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Bumble Launches Video Chat and Voice Call Feature

Bumble has ramped up its commitment to user safety by introducing a new feature that facilitates in-app video and voice calls. It is available across all three of the social app’s platforms.

The update is designed to help matches have a ‘real life’ interaction before they meet, without exchanging personal information.

Women have the option to call as soon as a match is made, which counts as their first move, while men can only call once they have been contacted.

In a statement, CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd explained: “The future of digital connection will be defined by the safety, security and well-being of users across all media platforms.

“At Bumble, we’ve not only invested heavily in user safety we’ve also worked tirelessly to engineer good behaviour both in and out of app through product, features and legislation designed to do just that. 

“Voice Calls & Video Chat further reinforce our dedication to creating the safest and most empowering space for creating new connections in love, friendship and professional networking.” 



An official partnership with the Premier Lacrosse League was also announced to coincide with the product launch. If users swipe right on one of the professionals on the app, they could win free match tickets, or even video chat with a player before a game.

The update was developed by MagicLab, Andrey Andreev’s new holding company that is home to Bumble, Badoo, Chappy and Lumen. He has invested a total of $100 million into the umbrella for marketing purposes and to identify exciting, young startups to bring on board.

Badoo already has the capacity for voice and video calling, and there are plans to bring similar functionality to Chappy and Lumen in the near future.

According to Andreev, it is an “undeniable game changer and the biggest industry revolution since the dawn of the dating app”

He continued on to say: “The feature is another powerful representation of our commitment to the safety and security of our users, but it also gives them a level of convenience in connecting that makes their dating lives easier, less stressful and far more cost effective.”

The parent group also recently engineered a piece of AI software that automatically detects nude images with an accuracy of 98%.

Suspected pictures of exposed male or female genitalia will initially appeared blurred, and the recipient can choose whether to view it, do nothing, or make a report to human moderators.

The technology is part of Wolfe Herd’s ongoing battle against unsolicited sexual images. Following extensive campaigning and meetings with legislators, she successfully inspired a bill in Texas that will make the act punishable by a fine of up to $500 from 1st September.

Chappy revealed a complete redesign based on outer space at the beginning of June, symbolising its complete commitment to providing a safe “space” for gay online dating.

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Dominic Whitlock

Dominic is the Editor for Global Dating Insights. Originally from Devon, England he achieved a BA in English Language & Linguistics from The University of Reading. He enjoys a variety of sports and has a further passion for film and music.

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