BlackPeopleMeet: A Safe Space for Black Singles
Content
BlackPeopleMeet positions itself as one of the oldest and largest dating platforms created to serve Black and biracial singles. Launched in 2002 by People Media in Dallas, Texas, the service aimed to create a welcoming space where individuals of African descent and those interested in them could connect online. In 2009, Match.com’s parent company, IAC, acquired People Media for $80 million, integrating BlackPeopleMeet and its sister sites, such as OurTime, into the larger Match Group network. Although the platform primarily focuses on Black singles, it is open to anyone who wants to date within the Black community.
In this review, we examine their features, pricing, safety measures, customer support, and real‑world feedback to help you decide whether this service aligns with your dating goals.
Pros
Cons
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Quick Stats
Company Overview
Established two decades ago, BlackPeopleMeet caters to a niche audience of Black and biracial singles seeking a dedicated Black dating site. Based in Texas, they primarily operate in the United States but also have a presence in Canada, attracting members from the U.K. and other countries. The platform targets adults seeking romantic relationships, friendships, or casual dates. While recommended for individuals aged 30 and above, younger users are allowed. Sign‑up only requires basic information—gender, birthdate, zip code, and email—and a math question to deter bots. New members must verify their email and phone number (via text) to activate accounts. The majority of members reside in the U.S., and female users reportedly outnumber males.
BlackPeopleMeet offers both discovery and matching options that can help you determine if it's a good fit for your dating needs. Free members receive up to 11 daily match suggestions and can browse profiles using basic and advanced search filters, including distance, age, appearance, religion, zodiac sign, and keywords. Flirt and favorite buttons enable light interaction without paying. The provider encourages users to upload photos—profiles with photos rank higher—and allows up to 30 images, including private albums. Premium membership unlocks unlimited messaging, instant chat, the ability to see who has viewed or liked you, and access to advanced match filters, such as Fave’d/Flirted lists. Premium members can also create audio or video greetings to personalize their profiles. Token-based features, such as MatchMe and PromoteMe, offer additional ways to stand out.
The service is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds a B rating, with 150 consumer complaints filed as of 2024. Editorial reviewers often describe BlackPeopleMeet as user-friendly and note its large niche community.
BlackPeopleMeet Features & Services
Discovery and matching features
- Basic search and daily matches: Free members receive up to 11 daily match suggestions and can browse profiles using filters like age, location, physical appearance, and religion.
- Advanced search filters: Premium members can narrow searches by habits, interests, zodiac sign, education, and more. An advanced “Looking For” feature lets you specify relationship goals (casual dating, serious relationships, or marriage)
- Flirts and favorites: Users can send flirts, like photos, or add profiles to a Favorites list at no cost. Mutual likes trigger an “ECHO!” notification, indicating reciprocal interest
- Daily match activity: Each day, the platform suggests one profile at a time, and users can respond Yes or No. This fosters slower, more thoughtful browsing
- Audio and video greetings: Paid members can add audio or video introductions to their profiles, offering a more dynamic first impression
Communication and interaction
- Unlimited messaging: Premium subscribers can send and read unlimited messages and participate in instant chat. Free members are restricted to flirts and cannot read or send messages
- ConnectMe privacy calling: This feature forwards calls or texts through an anonymous number so that members can talk without revealing personal phone numbers . It is available to premium users and works only within the continental U.S. and not with certain prepaid carriers
- See who viewed or liked you: Paid members can view lists of people who have visited their profile, sent a flirt, or liked their pictures.
- Block and report functions: All users can block or report suspicious profiles, and there is manual moderation to remove offensive content
Token-based features
- MatchMe: For 20 tokens, your profile appears in someone’s daily match queue, increasing the chance of being seen
- PromoteMe/Boost: Spending 20 tokens places you at the top of search results for one hour, boosting visibility. Users can also purchase Boost packages separately: one boost costs about $2.49, five cost $1.99 each, and 10 cost $1.49 each
- Virtual Gifts: Tokens (ranging from 10–75 per gift) allow you to send virtual gestures like bouquets or chocolates to a potential match.
