DatingDirect Review
DatingDirect, a site that Match.com owns, is part of the Meetic network. Both share the same features, so DatingDirect is a spin-off of Match.com.
Suppose you’re looking for something slightly different. It’s extremely popular with members worldwide, so it is a great place to find meaningful connections or something less serious. Please see our full DatingDirect review below.
DatingDirect member structure
The site is available in 25 countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia. On the Match.com network, 91% of members attended college or earned degrees. 44% of users are also single parents. The 50+ age range is currently the fastest-growing demographic.
- Members: DatingDirect shares the same network with Match.com, and there are approximately 5 million people in the UK and over 21 million worldwide on the network.
- Gender proportion: 49% women and 51% men.
Age distribution
- 25-34 (31%)
- 39-52 (36%)
- 54-75 (28%)
- 5% (unspecified)
How does DatingDirect.com work?
There are three main steps. Firstly, tell everyone who you are and create a profile. Second, find the right person. You can use their detailed search to discover people you’d like to get to know. Thirdly, kick-start a conversation and tell the person you like about what you want.
The sign-up process on DatingDirect
Signing up doesn’t take too long. The site guides you through every process step with a handy pop-up. First, create a password, choose a username, and take DatingDirect’s short questionnaire.
With the questionnaire, DatingDirect aims to discover more about what you’re after, who you’re looking for, and details about your appearance.
You can keep the info to yourself but must add a photo during sign-up. The team will moderate it after 15 minutes.
Ease of use
The site displays well to find everything you need quickly. Member profiles are easy to scroll through, and You can view matches from the homepage.
A messaging feature also works on an instant messaging service, like Facebook Messenger. Everything is organized using little icons at the top of the page, making the site accessible.
DatingDirect messages and chat
You have to be a member to send messages to other members. Once you sign up, you can dive straight in with a message or send a wink to try and spark a conversation instead. You can also play a few games to get to know your matches better.
Profile Quality
On DatingDirect.com, profiles are very detailed. They use your answers in the questionnaire to let people know more about you, and all photos need to be moderated by the team – they won’t let poor-quality images through, and it has to show your face to be approved.
Dating Direct mobile app
The DatingDirect app is available to download on Android and iOS and contains all the great features of the desktop site. The site says over 80% of members meet through the app. In addition, it ensures a pleasant user experience.
Real-life reviews for DatingDirect.com
[su_quote]
We joined direct dating 3 yrs ago. We lived a couple of miles apart but had never met. We even share friends we have known for years but never met! This site changed our lives forever, yes, we did meet the partners of my dreams, and yes, we are now married and sharing a wonderful life. It does work; we are living proof! Good luck with your search.
[/su_quote]
From ReviewCentre.com, 2019
Key features
Advanced search. You can use the advanced filters to discover the exact type of people you’re interested in.
Blocking. You can block anyone who seems suspicious or inappropriate, and you won’t see them again.
Shuffle. Discover the DatingDirect selection that meets your search criteria. Next, browse profiles and select ‘yes’ or ‘no.’
Events. Arranged by DatingDirect, meet new people face to face in a safe and controlled environment.
Is DatingDirect safe?
As well as safety advice and a code of conduct, DatingDirect monitors the site regularly and deletes fraudulent accounts wherever necessary.
You can also block members who are either suspicious or are being a nuisance.
And finally, with a membership, you can also choose to browse in incognito mode, where you can view profiles without them knowing, and only singles you’re interested in will be able to see your profile.
How much does DatingDirect.com cost?
What are the prices for membership? The good news is that DatingDirect is considered one of the cheapest dating apps. On signing up, you have the option to subscribe to membership. You can upgrade for the following prices:
- One month: £29.99 per month
- Three months: £19.99 per month
- Six months: £9.99 per month
A membership gives you access to the following:
- Send unlimited messages.
- Find out who is interested in you.
- View entire members’ profiles.
- Browse without any ads.
- Find DatingDirect on all your devices.
- Please take advantage of special member pricing for their events.
Discounts offers and promo codes
When we signed up, DatingDirect offered a special saver offer, where you could purchase the six months package but pay over three months.
You would save 67% compared to the basic monthly plan with a discount. In addition, you could also save 33% on the 3-month membership compared to the Basic subscription.
You can sometimes find money off passes if you do a Google search, so you shop around before committing.
DatingDirect free trials
DatingDirect offers 3-day free trials to their subscription services. However, it would be best to keep your eyes peeled for it as you never know when it will become available. Otherwise, you can use the site as a free member for as long as you like – but services are limited.
Pros and cons
✓ Pros of DatingDirect
- You get a great user experience with the site; it’s one of the best dating sites for usability.
- You can sign into any of the Meetic network’s dating sites once you’ve created a profile for one.
- Many members use DatingDirect, so you get plenty of choices.
X Cons of DatingDirect
- It’s the same as Match.com, so it’s hard to see why you would use DatingDirect instead.
- You must pay for most of the features and can’t message without a membership.
