What is Backpage?
Backpage, formerly hosted on www.backpage.com, was launched in 2004 and until its seizure by FBI in April of 2023, was one of the biggest AD listing company. In fact, in 2011, it was the second largest classified ad listing service on the Internet in the U.S., second after Craigslist. On Backpage, registered users could list ads for dating services in the adult services section, and also on a wide range of services. It was made available in a variety of languages including English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese etc., and included sections on adult services, “New Age” services, musicians and personal ad services. It also had an adult-focused personal ad service.
Why was Backpage closed?
Backpage news was all over in April 2023, Backpage and all of its associated webpages were seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of an enforcement action. This was due to the allegations of support of prostitution and human trafficking by the ADs users posted, and its CEO, Carl Ferrer also pleaded guilty to charges of encouraging and promoting child prostitution and money laundering. Complaints began to surface about child and sex trafficking targeted ads, and also the promotion of the illegal prostitution and by January 2017, after accusations from the U.S. Senate (of a direct involvement in sex-trafficking and also the sexual exploitation of minors), the adult ad section was removed; but investigations continued and after the CEO was found guilty, Backpage was shut down. The Backpage’s closure since 2023 has not been reversed till date.
What're the alternative sites and apps to find hookups?
For many who used the Backpage dating ad service for hookups, it became an issue to find other sites that could be suitable equivalents. In fact, after the Backpage shutdown, another similar site with a similar name was put up. Still, many people want to explore other sites that could be Blackpage alternatives. Luckily, there are several sites that could serve as Blackpage replacements and we have compiled about eleven of them here. Read along and decide which of the best suits your needs.
11 Backpage alternatives and replacements
1.Tinder:
As the biggest Backpage replacement in 2023, Tinder is a search-mobile app that is location-based and allows users to swipe right or left, (like or dislike respectively) and also for them to chat if they “Match” and want to connect. Used more like a dating app, it displays information based on a short bio entered by users, and also from their Facebook photos. Users can connect also using a linked Instagram account.
2.Match:
Match.com is an online dating service that caters for users from over 20 countries, and it has over 8 languages. With its headquarters in Dallas, Match has fifteen million registered users, and as of 2004 was listed as the biggest online dating service. It has since merged with and acquired some other dating sites and has increased its coverage and services.
3. OkCupid:
Launched on January 19, 2004, OkCupid, is online dating, and social networking site that is based in the U.S. Often abbreviated as OKC, it supports a range of modes for communication including emails and instant messaging. The site has been updated to include a bevy of nontraditional gender options like pansexual, asexual, genderfluid, transsexual, and even sapiosexual. This has increased the inclusiveness of the website for more users. OkCupid also has the “OK trends blog” that users can follow.
4. Badoo:
Badoo was founded in 2006 and is a website that is dating-focused. Due to its availability in 47 different languages, it is regarded as the most widely used dating service in the world. Badoo offers Android, IOS and Web apps that make its use easier. Badoo also has a service called the Premium model that allows users to access its core apps without a subscription.
5. Zoosk:
Zoosk is an online dating service that is available in over 20 languages and is used by people in over 80 countries. After its launch in 2007, Zoosk grew and now has over 27 million users. Zoosk has an Android and IOS app and also a desktop chat client. People looking for dates or friends have access to a very wide population to meet
6. Coffee Meets Bagel:
Created by three sisters, Coffee Meets Bagel was launched in April 2012 and has gone on to become a popular dating service. The unique feature of CMB is that each user has a limit to the profiles they can interact with each day. It also offers a piece of special ice-breaker information for searches. CMB also helps users identify potential matches by looking at their Facebook account.
7. Facebook:
Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg in February 2004 and is presently available in different languages. Facebook is a social networking site that allows users to meet new friends and message them instantly. It also allows for dating groups to be formed to further bring people closer to potential matches. Although not primarily a dating site, its instant messaging feature that allows users who are not friends on the app to chat, increases the chances to get a match.
8. Skout:
Skout is a location-based social networking and dating website that also has an application compatible across various platforms. It was one of the first dating apps to use generalized user location. Skout in 2013 reported to have made over 500 million matches and is also available in 16 languages and in 189 countries. Users have the option of turning their location off but must turn it on when using the adult section.
9. POF:
PlentyOfFish, abbreviated to POF, is an online dating service that is available in nine different languages and used in seven different countries. POF allows its users to connect and find matches and is free to use. POF also has premium membership services for some additional features. But the basic free membership has very little differences from the paid.
10. Hily:
Hily is a free dating app that utilizes artificial intelligence technology to improve the safety of pf searches and matches. Users can meet, chat and flirt with new people almost instantly and what is more? It is free to use.
11. Kinkyads.org:
Do you love being kinky? This sit allows all kinky lovers to post and find potential matches. A visit to the site shows a statistic of over 73, 000 kinksters who have replied to, or posted over 11, 000 casual encounter ad. The website is specifically focused on kinky users, but if you are not you could still get a match. Kinkyads is a free site and they do not have ios or android app now.
So, the Backpage alternatives in 2023 shown above are cool sites you can check out if you miss Backpage.
