Imagine this: You’ve signed up for Facebook Dating, expecting to meet your soulmate, but what if you’re just looking for friendship instead? Can you actually find friend matches on Facebook Dating?
The short answer is yes, but the process is different from regular dating apps. Whether you’re new to Facebook Dating or struggling to find friendship matches, this guide will help you navigate the platform, set up your profile correctly, and connect with like-minded people without the pressure of romance.
What Are Friendship Matches on Facebook Dating?
Facebook Dating was primarily designed for romantic connections, but that doesn’t mean you can’t meet friends on the platform.
Unlike other dating apps, Facebook Dating does not have a direct “Friendship Mode” (like Bumble BFF), but you can still find and connect with people looking for friends.
Some users list “Just Looking for Friends” in their bios.
Others may be open to platonic connections but haven’t specified it.
The Secret Crush feature allows you to match with people you already know.
By using the right strategies, you can filter through potential matches and find people who share your interests without the pressure of dating.
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Step 1: Set Up Your Facebook Dating Profile for Friend Matches
If your goal is to find new friends, you need to make that clear on your profile. Here’s how:
Choose the Right Photos
Your profile pictures create a first impression, so pick ones that reflect your personality.
Use friendly, smiling pictures instead of overly romantic or flirty ones.
Include group photos to show that you’re social.
Showcase your interests—hiking, gaming, art, or anything that highlights your hobbies.
Update Your Bio to Attract Friends
Your bio is your opportunity to be clear about what you’re looking for.
Don’t Say: “Looking for a serious relationship” (this will attract only romantic matches).
Instead, Try:
- “Just here to meet cool new friends! Love hiking, photography, and deep conversations.”
- “Not looking for romance—just people to hang out with and share great conversations.”
By clearly stating your intentions, you’ll attract the right kind of matches.
Adjust Your Preferences
Facebook Dating allows you to set preferences like:
Distance
Age range
Interests
If you’re looking for friendship, consider expanding your age range and location settings to increase your chances of finding like-minded people.
Step 2: How to Find Friendship Matches on Facebook Dating
Once your profile is set up, it’s time to find the right matches. Since Facebook Dating doesn’t offer a “Friendship” filter, here are some smart ways to connect with people who aren’t just looking for romance.
1. Look for Friendship Keywords in Profiles
When swiping through profiles, look for bios that mention:
“Looking for friends”
“Not here for romance”
“Open to platonic connections”
If someone explicitly states that they only want romantic relationships, it’s best to swipe left to keep your matches relevant.
2. Use the Secret Crush Feature
If you’re interested in connecting with someone you already know, Facebook’s Secret Crush feature lets you add up to 9 friends or Instagram followers to see if they’re interested in you too.
If they add you back, it’s a match! You can then start chatting and see if the connection leads to friendship.
3. Join Facebook Groups & Events for Friend Matches
One of the best features of Facebook Dating is its integration with Facebook Groups and Events.
If you join hobby-based groups (like hiking, cooking, or photography), Facebook Dating may suggest matches from those groups.
If you attend local events, you might find matches who are also attending.
This increases the likelihood of matching with like-minded people rather than random strangers.
4. Expand Your Search Radius
If you’re not finding good friend matches nearby, try expanding your search radius. Sometimes, great connections might be in the next town over!
Step 3: How to Start a Friendship Conversation on Facebook Dating
Once you match with someone, the next step is starting a conversation that leads to genuine friendship.
Avoid generic messages like:
“Hey.”
“What’s up?”
“You’re cute.” (This sends romantic signals instead of friendship vibes.)
Instead, ask questions based on their profile:
- “I saw you love hiking! Have you been to any cool trails lately?”
- “You’re into photography? That’s awesome! What kind of camera do you use?”
By focusing on shared interests, you create a natural and engaging conversation.
Step 4: Take the Friendship Beyond Facebook Dating
Once you’ve had a few good conversations, it’s time to move beyond Facebook Dating to establish a real friendship.
Add Each Other on Facebook
Since Facebook Dating is separate from your main profile, you won’t automatically be friends on Facebook. If you feel comfortable, send a friend request to keep in touch.
Move the Conversation to Messenger
Once you’ve built some trust, switching to Messenger makes conversations feel more natural.
Meet Up in Real Life (If Comfortable)
If you both enjoy talking and share common interests, consider meeting up in person (in a public place) for a casual hangout.
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes When Looking for Friendship Matches
Mistake #1: Being Too Vague in Your Bio
- If you don’t clearly say you’re looking for friends, people will assume you’re looking for romance.
Mistake #2: Sending the Wrong Signals
- Flirty messages can confuse people—stick to friendly, casual conversations.
Mistake #3: Giving Up Too Soon
- If you don’t find friend matches right away, don’t get discouraged. Keep swiping and engaging!
CONCLUSION
While Facebook Dating is mainly designed for romance, many people use it to make meaningful platonic connections.
By optimizing your profile, adjusting your preferences, engaging in groups, and using Facebook’s unique features, you can successfully find like-minded friends on the platform.