Blossom Your Awesome Podcast Filteroff With Zach Schleien

Blossom Your Awesome Podcast Filteroff With Zach Schleien

Zach Schleien is the co-founder of Filteroff.

Filteroff is the #1 video speed dating app in the world.

If you'd like to try it out click here.

Their motto - "Meet People Not Profiles."

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Transcript

Sue Dhillon:
Hi there today on the show we have got Zach Schlein here with us. Zach I am so honored and delighted to have you here. Welcome to the show.

Zach:
Thank you so much for having me.

Sue Dhillon:
Oh, I am excited to get into what you've been up to. You are the CEO and co-founder of the Video Speed Dating Up FilterOff. Give us this backstory. You've got a background in tech and things, and I know you sold another online company. But give us the backstory how you came up with this idea.

Zach:
Yeah. So filter off with something that I was passionate about for probably about 10 years now. So way before I started that, but really started with going on online dates and meeting these dates in person and quickly realizing, Whoa, they aren't like their profile. They're not like their pictures. Those witty text conversations aren't actually like that in person. And I started asking my online dates before meeting if they'd be open to video chatting. And I realized, wow, this is a much better experience. I get to see if we're attracted, I get to see if we have chemistry before committing to an in-person date. And that was really the story behind Filter Off. And then we launched and it's been quite successful.

Sue Dhillon:
Wow, I mean, it's such, I'm sure other people thought of this, but it's just such a novel idea. Like I didn't really know. I'm not in the dating world, but I have friends who are and God, it's just, it seems like such a struggle. Like there are so few potentials out there for those who are seeking it seems, but this seems like you would kind of cut out a lot of that. Like you say, kind of misleading, you know, pictures can be deceiving and all of that.

Zach:
Yeah, for sure. I think what it comes down to as a profile just does not translate to an in real life experience. And we want to provide a much more authentic and efficient experience for men and women to connect with one another and or could be same sex. But yeah, we just want to provide a better experience to traditional online dating.

Sue Dhillon:
And now, so how does this work? Can you give us kind of the, you know, how you set up a profile and then what happens next and how you get to the video part of it to actually have a video interaction?

Zach:
Yeah, sure. So filter off, it's available on the Google Play, as well as the Apple App Store. So you install that, create your profile, and it's free to use. And based off of your preferences, every day you're given different people that you could potentially date. And if you both like one another, you set up a time to video chat. And you only can do so within five days. and it's a time video date. And then once the date concludes, if you both like one another, you could then message or video call again. So we really wanna put you into that time video date experience. And we have a lot of features as well and rolling out additional features to provide a really curated experience for Menen. So, let's go ahead and get started.

Sue Dhillon:
Okay, and so it's free, but then I'm assuming just give us for the sake of clarity here. It's kind of like so you have that initial conversation with somebody you hit it off, you like them and then you want to want their contact or whatever reach out to them directly. Is that where then is there like a fee for that or how does that work?

Zach:
No, no fee. Um, we do have a subscription which gives you features like read receipts, boosts, buying more, essentially you could see more people. Um, but no, we don't want to pay wall you. So you can actually use the app experience. Really the paid features are provide a more curated experience as well as more, uh, possibilities, uh, to find your person.

Sue Dhillon:
goodness, this is just genius, Zach. And now what has, I know it's kind of really taken off and exploded and are you guys, I mean, anyone can download this anywhere from all over the world. And are you getting a lot of people from other parts of the world as well?

Zach:
Yeah, I mean, our focus right now is really, uh, North America. Um, again, what makes online dating tricky is if you have users all scattered, it may not provide the best user experience. So we have focused more so in the United States. Um, however, we do have users around the world and we have users that don't mind, uh, connecting and video dating with someone in a different city. or in a different country perhaps, because they just want that connection and the ability to chat face to face from the comfort of their own living room.

Sue Dhillon:
Wow, this is, I just absolutely love this. I think it's so cool, because you're really giving people something that they weren't able to convey, like what they're looking for, this actual connection with people, right? Versus the online dating world. What have you seen? What has changed? Like since COVID, pre-COVID, it just seems like... You know, 20 years ago or whenever online dating first kind of came around with all of those, you know, platforms. I think eHarmony was one of the bigger ones that was promising the sort of, you know, they were kind of digging into the psychology and asking all these questions and things, right, to try to help find better mattress. But what have you found as a dating expert?

