Jill Martin is re-entering the dating world, and she’s doing it with the help of technology. 

The TODAY host and lifestyle expert recently shared her new favorite way of connecting with potential partners: FaceTime dating.

During an episode of the Third Hour of TODAY, Jill opened up about how video calls have transformed her approach to dating. 

While she jokes that she’s no expert following her divorce, she firmly believes that FaceTime has become an essential tool for getting to know someone before meeting in person.

“FaceTiming is great because you can tell so much just by seeing and hearing someone,” Jill explained. 

According to her, chemistry and attraction become instantly clear through video chats, making them a smart first step before an in-person date.

FaceTime Dating: Jill Martin’s Best Advice for Virtual Romance

1. Be Confident About Putting Yourself Out There

Jill encourages anyone re-entering the dating world to embrace their authentic selves when creating a profile. She believes that your photos and responses should genuinely reflect who you are.

She also advises being honest about your intentions when dating. She recalled a moment when she told someone she was “casually dating,” only for her mother to point out that wasn’t true.

“Don’t say that if you don’t mean it,” she laughed. Instead, Jill’s own dating profile reads:

“Happy girl, looking for a serious person who loves to have a blast.”

Her advice? Know what you want and be upfront about it.

2. Set a Time Limit for the Call

Jill suggests keeping FaceTime dates short and structured to avoid awkward goodbyes.

“Make it a finite amount of time so you’re not being rude when you leave,” she recommends.

A 15- to 25-minute call is ideal, she says, and in some cases, she’s had multiple video chats with someone before meeting in person.

“I had five FaceTime dates with someone before our first in-person date, and it really helped. We already knew each other.”

3. Prioritize Safety—Fact-Check Your Date

One of the biggest advantages of FaceTime dating? It eliminates catfishing.

Jill warns that some people misrepresent themselves on dating apps, whether it’s lying about their age, location, or using decades-old photos.

“I’ve been on dates where people didn’t look anything like their pictures,” she admitted.

She advises verifying details after a call to ensure everything checks out.

For personal safety, Jill also recommends protecting your privacy during video calls. She suggests not revealing too much of your home or sharing overly personal details too soon.

4. Make Your Date Memorable by Choosing a ‘Theme’

To ease any awkwardness, Jill suggests adding a theme to the virtual date.

A simple idea, like coffee chats or virtual happy hours, makes the experience more engaging and sets a relaxed tone.

5. Keep It Casual, but Still Make an Effort

One of the perks of FaceTime dating is that it allows you to be more relaxed, Jill says.

“You don’t have to wear pants,” she joked.

However, she believes that putting some effort into your appearance is still important. If she’s having a casual coffee chat, she aims to look polished but natural. If the call involves a virtual wine date, she dresses up slightly to match the occasion.

6. Show Your Personality Through Your Background

Jill believes that showing a little personality in your video background can make a great impression.

She suggests using art, books, or décor that reflect your interests. A well-thought-out setup can spark meaningful conversation starters that might not come up otherwise.

She even shared a memorable FaceTime date where her match serenaded her with Marvin Gaye’s “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” on guitar.

“He told me he played guitar, and I said, ‘Absolutely, I want to hear it!’ You wouldn’t have gotten that moment on a first in-person date,” she recalled.

7. Respect Your Time—Make Sure It’s Worth It

For Jill, FaceTime calls help determine whether a first date is worth the effort.

“We all have busy lives, and not everyone deserves your time,” she said.

Before agreeing to meet someone in person, she uses video calls to gauge their personality and connection.

“It takes me two hours to drive into New York City for what could be a 10-minute date. Why not make sure there’s a spark first?” she added.

Embracing Modern Dating with Confidence

Jill Martin is proving that dating after divorce doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be exciting and efficient with the right approach.

By embracing FaceTime dating, Jill is finding creative ways to build connections while saving time and ensuring safety.

Her best advice? Be yourself, be smart, and have fun.

With her new mindset, Jill is ready to embrace love—one FaceTime date at a time.

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