- NotifyMe: For 20 tokens, you receive alerts when a specific member logs into the site
- Token pricing and expiry: Packages cost $0.99 for 25 tokens, $3.99 for 110 tokens, and $9.99 for 280 tokens. Tokens expire after 180 days and auto‑replenish when your balance falls below 20 tokens unless you disable the feature
Safety and privacy measures
- Verification: Account creation requires email and text verification, and the platform uses manual moderation to remove inappropriate content
- Photo priority: Profiles with approved photos receive higher search rankings, encouraging users to provide images
- Reporting and blocking: Simple mechanisms let you flag suspicious accounts and prevent unwanted contact
- Data collection and sharing: BlackPeopleMeet collects personal information, geolocation, device data a,nd message content. The site shares data across Match Group’s network and may read messages for moderation. This raises privacy concerns, as the data may be used for targeted advertising and shared with affiliates or law enforcement
Additional perks
- ProfilePro: Some membership tiers include assistance in drafting profile summaries and improving photos
- Dating advice: The site offers articles and tips on how to create attractive profiles, initiate conversations, and maintain safety
- Mobile apps: Dedicated iOS and Android apps mirror the website’s functions
Plans & Prices
BlackPeopleMeet’s pricing structure comprises monthly subscriptions and optional token purchases. Here’s what you can expect from the largest subscription site for black singles:
- 6-month subscription: you pay $71.70 upfront ($11.95 per month) - includes unlimited messaging, chat, ConnectMe, view who viewed/liked you, advanced search, audio/video greetings, and premium support
- 3-month subscription: you pay $41.85 upfront ($13.95 per month) - includes all the same features but with a shorter commitment
- 1-month subscription: you pay $16.75 per month, which includes all the premium features, a short commitment period, and the highest monthly cost
A one-time $3.99 processing fee applies when you upgrade to a paid membership for the first time. Memberships automatically renew unless cancelled through account settings. The provider does not offer refunds, so you must cancel at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid being charged. Subscriptions can be purchased using major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), PayPal, or mail-in payments. Tokens can be purchased via credit card or in-app purchases. There are no subscription refunds, and token purchases automatically replenish when your balance falls below 20 tokens, unless you disable the feature.
Advantages
- Niche community for Black singles: BlackPeopleMeet provides a dedicated space where Black and biracial singles feel represented and can connect with others who share similar cultural backgrounds. This niche focus can increase compatibility and comfort for users seeking partners within their ethnicity
- Large and active user base: Online estimates indicate approximately 900,000 members in the U.S. and up to 5 million globally. There are plenty of profiles to browse, which increases the likelihood of finding compatible matches.
- User-friendly sign-up: Registration takes only a few minutes and requires minimal personal information, along with a photo, making it easy for newcomers to join. A math challenge and phone verification help weed out bots
- Flexible search options: Advanced filters let you search by religion, appearance, lifestyle, zodiac sign, and distance, enabling you to tailor potential matches to your preferences
- ConnectMe privacy calling: This feature enables members to chat via phone without revealing their phone numbers, providing more control over personal information and promoting safer interactions
- Token-based visibility boosts: Boost and MatchMe features allow you to increase your profile’s exposure for a small fee. This can be particularly useful in crowded dating markets or if you live in a busy metropolitan area
- Audio and video introductions: Premium users can record audio or video greetings, which help showcase their personality traits and stand out among other profiles.
