In terms of age, OkCupid’s core user base is singles in their 30s & 40s, according to a SurveyMonkey study. But it’s a hugely popular free dating site, so you’ll find people of all ages. It’s also one of the most inclusive dating sites when it comes to gender identity and sexual orientation, with the entire spectrum of options to choose from.

DoubleTake is a feature where you can swipe through profiles one at a time, just like on Tinder. Your potential match feeds are separated into "Stacks". Stacks include currently online, match percentage, passport (where you can interact with people all over the globe), nearby and more. The "popular" and "new users" stacks both cost $1.99 to unlock for a week. The profiles you see in DoubleTake are filtered by the criteria you set in your “looking for” section. But unless you upgrade to OkCupid Basic and start specifying “dealbreakers”, you may see profiles who don’t meet all of your preferences.

The basic functions of the site are free. You can create a profile, check out who’s in your area (or anywhere you’d like to date) and message other users without paying for a subscription. There are 2 upgrade levels available - Basic and Premium. Depending on which subscription you choose, you can see which users have already liked your profile, filter users by their attractiveness rating, and send unlimited “likes” daily. (The upgraded memberships used to be called A-List).

OkCupid is in the Match Group portfolio, which also includes dating apps and sites like Tinder, Hinge, Match.com and Plenty of Fish. OkCupid was founded by Sam Yagan, Christian Rudder, Chris Coyne and Max Krohn in 2004.

OkCupid Guide: How It Works & Matching Tips

Q: Is OkCupid a hookup app?

If you want it to be! You can search for matches looking for casual sex using the search filters. You’ll find the “hookup” filter in the “Availability” section of the search filters. You can also let your potential matches know that’s what you’re seeking in the “Looking For” section of your profile. You can select “Hookups” in the “Connections” section.

Q: How does OkCupid work?

You can check out profiles in Discover and DoubleTake. When it comes to messaging, how OkCupid works now is a bit different so if you’re back on it after taking a break you may be surprised. To send a message to another user, you have to “like” their profile first. That will allow you to send an introductory message (called an intro) that’s displayed on the screen when they’re checking out your profile. If that person “likes” you back, then you can see their profile (and vice versa) in the Conversations section, and you can freely exchange messages. OkCupid only allows you to send one first message, so if they don’t bite you’ll have to move on. You won’t have a choice - OkCupid hides profiles after you’ve sent an introductory message to them, and they won’t reappear unless they “like” your profile. If you’re not interested in someone who “liked” you and sent an introductory message, simply “pass” on their profile. They are not notified that you passed, and you won’t see their profile again, nor they yours, for at least 30 days.

Q: What is the Match Percentage, and how is it calculated?

OkCupid provides a match percentage for each profile that’s assigned by the algorithm as an indication of how compatible you are with a particular person. The number is based on data like you and your match’s specified criteria, as well as how you both answered the multiple-choice questions.

Q: Can you undo a “pass”?

Yes. You can “reset” your passes, meaning those profiles could pop up in various places again. To reset your “passes” on OkCupid’s dating site:1. Click “Settings” from the pull down menu underneath your profile picture in the top right menu bar.2. Then select “Privacy” from the menu on the left.3. Then “Reset your passes.” To reset your “passes” on the OkCupid dating app:1. Tap “Profile” in the bottom menu bar.2. Then tap “Account Settings”.3. Then “Privacy”.4. And then“Reset”.5. Confirm your action by tapping the blue “Reset Passes” button.

Q: What is OkCupid Premium and how much does it cost?

OkCupid offers two upgraded membership options. You can choose from 2 membership levels: Basic and Premium. Basic costs around $9.99 for 1 month, and Premium costs around $19.99 per month. Pricing can vary depending on your location. Check out this complete list of what premium features are included with your subscription! OkCupid doesn’t offer a free trial, as you can use the site effectively without paying.

Q: How do I permanently delete my OkCupid account?

