In 2018, Craigslist personals—a mainstay in online dating and casual meetups—closed its doors. The decision followed the passing of the SESTA-FOSTA laws in the United States, which imposed stricter regulations on online platforms hosting personal ads, intended to combat sex trafficking but effectively led many platforms to end such services to avoid potential liability. Craigslist, known for its broad range of community-driven classifieds, promptly shut down its personals section, leaving a void in the online personals landscape.
In the aftermath of Craigslist's exit, a new contender emerged, quickly gaining attention: Doublelist. Founded with the goal of reviving the community-centered, anonymous classified format, Doublelist offered users a place to connect over shared interests, casual dating, and friendships. Here’s a look at how Doublelist filled the gap and what it brought to the table that Craigslist once dominated.
The Rise of Doublelist
Doublelist launched in 2018, mere months after Craigslist personals shut down, and quickly became popular among former Craigslist users looking for a similar space to meet new people. Doublelist’s founders understood the appeal of anonymity, ease of use, and wide reach that had made Craigslist personals so beloved, and they designed their platform with these core principles in mind. Doublelist aimed to provide a safe and straightforward place where people could browse or post ads, connect with others, and form relationships, without the overwhelming structure of a modern dating app.
Since its inception, Doublelist has grown steadily, now boasting millions of users from across the globe, with a strong presence in the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. The site is free to use, easy to navigate, and open to people seeking a variety of connections, including friendships, casual encounters, and long-term relationships.
How Doublelist Differs from Traditional Dating Apps
Unlike popular dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge, which rely on algorithms, user profiles, and swiping mechanisms, Doublelist maintains the feel of traditional classified ads. The platform allows users to post listings with minimal personal information, often just enough to communicate what they're seeking. This simplicity keeps the focus on the core connection rather than digital profiles or curated photos, and the anonymity allows people to feel a sense of privacy.
Doublelist offers specific categories tailored to a wide range of interests and relationship types. Categories include everything from “Casual Encounters” to “Long-Term Relationships” and even local community events, giving it a similar community-centered vibe to the Craigslist personals of old. Users can filter listings by location, making it easy to find people nearby and meet in person if both parties are interested.
Prioritizing Safety and Moderation
Doublelist learned from the challenges that faced Craigslist and similar sites, and it emphasizes a commitment to safe interactions. The site features a robust set of moderation tools and clear community guidelines, including ways to report and block inappropriate users. To prevent spam and enhance user trust, Doublelist requires email verification, something that Craigslist had not implemented in its personals section.
Additionally, Doublelist maintains a zero-tolerance policy for illegal activities, actively scanning for and removing posts that don’t comply with its terms of service. This approach has helped the platform avoid many of the issues that ultimately led to Craigslist’s personals section being shut down.
Why Users Flock to Doublelist
For many, Doublelist represents the best of both worlds: the simplicity and anonymity of traditional classifieds combined with a renewed focus on safe and respectful connections. Users who became disillusioned with dating apps often appreciate Doublelist’s back-to-basics approach, which lets them bypass the endless swiping and algorithms that have come to define modern dating.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its successes, Doublelist isn’t without challenges. Moderating a large, user-generated site comes with hurdles, as does balancing user safety with freedom of expression. As with any platform that encourages anonymous posts, Doublelist must maintain an active moderation team to ensure that users can browse without encountering spam or inappropriate content.
Looking ahead, Doublelist seems poised to continue its growth. While traditional dating apps continue to dominate the landscape, Doublelist has carved out its own niche, appealing to people looking for something simpler, less curated, and more community-focused. For many, it’s a refreshing alternative that’s more about real connections than profiles, filters, and matching algorithms.
In a time when dating apps have become the go-to option for people seeking connection, Doublelist stands out as a throwback to the early days of internet personals. It offers a straightforward, user-friendly experience that harkens back to Craigslist personals, giving people an alternative space to meet, connect, and create new relationships. By taking what worked from the Craigslist era and adding safeguards for today’s digital landscape, Doublelist has managed to become the successor for millions who miss the simplicity of traditional classifieds.