- Safety features: The ability to block or report suspicious users, along with required photo verification for better placement, offers a measure of security
- Dating Advice Library: The website’s educational articles offer tips on crafting an attractive profile, starting conversations, and staying safe online. This resource is especially useful for users new to online dating
Disadvantages
- Messaging behind a paywall: Free members cannot read or send messages, limiting interactions to flirts and favorites. To have meaningful conversations, you must purchase a subscription
- Additional costs and auto‑renewal: Tokens for extra visibility and gifts add expenses beyond the membership fee. Auto-renewal for both memberships and tokens is enabled by default, which may catch unaware users off guard
- No refunds: The provider does not offer refunds on subscriptions—even if you cancel shortly after renewal
- Privacy concerns: The company collects extensive personal data, including geolocation and message content, and shares it across Match Group apps. Moderators may read messages to monitor safety . Users should be comfortable with this data usage
- Fake profiles and scammers: Many users complain about bots and catfishing. Sitejabber reviews often mention receiving generic messages that appear to be automated
- Poor customer support: BlackPeopleMeet does not have a customer service phone number. Support is only available through online forms and email, making it difficult to obtain quick assistance
- Outdated interface: Some users have noted that the desktop site feels outdated compared to modern dating apps. The mobile app has improved in design, but still lags behind competitors
- Limited international reach: Although accessible worldwide, the service is primarily geared toward users in the U.S. and Canada. Those living elsewhere may encounter fewer matches
Customer Experience
BlackPeopleMeet receives mixed feedback across review platforms. On Sitejabber, the service holds an average of 1.3 stars based on 454 reviews. Of those, 74% are one-star ratings, indicating widespread dissatisfaction. The platform does not appear on Trustpilot, although its mother company, People Media, does. On the App Store, it has a 4.1-star rating out of 5, based on over 17k reviews. On the BBB, they hold a 1.33 out of 5-star rating, based on nearly 200 customer complaints.
Positive feedback
Some users appreciate that the platform focuses on Black singles and allows them to connect through a black dating app with people who share similar cultural backgrounds. Reviewers mention that the search tools are flexible, the sign‑up process is quick, and the niche community feels welcoming. Editorial reviewers highlight that the site is simple to navigate and that daily match suggestions encourage meaningful browsing. A few users also appreciate the ConnectMe feature, noting that it offers a convenient way to make phone calls without sharing personal contact details.
Critical feedback
Negative experiences are far more prevalent. Many Sitejabber reviewers complain about receiving messages from obvious bots or scam profiles that copy and paste generic lines of text. Others mention being charged after cancelling subscriptions or having difficulty locating the cancellation option. Some users report being locked out of their accounts without explanation and being unable to get assistance because customer service is unresponsive. A common theme is that free accounts are almost unusable due to restricted messaging. The outdated user interface and slow loading times on the desktop site also draw criticism.
Unlike some online dating sites and dating services that actively respond to complaints on public review boards, BlackPeopleMeet seldom addresses negative feedback. GetHuman notes that there is no phone support and that users must submit requests through the online help center. This lack of direct communication may contribute to frustration and poor reviews.
Customer Support
BlackPeopleMeet’s support options are limited. The company does not provide a customer service phone number, and the only official way to obtain assistance is through the help center on their website. Users must browse articles or submit an online form describing their issue. This process can be time-consuming, and responses may take several days to arrive. There are no chatbots or live agents, and support is not available via social media. If you need to address billing errors or request account assistance, please submit a request through the help portal and wait for a response via email. As a result, the timely resolution of urgent issues is unlikely.
The site does provide educational materials within the help center, including tutorials on how to upload photos, use search filters, and adjust privacy settings.
Conclusion
BlackPeopleMeet remains one of the longest‑running dating platforms catering to Black singles and those interested in dating within the Black community. Its niche focus, large user base, and simple sign‑up process make it an appealing option for people seeking culturally aligned connections. Flexible search filters, daily matches, the privacy‑protecting ConnectMe feature, and token‑based visibility tools add practical value and variety to the user experience.
Despite these strengths, potential subscribers should be aware of significant drawbacks. Messaging is locked behind a paywall, and additional token purchases can inflate costs, especially for those considering a paid BlackPeopleMeet membership. The platform’s privacy policies enable extensive data collection and sharing across the Match Group network. User complaints on sites like Sitejabber reveal problems with fake profiles, billing issues, and an ineffective cancellation process. Customer support is limited to web forms, and there are no refunds available.
To make an informed decision, consider exploring other top dating sites and reading our detailed reviews of various online dating providers, as well as articles offering insight into the online dating scene. Our comparison tool enables you to evaluate features, prices, and user feedback across various platforms. Whether you’re seeking a long‑term relationship or casual connections, understanding a service’s strengths and limitations will help you select the platform that best aligns with your needs.
