Before we get started, you might be wondering what Dating Sunday is. Simply put, it’s the first Sunday in January which traditionally sees the highest number of active users on online dating platforms. The history of Dating Sunday goes back to at least 2015 and has been growing rapidly year on year. In recent years, it’s even been called the “Superbowl of online dating” because of how many people tune in!
In an already busy season for the online dating community — which starts with cuffing season — Dating Sunday is a high point of interaction and connection, with the hype carrying all the way through to Valentine’s Day!
So, Why Dating Sunday?
The popularity of Dating Sunday is the result of the holiday season and Sundays traditionally having a high number of active users in online dating, these two factors creating the perfect ingredients.
It sees the usual high Sunday traffic combined with the fact that people have just had the experience of being single during the holidays and many having made the resolution to find a partner in the new year. All of this together creates an extra busy day in the world of online dating, with thousands of new members signing up and millions of messages being exchanged.
So, When’s The Best Day for Online Dating?
This year Dating Sunday is coming up on January 2, 2022, and the dating platform Zoosk is predicting that it will be the ideal day to meet someone online! As traditionally the busiest day of the year for dating sites, 2022 is expected to be bigger and better than ever.
So, What to Expect on Dating Sunday 2022?
With millions of members across the world, Zoosk knows a thing or two about dating, and here’s what they’re predicting for the big day.
Zoosk’s Predictions: Dating Sunday 2022
- 2.5 million messages will be sent during Dating Sunday
- The best time to log on is 8-9pm, dubbed ‘Magic Hour’
- Anticipating a 50% increase in singles using Zoosk Live
- 57% increase in registrations in 2021, even more expected in 2022
The social dating giant is anticipating that more than 2.5 million messages will be sent on the Zoosk platform during Dating Sunday. Zoosk is also predicting that the messaging frenzy is likely to peak around 8pm local time, with Zoosk dubbing the 8-9pm period ‘Magic Hour’.
Additionally, Zoosk is forecasting a 50% increase in people logging on to new livestreaming video service Zoosk Live, as well as record numbers of singles and their dates trying out freshly launched virtual date feature Great Dates.
Alongside the messaging and virtual dating uplifts, Zoosk anticipates that many new members will join the site on January 2, 2022. The company expects to better the increases of Dating Sunday 2021, when Zoosk saw a 57% increase in new registrations.
Eric Eichmann, CEO of Zoosk, says: “this Dating Sunday falls just one day after the new year, meaning that millions of singles will be signing up full of fresh dating resolutions for 2022. We’re anticipating that these brand-new resolutions, along with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, will see singles extra motivated to join Zoosk and look for something meaningful on January 2nd.”
So, How Can You Make the Most of Online Dating’s High Season?
Although this Christmas is looking like it’ll be a little more normal than last year, in-person gatherings might still be a bit more restricted than we’re used to. That’s why, now more than ever, it’s time to make the most of Dating Sunday! Regardless of any socializing restrictions caused by the pandemic, this online-only holiday won’t be affected.
In fact, quite the opposite! It offers singles a great way to connect with others from the safety and comfort of their own homes.
Before diving into the fun of Dating Sunday though, don’t forget to give your profile a revamp. With so many more users getting involved, here’s how you can stand out from the crowd.
1. Good photos make good first impressions
The very first thing that your matches are going to see of you is your profile picture. This might sound daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Instead, use it as an excuse to create some eye-catching new shots. Top tip: The soft lighting of winter can be pretty favorable, so pull on your cutest hat and winter jumper and head out into the snow to snap a few outdoor selfies.
Read more: Looking for ways to improve your profile photo? Check out our top tips here!
2. Prepare your profile
So, you’ve sparked their interest with your eye-catching profile photo and now you want to keep their interest alive with an engaging profile. Don’t worry, doing this doesn’t mean having to resort to the old online dating clichés about traveling or nights out. The pandemic has significantly changed all aspects of our social lives and it’s okay for your profile to reflect this. Mention your favorite Netflix binge or the top projects that got you through lockdown and let the convo flow.
Read more: Unsure how to set up your Zoosk profile? Here are insightful tricks to shine!
3. Take the first step
Snapping a stunning photo and crafting a memorable profile aren’t the only parts involved when it comes to making the most of online dating’s busiest season. To really get the best out of Dating Sunday, be proactive when you come across a profile you like. Okay, 2.5 million messages are expected to be sent on Zoosk on January 2, so a standard “Hello” probably isn’t going to be the most engaging conversation starter.
Instead, read through the profile you’re interested in and craft your opening message around something you spotted in there that might be an area you both have in common. This’ll create a much more personalized and memorable ice breaker than the tried and tested opening lines.
Read more: Stand out from the crowd with these top tips for creating the perfect opening message!
So now you’re ready to get out there and make the most of Dating Sunday 2022, the best and busiest day of the year for singles. Have fun, stay open and you never know who is out there waiting to meet you too!