Zach:
Yeah, the pandemic really has changed online dating. I think the most obvious sudden change with the pandemic, given that everyone was home, was to embrace video. Prior to the pandemic. Not many people were open to video chatting with a complete stranger. And then post pandemic, the average single is open to video chatting with a complete stranger. So that's done a total 180. When looking at the data, definitely people have, or during the pandemic, they were more open to just video chatting with anyone. Now it's kind of gone back to the mean of video chatting, being a little bit pickier again. Uh. But when it comes to video, the cat's out of the bag. It really is an obvious. an obvious thing to do before meeting up in person.

Sue Dhillon:
So now this is interesting you're saying like now after the pandemic they're getting pickier So that's is that because now? That we can get back out there in the world and actually no hey I don't need to just settle with the first thing I can get on on a video call, right?

Zach:
Yeah, I think, I mean, just looking at data during the pandemic, people were just so lonely and disconnected that they were just open to kind of have any sort of connection and as a company, we've had to pivot, um, as well given to, given the nature of the pandemic. But what you're seeing as well is people are also much more open to dating long distance, um, given, uh, remote work, the explosion of remote work. Um, so there have been a lot of changes in online dating. Um, you're also seeing more and more people, uh, get swipe fatigue and kind of sick of, uh, swipe apps. Um, you're also seeing specifically women, uh, getting fed up of dating apps, given how inundated, uh, they get, um, with thousands of matches perhaps every week. or thousands of likes, it becomes like a full-time job. So there's a number of issues that have been exacerbated post pandemic and dating apps are just not really set up. Traditional dating apps are not really set up to succeed given that sort of experience. Or at least when I say succeed, at least have an experience that's a healthy one and one that can lead to positive outcomes.

Sue Dhillon:
Okay, and now Zach, are you, is there an aspect of, cause dating is like, physical attraction is such a huge component to dating, right? That's just one of the top things that people are looking for. Is there a sense that people are kind of going more for that and relying more heavily on that with this kind of online sort of thing, you see what I'm saying, where you're interacting with somebody and you're really like, you can see them and you're attracted to them and you know that and then it's kind of maybe a sense of disappointment because it was more of like just a physical connection thing online. Do you see what I'm saying?

Zach:
I mean, attraction still is one of the primary indicators of connection. And it's quite easy nowadays. And it'll only get easier with the rise of AI to adjust your photos in a way that is more acceptable to the masses adjusting any sort of feature. And you can't even tell like, quote unquote, you Photoshopped it. So yeah, I mean, video will only play a more important role, but aside from just physical features, I think also just looking at the data, um, especially, uh, given it's more important or it's valued more so by women is just like the safety and trust factor. So like if you're speaking to someone, whether or not they're a total creep and video kind of gives you an idea of that person is prior to meeting up with them in person.

Sue Dhillon:
Okay, and now, and you know, there are like no, not bashing on anybody out here, but there are a lot of creeps out there. So what have you found with the data? Like what are in terms of, you know, single people? I mean, what is happening out there? Are there still just millions of single people looking for people? What is the data showing? Are people kind of after the pandemic? I had read some numbers, statistics on divorce, where initially it had gone down, the divorce numbers, because people just didn't wanna be alone, and then the numbers shot up. What are you seeing in terms of data with single people?

Zach:
Yeah, people are still extremely lonely and disconnected. And the current suite of apps out there just are not really doing it for them. Um, so yes, they work. Um, but they're not, not quite efficient. Um, and it's. Loneliness is just really a major factor and trying to solve a loneliness problem, I would say is quite valuable for humanity.

Sue Dhillon:
Oh my God, it's so valuable. And now, you know, this idea of filter off. So with AI, I mean, you guys are going to kind of keep the platform as is. It's just raw. It's real. People can't add filters or you're not going to be incorporating any kind of AI into your technology or on, in terms of like the interaction between people.

Zach:
So we use AI for a few different factors. So one is for safety and user experience. So about one third of online dating apps are fake users and scammers. So as our dating app grew, we noticed that there was also scammers on our app. And we used AI to. move these scammers into a different dating pool away from our users. And these scammers are now chatting with bots. So instead of chatting with our actual users, they chat with bots. So the scammers just get frustrated and leave our platform versus us deleting them. So that's one way we use AI. And that was covered in TechCrunch and Gizmodo, and even the Colbert Show covered it. Another way we use AI is to help facilitate a video date. So when you match with someone, our AI matchmaker, it's almost like having a third person in the room and they will make the introduction between you two and even pull interesting facts that you may share that are similar or values. And it will nudge you. to go on that video chat before it expires. So that's another way we use AI. And then thirdly, we'll be rolling out a more, what I could say is a more curated experience, also using AI that's scalable, which I mean, doesn't need for human interaction to serve thousands, if not hundreds of thousands with a goal, eventually millions of people. So I think AI has a really positive role in the online dating realm. I think where it gets quite dangerous and where you're seeing it is not knowing whether you're chatting with someone who's a human or if they're a bot or someone who's just creating witty lines through AI. So it's not quite authentic. And that's being used on traditional swipe apps today. Um, and it'll only get worse. Um, as people use AI to doctor photos, eventually to do deep fakes, um, as well. So doctoring their actual image on video. Um, and I think what it comes down to is online dating apps and the experience will continue to degrade. and there'll be more of a need of a more authentic dating app experience, like Filter Off.

