In the world of online classifieds, Doublelist has emerged as a popular platform for personal connections, especially after the shutdown of Backpage. Backpage was once a dominant force in online classifieds, particularly in the personals section. However, after legal scrutiny and its eventual closure in 2018, a vacuum was created in the online personals space. Doublelist quickly stepped in to fill that void, offering users a safer and more community-driven alternative.
Backpage was founded in 2004 and became one of the largest online classified sites globally, second only to Craigslist. Its personals section, which allowed users to post about dating, casual encounters, and relationships, was particularly popular. However, over time, it became infamous for being associated with illicit activities, including sex work and trafficking. Despite efforts to moderate content, legal authorities charged that Backpage was enabling illegal activities, leading to its seizure and shutdown by the U.S. government in April 2018.
With the closure of Backpage, many people who relied on the site to connect with others—especially for casual dating and personal ads—were left without an alternative. This is where Doublelist entered the scene.
Launched in 2018, Doublelist was created as a safe, user-friendly space for individuals to post and respond to personal ads. Its founders wanted to replicate the convenience of Backpage’s personals section while ensuring that the platform followed legal guidelines and promoted safety. Since its launch, Doublelist has become one of the most prominent personal ad websites, catering to people looking for dating, casual encounters, and various types of connections.
Unlike its predecessors, Doublelist incorporated specific design elements and policies to ensure a more positive and secure user experience.
When comparing Doublelist to Backpage, the most notable difference is how the former operates within a stricter legal framework. Doublelist’s team made it clear from the start that they are committed to working within the law and ensuring user safety. This shift was crucial, as it aimed to distance itself from the controversies that plagued Backpage.
Legal Compliance: Doublelist ensures it complies with federal and state laws, including the SESTA-FOSTA (Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act and Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act), which was passed in 2018 to hold websites accountable for illegal content posted by their users. These laws, which contributed to Backpage’s closure, have made it essential for any modern personals platform to be vigilant about monitoring content. Doublelist employs a moderation team that reviews user posts and removes those that violate its terms of service.
Safer Community Atmosphere: By focusing on personal ads and encouraging respectful interaction between users, Doublelist has created a more community-driven atmosphere than Backpage, which was often criticized for its lack of moderation. The platform aims to bring together like-minded people in a safe and respectful environment without the exploitative elements that led to Backpage’s legal issues.
Despite its successes, Doublelist faces its share of challenges. Moderation remains a complex task on any platform where users can post anonymously. Ensuring that inappropriate or illegal content doesn’t slip through the cracks requires constant vigilance. There are also concerns about privacy, as users on such platforms may be more vulnerable to scams or malicious activity if the site’s safeguards are insufficient.
In addition, the competitive landscape is constantly evolving. New sites and apps continue to emerge, each offering different twists on the personals format. Some of these competitors, like Craigslist personals (before they shut down), also enjoyed a massive user base. Doublelist must continue to innovate and prioritize user safety to maintain its edge.