After testing and launching the feature in several other countries since 2018, Facebook Dating is finally launching in the UK.
From Wednesday, users will be able to opt-in to the dating service using the main Facebook app and will have to create a separate profile just for match-making.
Facebook Dating will allow daters to add events and interests to their profiles, as well as sharing stories through Facebook or Instagram to provide potential matches with more insight into their life.
The main feature within the service, Secret Crush, allows users to find out if any their Facebook friends are their secret admirers.
Facebook Dating users can select up to nine Facebook friends they are romantically interested in and those selected will receive an anonymous notification informing them they have an admirer. If a person who has been selected also adds their secret admirer to their Secret Crush list, both names will be revealed and matched and the pair can begin speaking via an instant messaging chat.
Users are also able to add Instagram followers to their Secret Crush lists.
Facebook have described the new feature as a space to “help more people find meaningful relationships through things they have in common, like interests, events, and groups”.
The social networking site said: “We worked with experts in these areas to provide easy access to safety tips and build protections into Facebook Dating, including the ability to report and block anyone, as well as stopping people from sending photos, links, payments or videos in messages.
“We won’t suggest current Facebook friends as potential matches or notify them that you’ve joined Dating.
“For example, your Dating profile, Dating messages, and who you like or match within Dating won’t appear on your Facebook News Feed.
“We’re committed to making Facebook Dating a place where people feel comfortable looking for a date and starting meaningful relationships.”