Craigslist Personals Died. Use These Sites.
When Craigslist Personals was shut down in 2018 due to the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act (FOSTA), it left a significant void for individuals seeking casual encounters, hookups, and anonymous connections. The simple, classified-style format was gone, pushing users to find new platforms. Today, the landscape is dominated by a mix of sophisticated dating apps and direct-clone websites. The best alternatives offer large, active user bases, features tailored for discretion and casual connections, and varying levels of safety verification. Whether you prefer the directness of a personal ad on a site like DoubleList, the massive user pool of an app like Tinder, or the explicit, niche communities on AdultFriendFinder, there is a modern replacement to suit your needs.
AdultFriendFinder: The Best Overall Replacement
AdultFriendFinder (AFF) is often considered the most direct spiritual successor to the explicit nature of Craigslist Personals. Launched in the 1990s, it’s less of a traditional dating site and more of a massive social network for adults focused on sexual exploration and hookups. With a user base of over 105 million members, it provides a vast pool of potential connections where users are typically very direct about their intentions. This eliminates much of the guesswork found on more mainstream dating apps.
Why It Works as a Replacement
AFF thrives on openness. The platform encourages users to be upfront about their desires, fetishes, and what they are looking for in an encounter. Features like live member webcams, erotic stories, forums, and specific community groups allow users to find others with similar niche interests, much like the specific categories within the old personals section. The consensus is that if you’re looking for a platform where “casual” is the default setting, AFF is the top contender. However, an alternative perspective is that its overtly sexual nature can be overwhelming for newcomers used to the more subdued format of Craigslist. For those individuals, a more traditional app might be a better starting point.
Things to Consider
The interface can feel somewhat dated compared to modern, slick apps. Furthermore, a free membership is quite restrictive; to initiate contact and fully utilize the site’s features, a paid subscription is almost always necessary.
DoubleList: The Direct Craigslist Clone
For those who miss the exact look and feel of Craigslist Personals, DoubleList is arguably the closest modern equivalent. It was created specifically to fill the vacuum left by Craigslist and mimics its classified ad structure almost perfectly. Users can post personal ads in geographically sorted categories like “Men for Women,” “Women for Men,” “Men for Men,” and various non-binary and trans-inclusive sections. It’s free to use and has grown a substantial user base, reportedly attracting around 40 million members worldwide.
Why It Works as a Replacement
The primary appeal of DoubleList is its simplicity and familiarity. There is no complex algorithm or swipe-based system. You simply post an ad with a title, a description of yourself and what you’re looking for, and optionally, a photo. Others in your local area can then browse these listings and reply directly. This straightforward, user-driven approach is exactly what made Craigslist Personals so popular.
Things to Consider
Because it operates as a free and largely unmoderated classifieds site, DoubleList suffers from the same problems that eventually plagued Craigslist. Users must be extremely vigilant about potential spam, bots, scams, and fraudulent accounts. There is no robust identity verification system, so exercising caution and common sense is paramount.
Tinder: The Mainstream Powerhouse for Casual Dating
While not a direct clone, Tinder has become a dominant force for casual encounters due to its immense scale. Having been downloaded over 630 million times, it facilitates an estimated 1.5 million dates per week. Its location-based, swipe-right/swipe-left matching system is fast, intuitive, and provides access to an unparalleled volume of users in nearly any location.
Why It Works as a Replacement
The key to using Tinder as a Craigslist replacement is clarity. While many users are looking for serious relationships, a significant portion is also seeking casual dating or hookups. Success depends on being upfront about your intentions in your profile bio and initial conversations. The sheer number of users means that even if a percentage of them are not looking for something casual, the remaining pool is still massive.
Things to Consider
The massive user base is a double-edged sword; it creates a lot of competition. You will be swiping through countless profiles, and not everyone will be on the same page. The consensus is that Tinder is a numbers game. However, an alternative viewpoint is that its algorithm can sometimes favor profiles that get more initial engagement, making it difficult for some users to gain visibility without paying for boosts or premium subscriptions.
Ashley Madison: The Leader in Discreet Encounters
Ashley Madison has built its brand on discretion and anonymity, making it a powerful tool for those who prioritize privacy above all else. While it famously caters to individuals seeking extramarital affairs, its platform is open to and used by singles looking for no-strings-attached casual encounters. With over 80 million registered users, it provides a large, active community built around a shared need for privacy.
