Frequently Asked Questions

The basics

What is HugoDate?

HugoDate is live video speed dating. You join a hosted event from your phone and go on five one-on-one video dates. A live host runs the night, and mutual matches get each other's phone numbers at the end.

Is this an in-person event?

No. HugoDate is not a bar, a venue, or a physical meetup. You join from your phone, wherever you are. Your sofa, your kitchen, your bedroom. The entire event happens on video through your phone's browser.

Is HugoDate an app?

No. There's nothing to download. HugoDate runs in your phone's browser. You tap a link and you're in. No app store, no updates, no storage space needed.

Is HugoDate free?

Yes, it's free to join.

How do I sign up?

Go to hugodate.co. Sign up takes a couple of minutes. You'll be asked for your name, date of birth, phone number, and email. You're in for your first event straight away, and your join link arrives by email with a calendar invite.

The format

How do I join on the night?

Tap your join link. It's in the calendar invite we email you, and we text it to you before the event starts. If you're early, you'll see a waiting screen until we start.

How does a HugoDate night work?

You get your join link by email as soon as you sign up, and again by text before the start. You tap it, join the main room, and the host welcomes everyone. Then you're paired off into private one-on-one video rooms for your first date. After each date, you come back to the main room, rate the connection, and head into the next round. After five rounds, the event wraps and mutual matches are revealed.

How long does each date last?

Each date lasts a couple of minutes. Long enough to feel the chemistry, short enough that nobody's stuck.

How many dates do I go on?

Five per event. This may increase over time.

What are the icebreaker questions?

During each date, a few simple this-or-that prompts pop up on screen. You tap your answer, you see your date's answer side by side. They're not mandatory. They're there to break the ice and reveal a little about each other without the pressure of carrying the whole conversation.

What happens if I match with someone?

If you both say yes, you each get the other person's phone number at the end of the night. What happens next is up to you. HugoDate gets you the introduction, the rest is real life.

What if I don't match with anyone?

Nothing happens. Nobody is told who said yes or no. There are no awkward rejections and no one-sided reveals. You can come back the following week and try again.

Trust and safety

Who hosts the events?

Harry, HugoDate's founder, hosts every event personally. It's not automated. There's a real person welcoming you, running each round, and keeping the energy right.

Is video speed dating safe?

Yes. You join from home and never have to meet anyone in person. Matches are mutual only, so nobody gets your number unless you both say yes. If someone makes you uncomfortable, tap the exit button to leave the date and go straight back to the host.

Can anyone see my phone number?

Only your mutual matches. Your number is never shown to anyone who you haven't both matched with. There's no unsolicited contact and no one-sided reveals.

What if someone is inappropriate?

Tap the exit button during the date. You'll be taken straight back to the main room and the person will be flagged. HugoDate has a zero tolerance policy for creepy or inappropriate behaviour.

Who it's for

What ages are HugoDate events for?

HugoDate events are for adults aged 21 and over. There's no upper age limit.

What events are running now?

HugoDate has run a variety of speed dating events. Right now it's Just Men: live video speed dating for gay men aged 21+, in London, on Sunday evenings. New weekly dates are coming soon.

Can I come to more than one event?

Yes. Many people come back week after week. You can attend as many events as you like. Just book each one in your HugoDate account.

How do I book more events?

Open your account and go to the Events tab. You'll see what's coming up. Confirm your spot and your join link lands in your inbox.

What if I can't make it?

Open your account and let us know from the Events tab. Need a break from events for a while? You can pause invites until you're ready.

Do I need to be in London?

For now, yes. Events are currently in London, so if you match, a real date is practical. More cities are coming soon.