Boo is a new dating app that has been gaining popularity recently. It aims to provide a fun and safe dating experience for users looking for relationships. In this article, we will take a look at what Boo is, how it works, its key features, and more.
What is Boo?
Boo is a dating app launched in 2022 that focuses on video dating. It allows users to upload short videos to their profile and view other users’ videos when making connections. The app’s name comes from the phrase “boo thang” which is slang for boyfriend or girlfriend.
The Boo app was created by founders Ana and Ashley Levinson who wanted to build a dating platform focused on personality and moving away from picture-based swiping apps. Their goal was to create a more authentic way for users to get to know potential matches through casual, spontaneous videos.
How does Boo work?
Boo has users create a dating profile by uploading short videos that showcase their personality and interests. These videos can be up to 30 seconds long. The videos automatically play as users scroll through potential matches.
Along with a video, users create profiles with photos and basic info like age, location, occupation, etc. Users can indicate dating preferences like gender, age range, and distance.
When viewing other profiles, you can react to videos by sending a “Boo”, starting a video chat, adding the person to your favorites, and reporting profiles if needed. If you both send Boos on each other’s profiles, you “match” and can start chatting.
Key Features
Here are some of the key features that set Boo apart from other dating apps:
- Video profiles – The main standout feature is video dating profiles instead of static photos. This allows users to get a better sense of someone’s vibe and personality.
- Icebreaker games – Boo has built-in games like “This or That” and “Rapid Fire Questions” to help break the ice and get conversations started.
- Video chat – Matched users can start a live video chat to continue getting to know each other in real-time.
- “Favorite” profiles – You can favorite profiles you like to easily refer back to them later.
- Lookaround – This feature shows other profiles that are currently online and ready to chat in your area.
Safety features
Boo also puts an emphasis on user safety and has created features to help prevent harassment and unwanted interactions:
- Profile verification – Users have to take a selfie that matches profile photos to get verified and confirm they are real.
- Reporting – Inappropriate profiles and messages can be easily reported to moderators for review.
- Blocking – Users can block other accounts if needed so they can no longer interact.
- Conversation prompts – Provided prompts help keep chats fun and positive.
Who is Boo for?
Boo is designed for users seeking relationships of all kinds. While many dating apps cater towards hookups and casual dating, Boo is aimed more at helping people find meaningful connections whether casual or serious.
The video profiles help give a better sense of someone’s personality, so Boo can be great for users looking for:
- Long-term relationships
- New friends and connections
- Casual dating
- Meeting people nearby
Boo’s fun, video-based approach can appeal to users across generations but seems particularly popular with Millennials and Gen Z.
Membership options
Boo offers the following membership levels:
Membership | Features | Price |
---|---|---|
Free | Create profile, match, chat, favorite profiles, access icebreakers | $0 |
Boo+ | All free features plus: Unlimited likes, 5 Super Boos per day, profile highlight | $9.99/month |
Boo Premium | All Boo+ features plus: Unlimited Super Boos, advanced filters, incognito mode | $19.99/month |
The free version gives a good sense of the app and what it has to offer. Boo+ adds some extra perks while Boo Premium is best for power users looking to maximize connections.
How to get started on Boo
Getting started on Boo is simple if you want to try out the app:
- Download the Boo app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Create an account and fill out your basic profile info.
- Record short videos that highlight your personality, interests, and what you’re looking for.
- Personalize settings like age, distance, and gender preferences.
- Start viewing other profiles, sending Boos, and matching!
- Chat with matches via messaging or video to get to know them.
- Stay safe by enabling privacy settings and reportingany issues.
Making engaging video profiles and initiating chats are great ways to start connecting with people on Boo. Be authentic, have fun with it, and you’ll be meeting potential matches in no time!
Pros and cons
Here are some of the key pros and cons of using Boo for dating and meeting people:
Pros
- Video profiles show personality and give a better sense of someone compared to just photos.
- Fun, low-pressure way to meet people nearby for relationships or friendship.
- Icebreakers and prompts make starting conversations easy.
- Emphasis on safety through profile verification and easy reporting.
- Free version lets you test out the app before upgrading.
Cons
- Smaller user base than apps like Tinder and Bumble (but growing).
- Matching and chat features may feel basic compared to other apps.
- Requires uploading videos which not all users may feel comfortable with.
- No desktop access – app is only available on iOS and Android.
User reviews
Here are someexamples of user reviews for Boo from the App Store and Google Play Store:
Positive reviews
- “This app is so refreshing! Love how you get a better sense of someone’s personality and vibes from the videos. Way better than just photos.”
- “I’m obsessed with the icebreakers, it’s so easy to start chatting. Met some really awesome people on here already.”
- “Been using this app for a month now and I like how it focuses more on connections than just hookups and flings.”
Negative reviews
- “Wish there was a desktop version, it’s inconvenient to only be able to use the app.”
- “The video feature is cool but I’m shy so I feel awkward posting videos of myself.”
- “Not enough people in my area using it yet. Hard to find matches.”
FAQs
Is Boo safe to use?
Boo prioritizes user safety in a few ways. The app has profile verification, easy reporting, and blocking features. Users are encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior. Boo also provides safety tips in the app and moderates content.
Why are there no swiping or liking features?
Boo wanted to move away from the mindless swiping and liking common on many dating apps. By removing these features, they aim to have users be more intentional and focused when making connections.
Can I use Boo to find friends?
Absolutely! Boo is for finding relationships of all kinds, not just romantic ones. Many people use the app to meet new friends, expand their social circles, and find people with common interests.
What information do I need to provide when signing up?
Boo requires your basic info such as name, date of birth, gender identity, location, and email address or phone number for verification. You can choose how much additional info and photos to add to your profile.
Is Boo available worldwide?
Right now Boo is only available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. They are working on expanding to more countries and regions soon.
Conclusion
Boo brings a unique approach to dating and connections by making video profiles the center of the experience. If you’re looking for something different than swiping and liking, Boo provides a fun way to show off your personality, get to know matches beyond static photos, and build relationships centered around conversation. With an emphasis on safety and its growing community, Boo can be great for singles tired of traditional dating apps and looking for real connections.