Ready for a new dating app?
We've got the perfect one for you. Once is a new dating app that not everyone has discovered yet, but it has the potential to be one of the best out there.
Dating apps can be oversaturated with users, and you can get caught up in the motion swiping that you may not actually consider the person for more than what meets the eye.
But Once is attempting to change that status-quo by having a different matching algorithm.
Want to know more about it? Great!
Here's everything you need to know about Once, and if it's worth the download or not to try yet another dating app.
As you would with any other app you'd like to download, head on over to the App Store or Google Play and search for 'Once.'
Once (hehe) you've located the app begin your download and wait for the app to appear on your phone.
Or, if you prefer, there is also a web-based version of Once that you can access from your browser, which I like.
When you open up the app, you'll find that it's not much more complicated to sign-up and get started.
You'll be given the option to use your Facebook for a faster sign-up process, or you can use your phone number.
This has become a standard requirement for most dating apps so that they can verify your identity and make sure you are who you say you are, which in turn helps everyone and promotes user safety, so right away I know Once cares about making real matches.
Following that, you'll need to enter the basic details about yourself such as your name, gender, age, sexual orientation, etc.
You can then select a profile picture for your profile, but make sure it clearly shows your face or your photo will be denied.
Now, what makes Once different compared to other dating apps is that they only show you one match per day.
So whenever you start up the app, on a new day, you'll get a new match! When you first join the app, you'll have to wait a bit while your Once matchmaker browses the userbase to match you with someone.
During this time you have the option to continue filling out your profile, which I highly recommend considering you'll need as much info about yourself as possible to get a good match every day.
The reason for this type of algorithm versus one like Tinder's is so that you receive "personalized matchmaking" so you get quality, over quantity.
When you get selected as a match for someone else, and they get matched to you, you'll get their full attention for 24 hours. During this time you can send them a message, and if they reply back, talk to them for as long as you want.
If you're looking for serious dating, then this app is great for you. Most users on this app are looking for a serious relationship, so if you wanted to just hookup, consider downloading a different app.
Because of the one-match-a-day feature, there aren't many other things you can do on this app compared to a dating app like Hily.
Once is a relatively simple app, considering they really only have a messaging feature to get to know your match.
They do, however, provide you with real-life matchmakers who work to find you someone perfect.
Since they provide you with a personalized match every day, there are no search filters to find members. But you can, however, get match preferences which gives you the opportunity to answer questions to help the matchmakers pair you up with someone.
It is a paid feature, however.
But there's also a way for you to pick your own match for the next day if you see somebody that you like.
Other than that, the best feature of Once is its sleek layout. It's a great-looking app that isn't confusing for new users, which is always a good thing.
Once is pretty limited in terms of things you can do with a free membership. To be able to access the paid features, you'll need to choose one of their subscription options, or purchase Crowns.
The difference between the two is that if you purchase a Crown, it's only a one-time use of paid features while purchasing a membership allows you to use them for however long you've purchased the membership.
Crowns start at $8.99 for 5 "credits" (Crowns), $17.98 for 15 credits, $26.99 for 30 credits, and $74.98 for 100 credits.
As you can see, credits are pretty pricey for giving you one-time use of features each time you cash them in. It's in your best interest to just get a membership from Once if you plan on taking full advantage of their features.
Memberships start at $19.99 per month, $45.00 for a 3-month period, and $60.00 for a 6-month period.
This dating app isn't as overwhelming or time-consuming as others can be. With only one match per day, you get to really evaluate the person you've matched with rather than keep swiping through superficial options.
You'll also always interact with real people, no scams, fakes, or inactive users. Since matches are personalized, and as long as you fill out all the details on your profile, you'll receive people who really are great potential partners.
At the same time, having to rely on a matchmaker to bring you your matches can be a downside.
There are also limited chat features when you have a free profile, and can't really do much without a membership except wait for new matches.
If you don't mind playing the waiting game or being in it for the long haul, Once is an effective app for receiving quality personalized matches. With only one match per day, you won't get caught up in the endless swiping, accidentally passing on someone you actually liked.
You'll get 24 hours with each of your matches to start a conversation and see where things go from there. The next day that you open up the app, you'll have a brand new match! Once is the only dating app where you get your match's full attention for an entire day.
