Everyone wants an organic encounter to spark their love story these days—a meet-cute, a surprise encounter, a spontaneous connection.
But what most people don’t realize is that organic encounters are often fleeting and easily passed over.
When Ian, 27, and Johanna, 24, matched on Viber Dating, they thought it was because of luck and the algorithm. But months after they officially became a couple, a casual exchange of old photos revealed that they had photos of the same spot at a pop-up kiosk and booth outside Johanna’s campus, taken one year ago. As they stared at each other’s shots in shock, they realized that they had been at the exact same place, on the same date, only hours apart. “We almost crossed paths without knowing it,” they said.
It was a missed organic encounter saved by online dating.
Ian and Johanna admit that if they hadn’t turned to online dating, they may have continued to miss meeting each other, and probably would never have met. “Looking back, it feels like a quiet reminder that sometimes, the right people are already moving in the same circles—we just need the right moment and the right platform to truly find each other,” says the couple.
Just wishing for an organic encounter may not cut it. Why leave it up to fate when online dating can actually increase your chances to make it happen? Not only are you able to search for people with similar interests, but you can also safely talk before deciding on meeting up. Take it straight from a real-life couple, here are some ways Viber Dating can make your own organic encounter happen.
Start with the photos in your profile. The first step toward a real connection starts with your profile. Most people are tempted to upload one to two photos to show they’re not overly eager, but Ian and Johanna both suggest uploading several photos (Viber Dating allows up to six photos, one as a profile photo) that present different aspects of your life and personality, nothing too overly edited or heavily filtered. In their case, it was a simple photo of Johanna immersed in nature that sparked a connection with Ian, who also loves spending time outdoors.
“We both uploaded five photos, a mix of selfies and full-body shots. We chose pictures where we felt confident but still looked like our real selves,” says Ian. “For both of us, authenticity was important from the start.”
Pro-tip: Viber Dating users can also write a short description of themselves and add their interests to their profiles.
Go beyond the usual opening lines. After matching with Johanna, Ian didn’t wait around and messaged her right away. In fact, Viber Dating’s 2026 State of Modern Dating (SOMD) report says that 46% of users start chatting in under an hour. Instead of sticking to conventional getting-to-know-you opening lines, Ian made a gamble and asked: Who are your top 3 senators? (It had been election season when they matched.)
“It was about understanding each other’s perspectives and values,” explains Ian. “From there, the chat kept flowing, and we ended up talking every day.”
While Johanna found the move unconventional at first, Ian’s opener ultimately set a transparent tone and skipped the superficial small talk. After all, it turned out they had the same list of names. “That question became a real vibe check for us. It helped us see that we could connect beyond small talk,” expounds Johanna.
The key here is to be clear about what you’re looking for, as they add, “Share your intentions early—whether it’s something casual or something deeper—so both of you have a clear understanding from the start.”
Show up and commit to the conversation. The State of the Modern Dating report highlights that “very slow replies” are a top frustration for women, indicating indifference and inconsistency, given that real intentions can be harder to convey through chats. Instead of being coy or playing hard-to-get, Ian and Johanna made sure to reply to each other consistently.
“From the beginning, we were both consistent and genuinely interested in talking every day. Instead of overanalyzing single messages, we paid attention to effort and openness,” shares Ian. “If one of us felt off, we checked in. Being open and willing to communicate honestly helped us avoid misunderstandings.”
It’s okay to take your time in the talking stage. 31% of women value the ability to chat before meeting someone in person, says the modern dating report, so don’t be pressured and make use of the app to get to know the person first. Safety remains a priority for Viber Dating users. A huge majority of them, over 65% in many regions, say that “Better Privacy” is their top request in online dating, with “Hide profile from contacts” as one of the most loved Viber Dating features.
Ian and Johanna agree and emphasize the importance of getting to know each other before meeting in person or exchanging personal information. In fact, they talked for a few weeks within Viber Dating before sharing each other’s mobile numbers. “Taking time was important, especially since we met online. It allowed us to understand each other’s personalities, set clearer expectations, and prioritize safety. That foundation made the first meeting feel natural instead of pressured,” assures the couple.
Don’t be afraid to follow your curiosity. Just like Johanna, 33% of women appreciate online dating as it allows them to broaden their playing field. With so many ways to meet new people online, the couple was compelled to join Viber Dating because it offered them the safety and comfort needed to navigate the high-stakes world of modern dating.
“It started with curiosity. It was already a feature available on Viber, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I was open to exploring and meeting new people,” shares Johanna. “Sometimes it really begins with a simple decision to try.”
About Rakuten Viber
Rakuten Viber is one of the most trusted and downloaded apps in the world. We create meaningful connections, bringing people together safely, so they can enjoy precious moments with their families and friends, manage their business relations, or pursue their passions, in one place – we do it all! As a super app, we give our users services that cover every aspect of their day-to-day needs and make their lives easier.
Rakuten Viber is part of Rakuten Group, Inc., a global technology leader in e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and communications services.