To permanently delete your OkCupid profile from the mobile app:1. Tap the “Profile” icon on the bottom menu bar2. Then tap “Account Settings”3. Then “Disable your account”4. And then “Next”5. Select the reason you’re leaving, and provide more info if prompted6. Answer the questions7. Choose whether you’d like to disable your account or permanently delete it. To just take a break, you can disable OkCupid, then reactivate it by signing in again.8. If you choose to delete OkCupid, you’ll be prompted to provide your password, then confirm the action. To permanently delete your OkCupid profile from the dating site:1. Click “Settings” in the drop-down menu underneath your profile picture (top right of menu bar)2. Scroll to the bottom and click “go here” where it asks if you need a break and want to disable or delete your account.3. Select the reason you’re leaving, and provide more info if prompted4. Answer the questions5. Choose whether you’d like to disable your account or permanently delete it. To just take a break, you can disable OkCupid, then reactivate it by signing in again.6. If you choose to delete OkCupid, you’ll be prompted to provide your password, then confirm the action.

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Ultimate Guide To OkCupid

Everything You Need To Be Successful On OkCupid

Whether you’re looking for a long-term relationship or just casual dating on OkCupid, you need to put some effort into your profile if you want to meet the best local singles.

This OkCupid Guide has everything you need to make your online dating experience successful, from expert profile tips & tricks to detailed dating site reviews so you can make sure it’s the right option for you.

VIDA's dating experts have spent hundreds of thousands of hours browsing profiles, sending messages and arranging dates on OkCupid. We’ve been authentically representing our clients on it since 2009!

In other words, you've come to the right place to get your OkCupid questions answered. Just check the handy FAQ at the end!

OkCupid Basics
OkCupid Review - Does It Really Work? From how much OkCupid costs to what to expect as a user, this OkCupid review has all the details you need!
OkCupid vs Match [Which Is The Best Dating Site For You?] Which is better, Match or OkCupid? Find out here!
OkCupid vs Match vs eHarmony - Which Is Better For You? If you've only got time to manage one dating site, making the right choice is essential. See how these 3 popular dating sites compare!
Cupid's Picks Explained: How This OkCupid Stack Works! Find out how this specially curated feed can get you better matches!
OkCupid Boost Explained: Worth It Or Waste Of Time? Everything you want to know about this pay-per-use feature, including the best time to use one!
OkCupid SuperLike Explained: How It Works, 2026 Cost & More! From how it works to what it costs and when to use it - everything you need to know about OkCupid's SuperLike feature!

OkCupid Premium
OkCupid Basic & Premium: Is Upgrading Worth It? Should you pay for OkCupid? Find out how much upgrading OkCupid costs, and what premium features you get at each level!

OkCupid Profile Tips For Guys
19 OkCupid Profile Examples For Guys That Work Great This article has everything you need to achieve maximum attractiveness in your dating profile!
4 OkCupid Profile Tips For Guys That Really Work Want intriguing women to send you messages? These actionable profile tips get results!

OkCupid FAQ

Is OkCupid the best dating site?

If you’re looking for a hookup or a casual dating relationship, OkCupid is a great choice. It’s free, popular, and has a large user pool especially if you’re in a big city.

OkCupid’s largest demographic is singles in their 30s & 40s. So if you’re looking for a long-term relationship, you *could* find like-minded online daters on OkCupid.

But in general it has a more casual vibe, so you’re likely better off giving a paid dating site like Match a try first.

Is OkCupid a hookup app?

Who uses OkCupid?

How does OkCupid work?

What is the Match Percentage, and how is it calculated?

What is DoubleTake?

Can you undo a “pass”?

Is OkCupid free?

What is OkCupid Premium and how much does it cost?

How do I permanently delete my OkCupid account?

Can I search by username on OkCupid?

Can I see who likes me on OkCupid?

What does the star mean on OkCupid?

Can you boost your profile on OkCupid?

When is the best time to boost my profile on OkCupid?

Can I link social media to my OkCupid profile?

Is the OkCupid app available to both iOS and Android?

Who owns OkCupid?

What are Cupid Picks?

Skip months of swiping. Most VIDA clients go on 5-7 great dates and meet someone special. Your matchmaker handles the search and scheduling. You just show up. 

The apps are eating your life. Hours every week swiping, messaging, waiting. We get it—you don't have time for this. So we do it for you.

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