Huggle Review February 2024

Last updated: January 2024

Our Review

From: Chris Pleines

• Reading Time: 4 minute(s)

Launched in 2016, Huggle is a relatively new friendship and dating mobile application that aims to bridge the gap between the online and the offline world. It was founded by blogger Valerie Stark and model Tina Sanders.

Huggle is not your typical dating app. Unlike other location-based apps, it bases your matches on the places you’ve recently been to. Whether it be with someone who has the same favorite coffee shop as you or someone who loves to go walk around the park just like you do, Huggle may help you find your travel or lifestyle soulmate.

The app is not just for people who are solely looking for serious relationships. In fact, many people rather consider it a “friendship-making app” as it also serves as a place for those who are looking for travel buddies and potential friendships.

New members at Huggle in February 2024 in comparison

Here you can see how membership figures at Huggle are developing compared to others

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Huggle Members

Members

100,000 from USA

Members activity

300,000 active weekly

Gender Proportion

45 %

55 %

Most of the members are from the younger age groups
There are more men than women
Majority are straight singles
Most of the members are from the United States
There is membership across all age groups

Most of the members are from the United States, but there are people from other countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Irelands, and Morocco.

The population is mostly on the younger side, but the membership is almost even across all age groups even in the 65 plus group. There are more males than females but the difference is not very significant as males make up 55 percent of the population. In terms of sexual orientation, the members are mostly straight singles looking for dates or friends.

18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55+

How to Signup on Huggle

Uses Facebook account to sign up
Takes about 5 minutes to register and verify your account
You start by adding 5 favorite places to get your first few matches
No personality tests needed
You can only upload photos that has your face in it

Huggle requires everyone to sign up via Facebook. So if you don't have a Facebook account, you better create one first before signing up to Huggle.

Creating an account in Huggle is as easy as tapping a button (literally). By tapping on the "Continue With Facebook" button, you are allowing Huggle to grab the basic information you have on your Facebook account and use it for your Huggle profile. Don't worry, the app only uses your first name, age, and profile picture. After that, you can choose to spice up your profile or start finding matches right away!

Making Contact on Huggle

Swipe features for passing and liking match recommendations
Only suggests match based on mutual places
Messaging is free for matches who like you back
Discover option is available for people who have recently been to your favorite locations
Pictures of other members are visible for free

Upon opening the app, you will see people who have checked in to your favorite places or in the location you are currently at. From there, you can start swiping through the pictures of your matches. Swipe left if you want to pass, right if you like someone, and swipe up to read more information.

Once you find a match, you can send him/her a message and strike a conversation. You can start by talking about the common places you both have been to and see where that will take you. You may also send him/her photos and videos of the places you have already been. If you come across someone who is rude or someone annoying, you can block that member right away by tapping the "Block User" button at the very bottom of their profile.

Additionally, you can identify what a person is looking for based on the icons beside their names: wine for dating, pizza for friendship, and coffee for both.

Huggle Profile Quality

Has multiple ways to verify profile
Strict on photos you upload on your profile
Your profile can be linked to your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google+, or LinkedIn account
Only needs basic information (Age, Name, Language, and Current Location) and a little paragraph about yourself
Profile Information is editable

Huggle, though aiming to be different, made common ways to set up a member's profile. Since joining the app means signing up through your Facebook account, you no longer have to manually input your basic info. The app syncs and grabs information from your Facebook account to your Huggle profile. Your Facebook display photo will be your default profile picture too. But you can change it and add more photos after registration.

The app is strict and particular to the photos you upload. It has to be a picture that shows your face and you must not be naked or in a suggestive-lingerie. It also forbids pictures of children (on their own), pictures with heavy graphics, and group photos.

Huggle Real Life Review

"I think Huggle is a good app. It is very simple, and straightforward. This is my go-to app every time I do a little out-of-town. Every year, I travel to places I have never been and this app has helped me gain new friends along the way. It is a breath of fresh air since most of the location-based apps are more focused on helping people find romance and I'm not into those kinds of things. I prefer establishing friendships and this app has given me what I need. Though I must say, I was pretty disappointed with how bad the suggested locations are. I don't know if it's my phone's problem or the app's, but every time I try to check into a not so popular location, the app will suggest a different place away from where I was at. If this was the app's problem, I hope they fix it quick because they can't make their selling point glitchy! That would make their users want to switch to a different app. But I still love it and I'm still hoping they'll improve the app." — Digital Nomad, 24

Design and Usability

The app comes in a calm shade of blue and white. Its design is modern and trendy for people who are looking for friends or relationships.

The functions are simple and easy to understand. It works just like most matching apps. Even if it is your first time on the app, you'll be able to find your way easily.

Huggle Costs and Prices

Is Huggle expensive or cheap?

In comparison to other providers Huggle is free of charge.

This dating application is free for Android, iPhone, and Windows phone users. All of its useful features are available for free as well. These include the discovery option, finding matches, unlimited swipes, location check-ins, messaging, and many more. There are mentions of the Huggle Premium on the app's 'Help Center', but it seems inaccessible at the time of this review. We did some research as to the premium's availability in other countries, but some users have reported that the premium feature is not available in their area.

