Video Dating: 7 Ways to Get Used to It

Video dating can be awkward at first, especially if you’re still not fond of video calls. 

Due to the coronavirus, virtual dating is more popular than ever. It’s a safe and easy way to connect with other singles during the pandemic.

While they’ve been a refreshing way to catch up with friends, you may feel a little nervous introducing yourself through the internet. 

Luckily, there are plenty of great ways to get used to it. Here are some of our favorites.

The Rise of Video Dating

If you’re like most of our members, you can remember a cartoon or sci-fi show that featured a telephone with a cathode ray tube monitor somewhere in the vicinity. That’s what we all thought that video phone calls would look like. Well, fortunately, we were wrong. The advent of the internet, smartphones, and laptop cameras means that people can communicate face-to-face from nearly anywhere in the world, usually at no additional cost. 

Because 90% of the information we receive comes via visual and auditory input, video dating is at least pretty close to being there in person. From about 2015 on, almost everyone has had access to at least one video platform: FaceTime, Duo, Skype, Zoom, Teams, and other video platforms that allows individuals to communicate through a video interface. In addition, they can record videos to send as messages to prospective dating partners.  

Video dating has long been one of the best answers to long-distance relationships, but during the pandemic, it became much more mainstream. As dating venues were largely unavailable to couples (or single and families for that matter), video dating became a convenient, safe way to communicate. 

While the world is now relatively safe for outings, video dates are here to stay. 

How SilverSingles Members Use Video for Dating

SilverSingles members have found video communications to be extremely effective for dating. Here are a few common uses:

Video Pre-Dates

SilverSingles emphasizes the safety of our members. One of the ways that members can make online dating safer is by recommending a video date prior to meeting someone in person. That way, you can get an idea of how you interact with one another in person, and you can find out if you’re being “catfished” by a member using someone else’s photos. 

Video Intros 

Many members pre-record a scripted introduction video and put a link to it in their profile. This can be a fun way to add some dimension to your page. If a member is interested in your profile and likes your look, they can also hear your voice and the cadence of your speech. 

Long-Distance Dating 

If you travel for business or are considering moving to another location, you may have considered meeting people who don’t live particularly close to you. Scheduling video dates with a new love interest can make you feel physically and mentally closer. 

How to Craft Engaging Video Introductions

If you like the idea of having an introduction video to post in your profile or to send to someone you match with through the messaging system, these tips will help you create an original, engaging introduction.

Write a Script

Scripts aren’t just for actors and politicians. It can help you feel more confident in front of the camera. Write out a script you can easily remember. Here are a few details to help you get started. 

Keep it Short

You don’t have to deliver a video biopic. 15 to 30 seconds is the perfect length to capture other members’ imaginations.

Use a Tripod 

If you have a tripod, it will give your video a slightly more professional look. You can also lean your phone against a stack of books or have a friend record you. 

Make Sure Your Audio Comes Across

If you’re just using a phone or video recorder without a mic, make sure you speak loudly enough to come across. 

Edit Your Video

iOS and Android devices have editing features that can help clean up your video. If you don’t find what you need on your device, there are plenty of free apps that can help you accomplish your goal. Don’t use filters that change your appearance. It defeats the purpose. 

Be Careful About Your Background

Make sure that you do not inadvertently disclose information about yourself that you’d rather not have made public. For example, your house number, company logo, photos of families and friends, etc. 

Dress for the Occasion

The idea is to look a little better than “presentable.” If your everyday clothing is not something you’d wear on a first date, don’t put it in your video. This is probably a good point to mention that you don’t want to wear the same outfit as you from your video on your first date. It will come off like you only own one outfit. 

How to Showcase Authenticity in Video Conversations

Some people feel a little strange when they’re on camera. Here are a few tips that can help you come across as more natural and authentic on video calls:

Don’t be afraid to correct misstatements. People get nervous and make mistakes. If you do, just tell your partner that you need to correct the records. 

Our Guide to Video Dating 

Create a cozy set-up

When you’re video chatting with someone, location is key. Choose a quiet space that feels comfortable and looks nice on camera too. 

Make sure to have some water close by in case you get thirsty. Maybe even keep some first date questions or conversation starters at hand if you’re feeling nervous. 

When you feel relaxed, both you and your date will feel more at ease with the situation

Finally, take a deep breath and relax. It’s just a phone call and if it doesn’t go the way you’d hoped, that’s ok. 

Pretend it’s in-person

When you’re preparing for a virtual date, it often feels strange. After all, it’s not like you’re meeting your date in a restaurant or bar, you’re meeting them in your own home! 

However, feeling excited before a date is important. It helps you put your best foot forward.

Our advice? Treat every video date like a real-life date. Choose a nice outfit, get your hair done, do whatever you’d usually do to get you in the mood. 

If you’re a gentleman who’s used to gifting their date flowers, order some to her address in time for your rendezvous. 

Practice video calls

Remember learning how to drive? At the time it seemed scary, but eventually, it became normal. The same is true for video dating. 

Meeting someone over video instead of in-person may feel nerve-wracking at first, but the more you do it, the easier it’ll get. 

Avoid overthinking your date. Remember you’re totally safe. This one date won’t define anything. It’s simply an opportunity to have a good time with some good company.

Be honest about your feelings 

Honestly is always the best policy. 

If you’re feeling nervous about an upcoming video date, there’s a good chance your date is feeling the pressure too, so why not admit that? 

Being vulnerable with your date may feel awkward, but it’s a good idea. Sometimes putting your fears out there helps them to relieve them. 

Better yet? It may even serve as a great icebreaker for your date.

Understand the basics

Video chatting doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so don’t feel embarrassed if you’re not sure how to do it. Operating a camera and setting up a call can take practice.

Instead, ask a friend or family member for advice. Chances are they’ll be happy to talk you through the technicalities.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of setting up a video call, schedule some calls with friends or family first. 

Calling friends and family over video is great practice for video dating. It allows you to see yourself in the camera, decide what background works for you, and feel confident setting up a call.

Remind yourself of the perks

If you’re feeling on edge about an upcoming video date, think about all the perks it has to offer. 

First things first, you’re meeting someone. Studies show that being social does wonders for your health. Due to COVID-19 we all have fewer opportunities to do so, but dating online is as safe as ever.

Secondly, you’re meeting in your home. This takes away the pressure of choosing a restaurant or deciding who should pay for the bill. Think of it as a first date with perks. 

Video dating is a great way to test the waters with someone before meeting them in person. It’s a no-pressure option that allows you to see if you have chemistry with someone, without actually having to spend a whole afternoon with them.

After all, if you have chemistry over the video, you’ll probably have chemistry in person too.

Choose a date activity

Great date activities make dating less awkward and more enjoyable. The same goes for video dating.

There are tons of activities for you and your date to enjoy on the interest that are simple to organize. 

If you’re both music fans, why not watch a live concert together during your call? Or if movies are more your thing, then choose your favorite one and watch it at the same time.

The coronavirus pandemic doesn’t mean we’ve got to give up on dating, it just means we must change how we date for a while. 

Video dating is a safe, simple, and fun way to continue dating during the pandemic, so follow these tips and enjoy!

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