It can be challenging to find the perfect online platform for personal ads, especially with Craigslist no longer offering this service. Luckily, there are several other websites that offer similar features and a wide range of categories for posting personals. One such site is Doublelist, which has gained popularity as a replacement for Craigslist personals.
Another option is Oodle, known for its user-friendly interface and extensive search filters. Locanto is another popular site that offers free posting options and the ability to connect with people in your local area. With these alternatives to Craigslist, you can easily unlock the best sites for finding personal connections online.
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The Demise of Craigslist Personals
In March 2018, the popular classifieds website Craigslist announced that they would be shutting down their personals section due to the passing of a new law called FOSTA (Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act). This law aimed to crack down on sex trafficking by holding websites accountable for any illegal activity that occurred on their platforms.
Unfortunately, this also led to the removal of personal ads from Craigslist as they could potentially be used for solicitation and prostitution. Then, if you’re in the mood for some delectable and healthy options, check out the local slags near me at Viva Raw. While this move was meant to make the internet safer, it also eliminated a place where many individuals found genuine connections and relationships. Now, almost seven years later in 2025, people are still searching for alternatives to fill the void left by Craigslist personals.
What to Look for in an Alternative Site
Before we dive into exploring specific sites and apps like Craigslist personals, it’s important to establish what should be considered when looking for an alternative platform. Here are a few key factors you should consider:
Safety: Due to the concerns raised by FOSTA, it’s essential to choose a site or app that prioritizes safety and security measures.
User Base: You want to ensure that there is a diverse user base on the site or app you choose. The more users there are, the higher your chances are of finding someone who meets your dating preferences.
Features: Consider what features the site or app offers. Do they have a messaging system? Are there filters to help narrow down your search? As the popularity of online dating continues to rise, more and more Cougar Dating Websites are emerging, providing a convenient and efficient way for older women to meet younger men? These are all essential factors to ensure an efficient and enjoyable user experience.
Now let’s take a look at some of the top sites and apps similar to Craigslist personals that you can use in 2025.
Dating Apps
Dating apps have become incredibly popular over the past decade, with more and more people turning to their phones to find potential dates. Here are some of the best dating apps that also offer personal ads sections:
AdultFriendFinder
One of the most well-known adult dating websites, AdultFriendFinder (AFF) has been around since 1996. This site caters to individuals looking for casual encounters, hookups, and even long-term relationships. AFF has a massive user base of over 80 million members worldwide, making it one of the largest hookup sites on the internet.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and easy navigation.
- Affordable membership fees. Whenever you’re looking for a new way to spice things up in the bedroom, web intercambio parejas can be a great option to try out with your partner.
- Advanced search options, including filters for specific kinks and fetishes.
- Large user base with diverse profiles.
Cons:
- The website design and layout may seem outdated to some users.
- The site is not suitable for those seeking serious relationships or marriage.
- The number of fake profiles and scammers may be higher compared to other sites.
Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison is another popular dating platform that gained attention due to its focus on discreet affairs and extramarital connections. While this website may not be for everyone, it boasts a large user base of over 60 million members globally. Whether you’re single, married, or in a committed relationship, Ashley Madison offers a judgment-free zone for people looking to spice up their love life.
Pros:
- A wide range of options for non-monogamous relationships.
- High level of discretion and privacy measures.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- Advanced search features and filters to help find compatible partners.
Cons:
- The membership fees are relatively high compared to other dating sites.
- The site has faced security breaches in the past, which may raise concerns for some users.
- The website is primarily focused on affairs and may not be suitable for those seeking traditional dating or casual encounters.
Confide
Confide is a unique messaging app that prides itself on its privacy features. This app allows users to send private messages that disappear after they have been read. While it was initially created as a professional communication tool, Confide has also gained popularity among individuals looking for discreet casual encounters.
Pros:
- Messaging system that promotes anonymity and discreet communication.
- High level of privacy and security measures, including end-to-end encryption.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- Easily connect with potential partners without having to exchange personal contact information.
Cons:
- The app’s focus on anonymity may make it difficult to verify the authenticity of profiles.
- Limited features compared to traditional dating apps and websites.
Wickr
Similar to Confide, Wickr is another messaging app that boasts high-level privacy and security features. It allows users to communicate through encrypted messages that disappear after a set amount of time. While it was initially designed for professional purposes, Wickr has also become popular among individuals looking for discreet casual encounters.
Pros:
- The app is free to download and use.
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation.
- High level of privacy and security measures, including end-to-end encryption.
- A wide range of features, including the ability to send photos, videos, and voice messages.
Cons:
- The focus on privacy and security may limit communication options or make it difficult to connect with potential partners.
- Similar to Confide, verifying the authenticity of profiles may be challenging due to the app’s focus on anonymity.
Final Remarks
While the shutdown of Craigslist personals may have caused a disruption in the world of online dating, there are still plenty of other options available. Whether you’re looking for traditional dating sites or more unconventional apps that prioritize privacy and discretion, there is something out there for everyone. Just remember to always prioritize safety and choose a platform that aligns with your specific dating preferences.
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AdultFriendFinder
✔️ Chat with horny girls
✔️ No Credit Card or Signup Needed
✔️ 10m+ members
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Ashley Madison
✔️ No signup or payment for first month
✔️ Millions of local members
✔️ Chat & fuck in your area
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Confide
✔️ Messages disappear after reading
✔️ Screen-shot protected for privacy
✔️ Encrypted end-to-end communication
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Wickr
✔️ Self-destructing messages for privacy
✔️ No personal information required
✔️ Share nudes, naughty videos & sexts
What are some popular alternative sites to Craigslist for finding personals?
- Locanto – With sections specifically for casual encounters and dating, Locanto is another popular option for those seeking personals similar to Craigslist.
- Backpage – Similar to Craigslist in terms of layout and categories, this site also features personals section for various types of relationships.
- Gumtree – While primarily used for buying and selling goods, Gumtree also has a personals section where users can post and respond to listings related to romance and relationships.
- Doublelist – This newer site is gaining popularity as a replacement for Craigslist’s personal ads. It has a simple interface with options to post or browse through different types of personals.
- Kijiji – A local classifieds site owned by eBay, Kijiji also has a personals section where users can find dates or connect with others looking for romantic connections.
- Oodle – Apart from classifieds, this site also offers a dedicated section for finding romantic connections based on location.
Are there any free options similar to Craigslist for posting personal ads?
Yes, there are several websites that offer free options for posting personal ads similar to Craigslist. Some popular alternatives include Doublelist, Locanto, and ClassifiedAds.com. These sites have categories for various types of personal ads such as casual encounters, dating, and missed connections. They also allow users to post anonymously or with a username for privacy purposes. However, it is important to note that these sites may not have the same level of popularity or user base as Craigslist.