OkCupid remains one of the most established dating apps, built around detailed profiles and compatibility questions. It’s free to join with optional upgrades and works on iOS, Android, and desktop. Here’s your quick, 2025-ready guide to what OkCupid is, how it works, and what’s new this year.
TL;DR
- OkCupid matches users via compatibility questions and shows profiles through swipe-style “Stacks.”
- Messaging now happens through Likes and Intros once both users show interest.
- Paid plans are Basic, Premium, and the Incognito add-on, with region-based pricing.
- The old Discovery tab is now Stacks, with categories like Recommended, Nearby, and Online.
- OkCupid continues to grow globally, with millions of active monthly users.
What Is OkCupid?
OkCupid is an international dating platform owned by Match Group. It’s free to join, and its matching system relies heavily on answers to compatibility questions. The app has evolved significantly since its launch in 2004 and now serves tens of millions of users worldwide. OkCupid uses your question answers to calculate a Match % with others, weighting each answer’s importance. The algorithm helps filter for compatibility but isn’t perfect—so expect occasional mismatches. Messaging is now centered around Intros: users can send one alongside a Like, and full conversations begin only after mutual interest. OkCupid attracts a diverse audience, mostly aged 25 to 45, but open to all demographics.
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How Does OkCupid Work on My Phone?
OkCupid is available on iOS and Android. Download the app, sign up, create your profile, upload photos, and start answering questions. The main feed is organized into “Stacks,” where you can swipe to Like, SuperLike, or pass on profiles.
How Does OkCupid Work on My Computer?
Desktop users can visit okcupid.com, click “Join OKC,” and set up an account. The website offers the same features and Stacks layout as the mobile app, just with a wider view and easier profile editing.
How Does My Profile on OkCupid Work?
Sign up using your email or phone number, choose what you’re looking for (long-term, short-term, friends, etc.), upload photos, and write a short bio. Then answer as many compatibility questions as you like—marking which are most important to you. You can also share lifestyle habits, relationship style, political views, and personality prompts.
How Does OkCupid’s DoubleTake Work?
OkCupid’s signature feature, formerly called DoubleTake, now appears as “Stacks.” It’s a swipe-style feed that lets you view detailed profiles one at a time, see multiple photos, read prompts, and view your Match %. You can Like, SuperLike, or send an Intro. Compatibility is broken into categories such as lifestyle and values for more accurate matching.
Other Features of OkCupid (2025)
Stacks (Discovery)
OkCupid’s Discovery tab is now Stacks—organized feeds like Recommended, Online, Nearby, Question Pros, Popular, and New People. Some premium Stacks may be paywalled depending on your region.
Match
Profiles are sorted by compatibility based on your answers and preferences.
Online
Browse users currently active for quicker interactions.
New People & Popular
Showcases new joiners or trending profiles.
Question Pros
Highlights users who’ve answered many compatibility questions.
Nearby
Lets you browse people within your preferred distance range or expand via the Passport feature.
How Do Likes & Intros Work?
The Likes section shows who’s interested in you. Free users can reveal Likes by matching back, while subscribers can view them immediately. Sending an Intro with a Like helps you stand out, appearing in the recipient’s Intros tab until they respond or Like you back.
How Do Messages Work?
OkCupid’s messaging system is now match-based. You can message once both users show mutual interest or after responding to an Intro. This setup minimizes spam and keeps chats more meaningful.
How Does My Ideal Person Work?
Set your preferences for age, distance, lifestyle choices, values, and relationship type. The Match % indicator shows users who align most closely with your answers and filters.
How Does the Paid Version of OkCupid Work?
OkCupid offers three paid options:
- Basic: View who Liked you, send unlimited Likes, access advanced filters, and browse ad-free.
- Premium: Includes everything in Basic plus added perks like read receipts (availability varies).
- Incognito (Add-On): Lets only people you Like see your profile.
Pricing varies by country and may change seasonally. OkCupid also offers Boosts and SuperLikes to increase visibility. While paid features enhance convenience, your photos, profile prompts, and openers remain the real key to success.
How Do I Download OkCupid?
- Mobile: Download from the App Store or Google Play.
- Desktop: Visit okcupid.com on any browser.
Log in with the same credentials across all devices for a seamless experience.
What Alternatives Are There to OkCupid?
If OkCupid’s compatibility focus isn’t the right fit, try eHarmony for guided matching, Hinge for relationship-oriented dating, or EliteSingles for professionals. Using multiple apps can help expand your reach and improve match quality.
FAQ
Is OkCupid still free?
Yes, OkCupid remains free to join. You can Like, receive Likes, and message matches at no cost. Paid plans simply add convenience and visibility perks.
Can I message without matching?
You can send an Intro with your Like. Once the recipient engages or Likes you back, the conversation opens fully.
What happened to Discovery?
The old Discovery tab has been replaced by Stacks, a modern feed system that categorizes users by relevance, activity, and preferences.
How accurate is Match %?
The Match % is based on your compatibility answers and priorities. It’s a helpful indicator but not an absolute measure of chemistry.
How much does OkCupid cost in 2025?
Pricing depends on your region. Plans typically range between Basic, Premium, and optional Incognito, with discounts for longer subscriptions.
Are Boosts or SuperLikes worth it?
Yes, if used strategically. They can temporarily raise your visibility, especially during peak activity times.