Special Features

Huggle has the following special features to make your stay worthwhile and even more fun:

Import Places

1 Minute Photo Verification

Huggle has added a creative photo verification process. The app shows you a pose that you have to copy as you take a selfie. They will then analyze your selfie for a minute, and reveal whether you got verified or not.

Timeline

The timeline has the record of the places you have been. It shows you new check-ins from people who have recently been to your favorite places.

Send Photos and Videos to Matches

Unlike other apps, where basic text messaging is the only option. Huggle lets you send images and videos to your matches anytime.

Our rating

Signing Up:	3.0 / 5
Making Contact:	3.0 / 5
Profile Quality:	3.0 / 5
Real Life Review:	3.0 / 5

Editor's Conclusion

Chris Pleines
Founder of Dating Scout and Author of the book "Online Dating for Dummies"

Huggle is an interesting mobile application that helps you connect with people who like the same places as you. It helps you find better 'quick' matches, but at the same time narrows down people you can/might meet. However, since it is more popularly known as an app that allows you to find friends, it might not really be the app for those seeking romantic relationships. Although it has a large membership and a lot of interesting features (even for standard accounts), the chances of finding your true love here are probably unlikely. Yes, you might find genuine connections, but most of the time, such connections might just platonic (or a short-time fling). Therefore, if you're into serious commitments, then you might want to check other Dating Apps that focus on finding you a romantic love.

Huggle FAQ

Facts

What is Huggle?

Huggle is a mobile social app that connects people based on the places they go, things they do, what they are interested in, and how they live their lives.

Who runs Huggle?

It has recently been acquired by one of the biggest dating apps in the world, Badoo. Huggle was first founded by Valerie Stark and Tina Sanders.

When did the Huggle app start?

The app was inspired by the story of how the founders met (through Instagram geo-location) and created an app that specifically finds people based on the locations they go. It took six months to build the app and it had its first soft launch in 2015. It was then officially launched in July 2016.

Is there an age restriction for this app?

Only people who are 18 years old and above are allowed to create an account for Huggle. Registration application from a minor will automatically be terminated.

Safety and Privacy

How do I verify my account?

There are multiple ways to verify an account. First, go to your profile and click the "Account Verification" section. This will lead you to different options on how to verify an account. Listed below are ways to verify your account:

Photo - If you select this, the app will show you a picture of someone striking a pose and you will have to take a photo of you copying the pose. After submitting your photo, the app will analyze it and determine if you are verified or not.
Phone Number - Type in your mobile number on the empty field where you should put your number. After clicking verify, the app will try to call the number you provided. Once the phone rings, you will be automatically verified.
Facebook - Facebook verification is the first process you will take since you can only use the app if you have a Facebook account. So if you have already signed in to your Huggle account, this section will be verified as well.
Google+ - You can choose to verify your account via Google+. If you click this option, it will ask you to log in to your Gmail account. But if you have multiple Gmail accounts logged in to your phone, the app will let you choose which email you are going to use.
Instagram - You can also connect your Instagram to your Huggle and verify your account.
Twitter - If you are a Twitter user, you can use your account to verify. Just tap the Twitter icon and a popup will appear asking you to sign in to your twitter account.
LinkedIn - LinkedIn accounts can be also used to verify your account. Just sign-in to your LinkedIn profile through your Huggle application and you will automatically be verified.
Huggle Premium - Your profile will automatically be verified once you upgrade to premium.

Are there many Fake accounts in Huggle?

The photo verification process helps in keeping fakes and bots away. This also helps prevent peen pictures and catfishing.

How can I report a user?

To report a user, open the profile you wish to report and scroll down to the bottom of the page. You will find an option to "Block or Report" tap it and then choose the appropriate action. The misuse of this feature could lead you to be banned from Huggle forever.

Functionality

How can I add someone to my Favorites?

You can mark someone as "favorite" by tapping the star icon next to their name in the Connections folder. You'll know if you have successfully added a user in your "favorites" list if the star icon is now filled with color.

Will deleting my messages delete my match as well?

Yes, deleting a message thread will remove your match with a certain person. But that will only affect your end, that means your conversation is still on his/her end. You will only be able to contact them again if they contact you first.

How large can my photos be, and what types of files can I upload?

Huggle accepts JPEG and PNG files with a size limit of 128MB and dimensions that are at least 200x200 px.

How can I add photos to my profile?

To upload a photo, open your profile page and tap on the camera icon at the top left corner. Select a source where you want to get photos from or simply take a new one by tapping the camera icon.

How can I rotate my photos?

You cannot rotate photos once it has been uploaded to the site. Upload a photo with the right orientation. If you need to rotate a picture you like, do it on your device before uploading.

How does video chat work?

The video chat feature is only available when you already have a conversation thread with someone. To use video chat, open the conversation and click on the video icon on the top right corner.

How can I change my location?

Your location is automatically generated by the GPS receiver on your device. The only way to change your location is if you travel and literally change your location. You can, however, change the settings to hide or show your distance.

How can I search for people in People nearby?

Go to the "People nearby" icon and select the filter icon at the top right corner of the screen. You can adjust your filter based on age, gender, and whether you want to chat, make friends, or date.

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