I think what people really enjoy about Filteroff is that there is no swiping. It's really about connecting with other people over video versus swiping on profiles.”

Zach Schleien, CEO and co-founder, Filteroff

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Road to Country Thunder makes its April return

By Janet Perez
Mail | Twitter: @AzNewsmedia

Country Thunder is coming soon, and one app developer wants you to find love – or at least a date – to the big festival.

Zach Schleien, CEO and co-founder of New York City-based Filteroff, developed a virtual dating app that allows people to have a virtual speed date and then decide whether to take it further.

For Country Thunder, Filteroff has set up a virtual event on Wednesday, April 6, devoted to those people planning on attending Country Thunder. The speed dating event is one day before the festival starts on April 7. Country Thunder goes through Sunday, April 10, at Canyon Moon Ranch in Florence.

If you and another person click during the April 6 event, you can set up a longer virtual date through messaging or video calls. If that goes well, the next step could include finding a place to meet at Country Thunder and enjoying some time together.

“Filteroff is a video-speaking app,” Schleien said. “You first create a profile, and you browse all sorts of events based off your interests and you RSVP and once the virtual event begins you go on these like tiny speed dates. They're about three minutes in length and there are different ice breaker games. Once each date ends, you’re asked by the app whether you like the person and then you go on to your next date. Once the event ends, you can see if you have any matches.”

Like any dating app, you have to register and have a photo. You can get the Filteroff app for your phone at the Apple App Store and Google Play. You also have the option to download it onto your computer.

This is the company’s first Country Thunder, Schleien said, adding that the app was launched in February 2020 and has hosted events for the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. Schleien claims at least eight marriages started with Filteroff.

“I think what people really enjoy about Filteroff is that there is no swiping,” Schleien said. “It's really about connecting with other people over video versus swiping on profiles. It's a much more authentic experience. I think in today's age, especially going through this pandemic, people are very comfortable using video technologies like Zoom and Facetime. Now going on video chat really is no big deal and they really like that to get to know someone.”

It’s important to note Filteroff is not officially associated with Country Thunder. What the app does is find events around the country where people can meet, for example, Coachella already has a virtual meet-up event scheduled.

It also allows users to pick topics that interest them and connects them with like-minded singles. So, if hiking is your thing, check the app to see what hiking virtual dating events are available near you and join in.

Local organizations also can register to set up an event for people with the same interests to meet in a virtual setting.

Filteroff speed-dating events are free. The company makes money when a group or organization is trying to ensure people show up to a get-together in which an admittance fee is charged. The group can even sell tickets through Filteroff.

Here’s your chance to find a date for Country Thunder or at least make a friend with a shared interest.