Sue Dhillon:
Wow. Oh my God, Zach. I just absolutely love this because it is scary for people, I think. And like you say, deep fakes. And you know, when I think of AI, there are so many aspects of it that are like really creepy and scary, right? But this is so cool that you guys are bringing this kind of moral, ethical aspect to AI. So when you say scammers, are we talking people who are like setting up fake accounts and lying about their whatever date, their age and address and location and things like that.

Zach:
Yeah, they're using fake photos, stolen photos, and they want or the goal is to build a texting relationship with you so you have some sort of emotional connection with them. And then they will often resort to manipulation saying, hey, I'm in a tight pinch, my business isn't doing well, do you mind just giving me some money? But the most common online dating scam is actually using gift cards. So gift cards, about one third of online scams involve gift cards. So just be weary if someone's asked for a gift card. But yeah, online dating scams is quite prevalent around the world.

Sue Dhillon:
Wow, see, so one would never think, I would never think when I think online dating scam, I'm just thinking it's like some, what was that, catfish or something, where the person like you say is putting up fake pictures and things and trying to have somebody fall in love with them over the phone and they're thinking they're talking to one person. But wow, they're actually trying to find a lonely person to scam for a gift card or money or whatever.

Zach:
Yeah, catfishing is one example. Scamming is another example. And there's also sextortion, where they may send nude photos, not even of themselves, but again, something online, ask for photos in return, and then extort you. And then want to send those photos to your friends and family and manipulate you and blackmail you. And that's quite common as well. And only continues to rise and become more and more common.

Sue Dhillon:
Wow, okay. And now, you know, and I've heard horror stories about these online dating platforms where people are sending, you know, pics and things. So is there, with filter off, is AI aiding in that where it can kind of catch those pictures before they get sent? Or what are you guys doing in relation to that? Or is something being done with that where you know, in terms of guidelines with, okay, no nude pics or this and that.

Zach:
Yeah, given that filter off is a video speed dating app and the user experience is integrated with jumping on a video call, that's really not an issue. Because if someone's not willing to get on a video call, they're likely a scammer and or RAI will detect that prior to that maybe matching. So it's it's more so of a problem with traditional swipe apps. where the bulk of the conversation takes place messaging back and forth versus a video experience like ours.

Sue Dhillon:
Wow, okay, and the reason I asked that, because I thought initially in the beginning, you're kind of like trading pictures and stuff, or is that how it

Zach:
your

Sue Dhillon:
works, or you just have...

Zach:
Well, you can see some different profiles. And if you both like one another, your AI matchmaker will help you set up a video chat. So the user experience goes and leads to a video chat.

Sue Dhillon:
Got it, wow, this is amazing. And now in terms of, you know, what kind of numbers or a vague kind of idea of numbers in terms of people that have like met on Filter Off, hit it off, or getting married, engaged, or dating, do you have those numbers or that data?

Zach:
Yeah, I wish I did. Um, unfortunately, most people who match, um, and start dating or even get married, don't relay the message on occasion. Uh, we do have people who said wedding photos. We've had about five, um, in the last couple months and it's really awesome to see. But I think a lot of people are private or just aren't even really thinking, oh, let me. let the dating app know that I met my significant other, um, on this app. So I wish I knew all the stats, but given privacy or just people's personal preference, it's not always related.

Sue Dhillon:
Right. And now, you know, just kind of going deeper with the way the profile is set up. So is AI assisting in matching or are you setting up a profile and then looking like you put in your filters for what you're looking for and then you kind of have choices people to pick from? Is that how it works or?

Zach:
Yeah, so.

Sue Dhillon:
are there kind of matches made?

Zach:
Yeah, so like all dating apps, and the algorithm plays a central role. And what I mean by the algorithm, it will match you based off of a number of criteria based off preferences. So for example, deal breakers like, hey, I only want to date a certain religion or ethnicity. So we honor that as well as age preference or location. And then a number of other factors that... we use to match people. And then if both individuals like one another, we will then set up a video chat. Or they will then set up a video chat.

