Zoosk is a long-running, swipe-friendly dating app that leans on behavioral matchmaking to learn your “type” and surface better matches the more you use it. It’s available on iOS, Android, and desktop, with core features mirrored across platforms.
TL;DR
- Behavioral matchmaking refines your matches as you browse, like, and message
- Core features: Search, Carousel, SmartPicks, Super Send, profile verification, and Zoosk Live
- Messaging requires a paid plan; Zoosk Coins unlock extras like gifts and boosts
- Subscriptions available in 1, 3, and 6-month plans; pricing varies by region
- Zoosk remains active and updated through Spark Networks’ operation
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What Does Zoosk Mean?
Zoosk is a seasoned player in the dating scene. This location-based app and site has been around since 2007, gaining over 40 million users to date. With millions of messages sent each day, Zoosk continues to be one of the most popular dating apps worldwide. Based on who you interact with and what profiles you click on, the Zoosk algorithm builds up an idea of what type you usually go for. From there, it begins to suggest people who are closer to your type, filling the app with people you are more likely to find attractive. The more you use it, the better it becomes. Zoosk includes an app as well as a website version, with very few differences between the two.
How Does Zoosk Work?
Think Tinder, but smarter. Zoosk is based on behavioral matchmaking. That means that with each new profile you interact with, the app begins to learn what your type is. While you’re swiping, it starts to refine your matches based on the characteristics you usually go for. The app works similarly to other popular dating apps, letting you swipe through profiles until you find one that interests you. The Search function is very similar to Tinder. Once you find a person you like, if you have the full version, you’ll be able to send messages. One additional feature is the inclusion of virtual gifts, letting you send items to your matches. If you’re stuck on what to say, Zoosk will also offer a few prompts.
A newer feature is Zoosk Live, which lets users host and watch livestreams, chat in real time, and send virtual gifts during streams.
Once you find a person you like, if you have the full version of the site/app, you’ll be able to send messages. One additional feature is the inclusion of virtual gifts, letting you send items to your matches.
How Zoosk Sign-Up Works
Creating an account on Zoosk only takes a few minutes. You’ll enter your age, location, upload a picture, and answer questions about your body type, height, and ethnicity. Then you’ll fill out preferences like whether you smoke or have kids. Once that’s done, you’re live and ready to browse.
How Your Zoosk Profile Works
When you open the app, Zoosk displays one profile at a time, with a large photo and basic info like name, age, and distance. You can swipe through photos, read their bio, and view profile stats such as Body, Education/Career, and Home. There’s also a My Story section for a short personal paragraph or prompt answers. In the Interests tab, users can list their favorite shows, books, movies, and hobbies.
Zoosk also uses profile verification through a quick selfie video that earns you a green tick, proving your photos are real.
‘Education and Career’ are exactly what they sound like, detailing your highest level of education and career choice. For some reason, if someone smokes also comes under this heading.
If you fill out everything in this section, you’ll have answers to ‘My Story’, ‘Perfect Match’, and ‘Ideal Date’.
A cool feature that Zoosk has implemented is a green tick verification on a profile.
How Zoosk Search Works
After logging in, you land on the search page where you can swipe through profiles. You can customize searches with filters such as age range, distance, height, religion, relationship history, children, body type, ethnicity, education, and smoking status. The more you use these filters, the more personalized your results become.
How Zoosk Matching Works
Matching happens through Search, Carousel, and SmartPicks. The Search Page lets you browse freely, sending a smile or heart to open up chat options. Carousel is a quick-fire round of profiles where you like or skip instantly. SmartPicks recommends people who fit your usual preferences based on your activity.
You can also pay for a Boost to appear more often in others’ Carousels for more visibility.
Carousel focuses more on quick-fire browsing, flashing a photo of someone up that you then either like or reject. This feature is similar to Tinder, letting you click through lots of people quickly.
How Zoosk Messaging Works
Zoosk offers Smiles, Likes (hearts), text messages, and virtual gifts. Smiles and likes are icebreakers, while messages allow real conversations. Virtual gifts like cocktails or roses are purchased with Zoosk Coins. Messaging without limits requires a paid subscription, though you can browse and receive some interactions for free.
How The Zoosk Algorithm Works
Zoosk’s algorithm learns from your in-app behavior—clicks, swipes, and messaging patterns—to identify who you’re likely to be compatible with. The longer you use the app, the smarter it becomes at predicting matches.
How Zoosk Membership Works
To unlock all features, Zoosk offers paid subscriptions. Premium users can send messages, view who’s liked or viewed their profile, and access full SmartPicks recommendations.
Pricing in 2025: Zoosk offers 1-, 3-, and 6-month subscriptions. Costs vary by country and platform but remain in the mid-range compared to similar apps. Zoosk Coins (ranging roughly $10–$40) can be purchased for gifts, Boosts, and Super Send. Zoosk continues to operate under Spark Networks, which restructured in 2024 but kept services running normally.
How Does Zoosk Carousel Work?
Carousel lets you quickly swipe through profiles. You’ll see a photo and age, then choose yes or no. When two users like each other, Zoosk notifies you both so you can start chatting. This feature helps the algorithm learn your preferences faster.
How Zoosk SmartPicks Work
Each day, Zoosk suggests SmartPicks—users the algorithm believes you’ll be compatible with. If both parties accept, Zoosk opens a chat. Declining helps the app refine your next suggestions.
How Does Zoosk Connections Work?
Connections is where you see everyone you’re talking to. It shows online status via green or blue dots and allows quick access to chats and profiles. You can also remove a connection anytime.
Connections will also let you know if they’re online or not. At the top right of each profile in the Connections page, there will either be a little green or blue dot.
How Does Zoosk Super Send Work?
Super Send lets you send a pre-written icebreaker to multiple compatible users at once. It’s activated with Zoosk Coins and saves time if you want to reach out to several matches efficiently.
Who Is Zoosk Made For
Zoosk is designed for adults of all ages looking for casual or serious connections. It’s widely available in multiple countries and languages, making it a great choice for global users. If you’re after a relationship-focused experience, Zoosk’s behavioral matchmaking is worth trying.
Age Range
What Is Zoosk For?
FAQ
Is Zoosk still active in 2025?
Yes. Zoosk is still active and fully operational under Spark Networks after its 2024 restructuring.
Can I use Zoosk for free?
You can browse profiles and send limited interactions for free, but messaging and premium features require a paid plan.
What’s new on Zoosk in 2025?
Zoosk Live is the biggest addition, allowing users to livestream, chat, and send virtual gifts in real time.
How much does Zoosk cost in 2025?
Zoosk offers 1-, 3-, and 6-month plans, with pricing depending on region and device. It’s generally mid-priced compared to other dating apps.
What are Zoosk Coins used for?
Coins are used for sending virtual gifts, Boosts, and Super Send messages. They’re sold in bundles from about $10 to $40.
Does Zoosk have verification?
Yes. Zoosk offers photo and video verification, giving profiles a green checkmark for authenticity and trust.