Our recommendation
DatingDirect has excellent features, such as Match.com, one of the world’s best and most popular dating websites.
However, we can’t see why you would sign up for DatingDirect when Match.com is available. It offers no new features or anything different, so it’s probably best to stick to Match.com in many cases.
You can’t deny it’s a great dating website. The features on offer are fun and give you a solid reason to log in to the site every day, and the website is one of the cleanest and easiest to use around.
Not forgetting there are many members, so there’s a much higher chance of finding a connection. 3.5 / 5.
Join Dating Direct today
FAQ
How can I show another member I am interested in them?
There are a few ways you can show interest in another member. First, viewing their profile, followed by a wink or favorite, shows that person you like what you saw and read.
Winking is a flirty way to express interest. For some people, this is a great way to initiate messaging. However, the best way to show interest is to send someone a personalized email.
How can I add a member to my favorites?
There are two ways to add a profile to your favorites:
- In your search results, select the ‘Add to my favorites link on the mini profile
- When you view a profile, click on the ‘Favourite’ button below the profile photo
How can I upload a photo?
Add a photo to your profile by going to the ‘Edit my profile page,’ You can do this by clicking on your profile avatar at the top right of every page.
Next, click ‘Add a photo!’ and select one of the options available for adding your photo. Your photo will appear online within 24 hours, and receive an email confirmation.
How can I delete my Dating Direct profile?
To delete your account, go to the ‘My account settings’ section by selecting the avatar photo on any page’s top right.
Next, go to the ‘Help section and click ‘Suspend your account. At the bottom of the pop-up, select the ‘To cancel your account, click here link, and they will ask you to fill in your login details.
Follow the prompts until you receive a confirmation on your screen and via email.
Once complete, you will lose access to your account, and your profile will disappear from the website within 24 hours. If you want to keep your account, you can choose ‘Suspend’ your profile.
How do I hide or blacklist a member?
DatingDirect.com does not offer a feature to hide another member on the site.
However, you can blacklist a person and stop them from contacting you in the following ways:
- When viewing that member’s profile
- When reading one of their messages
Select the ‘three dots’ button at the top right of the page, followed by ‘Blacklist, this member.’
How do I report a fake profile?
You can contact the moderating team by selecting the ‘three-dot’ icon found at the top right and then ‘Alert the moderator’ when:
- You are viewing a member’s profile
- You are reading a message
The moderating team will do what they can to detect and delete profiles that do not comply with Dating Direct’s General Terms & Conditions of Use or Charter of Commitment.
If the member’s behavior goes against their code of contact, the moderating team will take appropriate measures, including a warning to permanent removal.
What are the benefits of a subscription?
Dating Direct offers one, three, and six-month subscriptions. A subscription gives you access to numerous features on the website when looking for a date.
With a subscription, you can:
- Chat with other members on IM or private message
- View the ‘The person I’m looking to meet’ box on the profiles you view
- View the winks you sent
- Save your favorite profiles
- Personalize your searches
- Browse the website ad-free
- Get discounts n tickets to Dating Direct Events
What happens at the end of my subscription?
For a seamless experience, automatic renewal is needed for plans purchased via credit/debit cards and PayPal.
You can cancel your subscription renewal from your computer via the ‘My Account and subscription’ section from 24 hours after purchase until 48 hours before your subscription runs out.
What subscriptions are available, and how long do they last?
Dating Direct offers three subscription packages: one month, three months, and six months.
The subscriptions give you access to most website features and allow you to read and send as many messages as possible.
Once you choose your subscription period, you can add one or more upgrades. For example, the Connect upgrade allows non-subscribed members to read your messages and write to you. In addition, the Select upgrade will enable you to activate the Contact Filter and see if and when your messages have been read.
What is an automatic renewal?
Any subscription with DatingDirect.com will renew automatically, so you can continue creating connections with other members and not worry about your subscription running out.
If you do not want to continue your subscription, you should cancel automatic renewal at least 48 hours before your subscription runs out. Then, select ‘Manage my subscription’ in ‘My account settings.
You can also call Dating Direct on 020 3868 4378 from Mon to Fri (9 am to 5 pm). Please keep in mind that standard network charges apply.
How can I activate my special offer?
To activate a promotion, click the link in the message that DatingDirect.com has sent you.
You will then be redirected to the relevant offer and can purchase in a few clicks.
You will set up automatic renewal if you have subscribed to the promotion by credit/debit card (or by PayPal). However, if you do not wish to continue your subscription, you can cancel this 48 hours before your subscription runs out by selecting the ‘Manage my subscription’ link.
Which features are available free of charge?
The free registration will give you a glimpse of the features available on the website. You can create a profile and access the main search engines for free to check other singles’ profiles.
You can also message members by email or IM who have chosen the Connect upgrade. Free messaging is also available in the ‘Around Me’ feature on the Apple and Android apps.
To get the most from your experience, we recommend getting a subscription to enjoy the range of features available.