Sue Dhillon:
Hmm, okay, and now, so I know we kind of touched on this. What is next in terms of video dating, like, in general? I mean, you guys are, are there multiple apps like this, or you're one of the few? I know you were the first, right? I think I was the first.

Zach:
So we're now the leader in video speed dating. Every day a new dating app pops up, but there's really no one in the space that is video speed dating. And we're also, aside from video speed dating, taking the approach of quality over quantity. We don't want to be a swipe app where you get inundated. with thousands of likes. We want to give you three people that are, we believe are the best for you. And there's more to come on that in the next couple months.

Sue Dhillon:
And you can't tell us what that is.

Zach:
I mean, it's, it's more so just providing a more curated experience, um, but can't go into full detail at the.

Sue Dhillon:
Okay, and now, so I know Filter Off is growing. I mean, are you getting like more investors and people jumping in and wanting in on this? Because I, you know, it sounds like it's really taking off and you're finding great success with it.

Zach:
Yeah. So right now it's just continue growing the platform across the country. Uh, we are a business, so we obviously focus on revenue as well and subscriptions. And, but again, any sort of paid feature, we want to make sure there's true value. And, um, we're leaning more so into a curated experience and providing more value. given the pain points of just being swamped and using dating apps as if it's your full-time job. And we want to really be your assistant to help you just get on dates and not really have to think about the process.

Sue Dhillon:
And now, Zach, what is your guidance to single people? I mean, what hope and advice can you offer them? Because I have so many single friends who are just, they've tried the online dating thing, it hasn't worked out, they've kind of given up, and they're just single, they would love to meet somebody. So what is your advice to those single people out there?

Zach:
Yeah. Um, well, obviously I would encourage anyone listening to try filter off. But aside from that, whether or not use filter off, uh, prior to meeting up with any one person, I would recommend just jumping on a video chat. Even if it's five minutes in length, um, just to have an idea of whether you actually are interested in meeting this person in person, um, we're all busy. And there's an opportunity costs for every in-person date you go on. So you don't want to waste your time. So that's what I'd recommend. And don't just stay in the chat. Um, sometimes you may feel this person is your soulmate just through back and forth text messaging. But then when you meet them in person, that experience is nothing like it was over text. So I would just encourage jumping on a video chat. whether or not you use Filter off as quickly as possible.

Sue Dhillon:
Mmm, okay. I love that. That's hopeful advice for people out there looking and what so you started This whole thing because you were online Dating then you have this great idea to hey, let me start video chatting with these Women or people so what are you still single? Have you found the love of your life? That's a personal question, but

Zach:
Yeah, at the moment I am single.

Sue Dhillon:
Okay, well hopefully one of them is gonna pop up on filter off any day, right? So you never know she could she could be setting up her profile right now. She or he whatever no

Zach:
I, uh, I date women, but, um, yeah, I mean, I think for everyone finding your person, um, yeah, it's definitely a process and it's difficult. I don't believe anyone should settle. And, um, but at the moment I'm a single, um, and that opportunity or meeting the right person will come in due time. So just trusting the process.

Sue Dhillon:
I love that and you know what I love about this sack is this idea you're like a hopeless romantic or a hopeful romantic. Let me rephrase that because that's why you created the app and because so many people it's just sad to me have given up on the idea of love right? But you so it sounds like you believe there's somebody out there for everybody. Do you believe that?

Zach:
Yeah, I think if you don't believe that, that's kind of a depressing point of view. And I don't really see the value of thinking that you'll never meet someone. I think at that point, you probably should do some work on yourself before pursuing someone else.

Sue Dhillon:
Oh, I love that. Well, okay. So a couple of things that you've been so awesome. And this has been so insightful. I think it's so cool what you're up to. I'm going to have links or a link to filter off for people. And I just thank you for your time. And I think it's so cool. And I wish you all the success in the world with filter off. And if there were one closing message for people, some, your hope for everybody out there, what would that closing message be?

Zach:
I would, uh, I mean the message again, to just go on a video chat and have the point of view that you'll meet someone, whether it's tomorrow or in a year from now, but yeah, just keep trying and keep going on video chat until you meet your person.

Sue Dhillon:
Oh my god, I love that. That's such a great closing message. Zach, you've been so awesome. Thank you so much.

Zach:
Thanks so much for the time.

Sue Dhillon:
Thank you.