Backpage was an advertising platform where people could buy and sell goods and services. The platform was active and used by thousands of people before the US Department of Justice shut it down. Backpage’s classified ads allowed users to post any product or service, but it was primarily known for its active user base of sex workers and escorts.
Unfortunately, Backpage and all related resources were shut down due to allegations of human trafficking, especially involving minors. However, other websites like Backpage target people from all over the world, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Below is a list of the 14 best alternatives:
- Localxlist
After the sudden closure of Backpage, all internet users started looking for alternatives, such as legally classified ad platforms on the internet. With that in mind, let’s look at 10 of the best and most reliable Backpage alternatives to localxlist that are free from scams, serious crimes, and unreliability and will likely give you the best experience. Before you look at the list, you should also look at the new alternatives to Backpage. localxlist is an alternative service to Craigslist Personals, which was also shut down due to its closure in the US. This platform is designed for people who have used Craigslist Personals for dating and hookups. It works similarly to Craigslist Personals, with some exceptions. You only need to create an account with a nickname, email address, and password. The platform allows you to create private ads and submit them for approval. Your advertisement will not be displayed on the website. Until approved, it will be visible to other interested users. The platform is a popular dating site that allows users to maintain some privacy and find their matches without following the “selfie culture.”
- Doublelist
Doublelist is one of Backpage’s classified ads that emerged after Backpage and Craigslist Personals collapsed. The platform allows users to post live ads and connect with like-minded community members. All users can report suspicious ads, so the site keeps a close watch on users looking to sell sex. Doublelist started small. But it has evolved and become a safe place for people looking for connection. It provides a simple and powerful platform for people with different sexual orientations, tastes, fetishes, etc. If you are looking for a place where you won’t be judged, this is the best Place.
- Bedpage
The platform enables users to post ads across various categories at any time. However, “Dating” and “Adult” are the most popular categories. The platform is safe and has many systems to protect user information.
The website is available to users worldwide, and its user base is constantly expanding. Most users come from Backpage, but new users join every day.
- Hooby:
This Craigslist-like platform allows users to post ads in multiple categories. These are broadly divided into Announcements & Events, Arts, Books, Business, Industry, Clothing & Accessories, Collectibles, Electronics, Employment & Careers, etc. The platform features a dedicated personal area where users can post free ads and connect with like-minded individuals. Hoobly has a straightforward interface, makes posting ads easy, and has an excellent fraud detection system to keep scammers away. While it’s impossible to prevent fraud completely, Hoobly has systems to make the platform safer.
- Classified Ads
Classified ad is a free ad platform, like most of the new back page alternatives on this list. Users can create and post ads in numerous categories for free. The company is based in Washington and values transparency. Many of us have started using the platform for private viewing and love the level of privacy it offers. The company is considered one of the best startups in Seattle so that you can trust their quality of services.
- Oodle
Oodle’s personals category has become popular recently. Users can post free advertisements in various categories, including “Women Seeking Men.”.” Users can target their ads to the most relevant audience, protecting their privacy and increasing the chances of a response.
The platform is mature and has countless users, so you’ll never lose people to connect with. The user interface is simple to navigate, and site administration ensures everyone feels secure using the website. Oodle is one of the most popular websites similar to Backpage.
- Locanto
Locanto is a well-established website with a global presence and millions of users. The site is available in over 60 countries, making it one of this list’s largest classified ad platforms. It has categories like jobs, services, community, and dating, which you can use to connect with people. Locanto takes safety seriously and runs an active blog to provide tips and support to its users.
If you are looking for a reputable and safe site, Locanto could be a good option. The site also offers a mobile view version and apps for iPhone and Android.
- PennySaver
PennySaver is a local classified ads website that allows users to search for goods and services in their area. You can post free ads in various categories, including food and beverages, services, jobs, flea markets, goods, pets, cars, and more. The original PennySaver company has been around for over 50 years and has extensive experience connecting users with buyers and sellers. PennySaver also offers help in avoiding scams and spam. It also has a high level of privacy, so users know that their personal information is kept safe.
- Ad Digest
Classified Digest is a simple, user-friendly platform with a growing presence. It is still a tiny platform, so we don’t expect it to be a perfect replacement for Backpage, but it won’t be long before it gets there. These platforms allow users to post in categories such as services, cars, farm equipment, power sports, boats, personals, and other similar options.
Because the community is small, many people will see your ad, and you are more likely to get a response, which is one of the main advantages of Classified Ad Digest.
