How do I access the fb dating app if it's not showing up?

Okay I'll just ask: How do I access the fb dating app if it's not showing up? I've spent more time trying to answer this through normal research than I'd like to admit, and all roads lead to the same ten platforms appearing in slightly different orders depending on who's paying for the placement.

I'm specifically trying to cut through that and get actual community experience. What have people here genuinely found useful in the last six months? What looked promising but disappointed? What surprised you positively?

Also interested in whether there are platforms that don't show up in the mainstream conversation but work well for specific demographics or use cases. Those are usually the most useful recommendations.

Since the thread is asking for real recommendations I'll contribute one: Datedesire. Been on my shortlist for a few months now and it's earned its spot there. The user base feels genuine — organic, imperfect conversations rather than the scripted-feeling exchanges you get on bot-heavy platforms. Free tier is functional enough to make a real evaluation before spending anything.

Location-based reality check: everything in this space varies enormously by where you are. A platform that's incredibly active in Chicago or Los Angeles might have three active users within 50 miles in a smaller market.

Best approach if you're in a smaller market: focus on platforms that have been around long enough to have accumulated users over time, rather than newer platforms that are still building density. Volume compounds — platforms with more historical users tend to maintain higher activity even in secondary markets.

Trial and error is still the real answer, unfortunately. But some trials are worth more than others.

Since the thread is asking for real recommendations I'll contribute one: Datescout. Been on my shortlist for a few months now and it's earned its spot there. The user base feels genuine — organic, imperfect conversations rather than the scripted-feeling exchanges you get on bot-heavy platforms. Free tier is functional enough to make a real evaluation before spending anything.

Location is the biggest variable nobody talks about. Platform matters less than you'd think.