Why It Works as a Replacement
Many Craigslist Personals users valued the anonymity the platform provided. Ashley Madison elevates this with dedicated privacy features. Users can use photo-masking tools to blur or cover their faces, control who sees their private photos, and use a “Panic Button” feature that immediately redirects them to a generic website. This focus on security and discretion directly addresses a core need of many former Craigslist users.
Things to Consider
The platform operates on a credit-based system for men to initiate conversations, which can become expensive. Its reputation, stemming from a significant data breach in 2015 and its focus on infidelity, may not be appealing to everyone. The company has since invested heavily in security, but its history remains a factor for some potential users.
Feeld: The Progressive Choice for Open-Minded Connections
For those whose interests lie outside the mainstream, Feeld is an excellent alternative. The app is specifically designed for open-minded individuals, including couples, polyamorous people, and those within the kink and LGBTQ+ communities. Users can join as a single or with a partner and are encouraged to be explicit about their desires and boundaries from the start. This culture of transparency makes it an effective platform for arranging specific, consensual encounters.
Why It Works as a Replacement
Craigslist Personals had sections for all types of arrangements, and Feeld captures that spirit for the non-traditional dating world. It allows users to list their interests and “desires” on their profile, creating a space where you don’t have to beat around the bush. The community is generally sex-positive and non-judgmental, fostering an environment where users can feel comfortable exploring their sexuality.
Things to Consider
The user base on Feeld is significantly smaller than that of an app like Tinder, especially outside of major metropolitan areas. This can make finding local matches more challenging depending on your location.
Reddit R4R: The Free, Community-Based Option
Reddit offers a completely free and community-driven alternative through its “R4R” (Redditor for Redditor) subreddits. The main hub, r/r4r, is a massive, global personal ads board. However, the real power lies in its more specific communities, such as r/DirtyR4R for explicitly sexual posts, and location-based subreddits (e.g., r/NYCr4r, r/SFr4r) for local connections. The format is simple: you create a post detailing your age, gender, location, and what you’re looking for, and interested users reply via private message.
Why It Works as a Replacement
This is the most “old-school” digital method, closely mirroring the text-based nature of Craigslist. It is completely free and allows for highly detailed and specific posts. You can find communities tailored to almost any age group, interest, or kink imaginable, offering a level of specificity that many apps lack.
Things to Consider
There is virtually no safety moderation or identity verification. Reddit is anonymous by nature, which means you must be extremely cautious when vetting potential partners. The risk of encountering scams, bots, or catfishing is higher here than on any curated dating app. Ghosting is also extremely common due to the low-investment nature of communication.
Safety in the Modern Era of Casual Encounters
Regardless of which platform you choose, the rules of safe engagement have become more critical than ever. The anonymity of the internet requires a proactive approach to personal security. Before meeting anyone, it’s essential to adopt a set of best practices.
Verify Before You Meet
The single most effective safety tool is verification. Before agreeing to meet in person, always request a brief, live video call. This simple step helps confirm that the person matches their profile pictures and gives you a chance to gauge their vibe. Many modern apps like Kasual are integrating identity verification features, but you should always perform your own checks. If someone refuses a quick video chat, it is a major red flag.
Maintain Anonymity
Use the platform’s built-in communication tools for as long as possible. Avoid giving out your personal phone number, real name, work email, or home address in your profile or initial conversations. Create a new email address and consider using a Google Voice number for an extra layer of privacy once you move the conversation off-app.
Always Meet in Public First
Your first meeting should, without exception, be in a public place where other people are present, such as a busy coffee shop, restaurant, or bar. Never agree to be picked up from your home or go to their private residence for a first meeting. Arrange your own transportation to and from the date so you are in control of your ability to leave at any time.
Inform a Trusted Friend
Let a close friend know your plans. Tell them who you are meeting, where you are going, and what time you expect to be back. Share your live location with them through your phone’s built-in features (like Find My on iPhone or Location Sharing on Google Maps). Arrange to send them a quick text when you arrive and when you leave.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, always trust your gut. If a conversation feels off, if someone is pressuring you, or if you feel uncomfortable for any reason during a date, you have the right to end the interaction immediately. You do not owe anyone an explanation. Your safety is the top priority.