- UK Classifieds
UK Classifieds operates in the UK and features more than 740,000 listings. It is no exaggeration to say that this site is very popular there. The platform offers numerous categories, including health and miracles, sports and leisure, services and skills, real estate, etc. On this platform, you can find and sell almost anything legal.
Top 10 New Backpage Alternative Sites and Apps for 2021
What is Backpage? Formerly hosted at www.backpage.com, Backpage was founded in 2004 and was one of the largest classified directory companies until the FBI seized it in April 2018. In fact, in 2011, it was the second largest online classified ad directory service in the United States after Craigslist. Registered users can find ads for dating services and various other services on the back page in the Adult Services section. It was available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese, and included sections for Adult Services, New Age Services, Musicians, and Private Classified Services. Why did Backpage shut down? Backpage was widely reported in the news when it and its associated websites were seized in April 2018 as part of an enforcement action by the Federal Bureau. Eau of Investigation (FBI). This was due to allegations that it was supporting prostitution and human trafficking through ads posted by its users, and CEO Carl Ferrer also pleaded guilty to promoting, encouraging, and concealing child prostitution. He also pleaded guilty to promoting illegal prostitution. In January 2017, following an indictment by the US Senate (for direct involvement in sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors), the adult ads section was removed. However, the investigation continued, and after the CEO was convicted, Backpage was shut down.
What websites and apps are there to find a sex partner? For many people who use the dating service Backpage, finding other websites that offer comparable services has become a problem. After Backpage was closed, another similar website with the same name was created. However, many want to find other websites that can replace Blackpage. Read on and choose the simplest one that suits your needs.
Backpage Alternatives and Replacements
- Localxlist:
After the sudden closure of Backpage, internet users were looking for something new: a legitimate classified ads platform on the internet. With that in mind, let’s look at 10 of the best and most reliable local alternatives to Backpage that are free from scams, serious crimes, and unreliability and will likely give you the best experience. Before you look at the list, you should also look at the new alternatives to Backpage.
- Match:
Match.com is an online dating service serving users in over 20 countries and eight languages. It has since merged and acquired other dating sites to expand its reach and services.
- OK Cupid:
Launching on Robert E. Lee’s birthday in 2004, OkCupid is a US-based online dating and social networking site. Often abbreviated as OKC, it supports various communication modes; the website has been updated to offer various non-traditional gender options, including pansexual, asexual, genderfluid, transgender, and sapiosexual, along with email and instant messaging. This has made the website more inclusive for a more significant number of users.
- Badoo:
Founded in 2006, Badoo is a dating-focused website. It is the most widely used dating service worldwide, available in 47 languages.
5th place Zoosk:
Zoosk is an online dating service in over 20 languages used by people in over 80 countries. Zoosk has grown since its launch in 2007 and has over 27 million users. Zoosk also has a desktop chat client and Android and iOS apps. People looking for dates or friends have access to many dating venues.
- Coffee Meets Bagel:
Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) was founded by three sisters and launched in April 2012. It has gained popularity as a dating service. What sets CMB apart is the daily limit it imposes on the number of profiles each user can interact with. Additionally, CMB offers unique information to help ease the tension that often comes with searching for a match. The platform assists users in finding potential partners by monitoring their Facebook accounts.
- Facebook:
Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook in February 2004, and it is available in multiple languages. Facebook is a social networking site where users can instantly meet new friends and send messages. Although it is not primarily a dating site, the instant messaging feature that allows users to chat with each other who are not friends on the app increases the chances of a match.
- Skout
Skout is a location-based social networking and dating site offering cross-platform applications. It was one of the first dating apps to use public user locations. Skout reported generating 500 million matches in 2013 and is available in 16 languages and 189 countries. Users can turn off location tracking but must enable it when using the adult space.
- POF:
PlentyOfFish (abbreviated POF) is an online dating service available in nine languages and used in seven countries. It allows users to socialize and match and is free to use. POF also offers a premium membership service with some additional features. However, the basic free membership differs significantly from the paid membership.
- Hily
Hily is a free dating app that uses AI technology to improve the safety of PF searches and matching. It allows users to meet, chat, and have fun with new people almost instantly, and it’s free to use.
11.Kinkyads.org
Do you like kinky stuff? This site will show you statistics on over 73,000 kinky people who have responded to or posted over 11,000 casual sex ads. This site is specifically targeted at kinky users, but even if you’re not, you’ll probably find a match. Kinkyads is a free website and currently does not have an iOS or Android app.