profile searching
- Registered users can access various features of the service using “virtual currency”
- Free download of the Zoosk personal messenger
- Winking enabled
- Direct link from personal ad to Facebook page
- Limited communication with members after profile completion
Restrictions:
Utilizes only limited communication and only works until you run out of virtual currency. You can buy virtual currency using “zoosk coins” or play for some extra coins by taking part in the “Daily Zoosk Raffle”, which takes place every 24 hours.
Membership Levels and Fees:
- 12 months, $9.99 per month, one payment of $119.88
- 3 months, $19.95 per month, one payment of $59.85
- 1 month at $29.95 per month
- PayPal option or credit card
Paid Membership Features:
- Respond to emails and winks
- Chat with friends
- Premium profile placement (returns more often on search listings)
- Users can find out who viewed their profile (not available on Facebook)
Search by Member Options:
Yes, available to all registered users:
Regions:
Zoosk has a global community that spans 40 different countries and 20 different languages. For a full listing of countries and states, try a location search.
Rating: Stars
Reviewed by: OnlineDatingSites.net
Updated: December 2011
