What is Badoo? The Simple Guide to Europe’s Biggest Dating App

You’ve probably seen ads for Badoo on your phone, or maybe a friend mentioned it. But what exactly is Badoo? Is it just another dating app? Or something more? Let’s cut through the noise and explain it plainly-no fluff, no hype, just the facts.

Quick Takeaways

• Badoo is a global dating and social networking app with over 480 million users.
• It started in Russia in 2006 and became huge across Europe and Latin America.
• Unlike Tinder, Badoo lets you chat before matching, and it has built-in games and video calls.
• It’s especially popular in countries like Spain, Italy, Brazil, and Ukraine.
• You can use it for casual dating, friendships, or even serious relationships.

What Exactly Is Badoo?

Badoo is a mobile app that connects people looking to meet others nearby-whether for dating, friendship, or just to chat. Think of it as a mix between Tinder and a social network, but with more tools built in. You create a profile, upload photos, and start swiping or sending messages to people in your area.

It launched in 2006 in Russia, long before Tinder even existed. By 2010, it had exploded in popularity across Europe, especially in countries where online dating was still new. Today, it’s one of the most downloaded apps in Spain, Italy, and Brazil. In fact, in some places, it’s more popular than Tinder.

Why? Because it doesn’t force you to wait for a match before talking. You can message anyone right away. That’s a big deal. It removes the guesswork. If you like someone’s profile, you can say hi. No need to wait for them to swipe right first.

How Badoo Works

Here’s how it actually works in practice:

1. You download the app and sign up using your email, phone, or social media.
2. You set your location, age range, and gender preferences.
3. You upload a few photos-Badoo encourages real, clear pictures, not filters or selfies with sunglasses.
4. You can browse profiles nearby or use the “People Nearby” feature to see who’s active in your area.
5. You can send a message to anyone, even if they haven’t liked you back.
6. If someone replies, you keep chatting. If they like you too, you can turn it into a match.

There’s also a fun feature called Badoo Games. You can play simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe or Quiz with someone you’re chatting with. It’s a low-pressure way to break the ice. And if things start to click, you can jump into a video call right inside the app-no need to switch to WhatsApp or Zoom.

Why People Use Badoo

People don’t just use Badoo because it’s popular. They use it because it works for their lifestyle.

Take Maria, 28, from Madrid. She moved to a new city for work and didn’t know anyone. She downloaded Badoo to meet people nearby. Within two weeks, she had coffee with three different people-two became friends, one became her boyfriend. She didn’t need to join clubs or go to parties. She just opened the app.

Or consider Lukas, 35, in Kyiv. He’s divorced and wants to reconnect with life. He uses Badoo to chat with women who share his love of hiking and photography. He’s not looking for marriage-just real conversations. Badoo lets him filter by interests, so he finds people who actually like the same things he does.

It’s not just for hookups. Many users say they’ve found long-term partners. A 2023 survey by a European digital lifestyle group found that 27% of Badoo users had been in a relationship that started on the app. And 41% said they’d met someone they’d still talk to today.

How Badoo Compares to Other Apps

Let’s say you’re comparing Badoo to Tinder, Hinge, or OkCupid. Here’s how it stacks up:

Badoo wins on flexibility. You don’t need to pay to send a message. You don’t need to wait for a match to start a conversation. And the games? They’re not gimmicks-they actually help people relax and get to know each other faster.

What to Expect When You Start Using Badoo

First time using it? Here’s what usually happens:

• You’ll get a few matches within the first hour if you’re active in a busy city.
• You’ll get messages from people who seem interested but don’t say much-like “Hey” or “u up?” Don’t worry, that’s normal. Keep going.
• You’ll notice some profiles are full of selfies. Others are detailed, with hobbies, travel stories, or even pet photos. The more you share, the better your chances.
• You’ll get a notification if someone likes your profile. You can click it to see who it was and start a chat.
• If you’re quiet for a few days, the app will suggest people you might like. It learns what you respond to.

It’s not magic. It’s just a tool. If you put in effort-replying, asking questions, being honest-you’ll get better results.

Is Badoo Safe?

Safety is a big concern with any dating app. Badoo has a few built-in protections:

• You can block or report anyone instantly.
• Photos are manually reviewed before they go live (though not always perfectly).
• There’s a “Verified Profile” badge for people who upload ID or connect their social media.
• The app doesn’t allow explicit photos or sexual content in profiles.
• You can hide your location from people you haven’t matched with.

Still, you should treat it like meeting someone in person. Don’t share your home address. Don’t send money. Don’t rush into private video calls with strangers. Meet in public places the first few times. Trust your gut.

How to Get Started

Ready to try it? Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Download Badoo from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up with your email or phone number. Avoid using your real name if you want privacy.
3. Upload 3-5 clear photos. One full face, one full body, one with an activity you enjoy.
4. Write a short bio. Mention one thing you love, one thing you’re looking for. Example: “I love coffee, hiking, and bad jokes. Looking for someone to laugh with.”
5. Turn on location and start browsing.
6. Send a message to three people who seem interesting. Don’t overthink it.

That’s it. No subscription needed. No complex steps. Just open, swipe, and say hi.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to meet people, Badoo gives you a real way out. No pressure. No awkwardness. Just a simple app that lets you say hello-and see where it goes.