Each app offers different benefits for its subscription tiers. For example, Tinder Plus allows you to “rewind” if you accidentally swiped left on a profile of interest, use the “passport” feature to swipe on anyone around the world, and it gives you unlimited swipes. Hinge Premium also enables unlimited likes, additional filters for users, and the ability to see everyone who liked you all at once in a grid view. Bumble’s “rematch” feature allows you to extend the 24-hour message period so if you miss a chance to start a convo with a match, you get another shot.
- Go premium to save time.
- Commit to using the features for three to four months.
Game The Dating App Algorithm
Like any other social network, dating apps use an algorithm that influences who you see and who sees you. If you want to succeed at the apps, you have to game the algorithm, or at least understand how it works.
“Even if someone has seen your profile before, a different primary photo might catch their eye [this time around],” she says.
Another good idea: If you’ve been inactive on the apps for a while, consider deleting your profile and starting again from scratch with better photos and content, recommends Golden. That way, you give the people who swiped left on you before another chance to see you anew (in a new and improved light).
Dineen suggests being active on the apps on a daily basis, if possible, both because the algorithm will favor you if you’re swiping and messaging frequently, and because it’s easier to connect with matches if you’re responding promptly. “If you take a week to respond, users will unmatch you,” she says. “Take breaks when you need to, but when you’re on the apps, be full-on.”
- Update your profile every six to 12 weeks.
- If you’ve been inactive for a while, delete and start again.
- Be active on a daily basis.
- Respond promptly to messages.
When it comes to messaging and swiping, each app has different “peak” windows when users are most active, but generally speaking it’s evening, after dinner. Hoffman says for OKCupid, that’s 7 to 10 p.m. She recommends expanding your match criteria (increasing location range, upping age limit, etc.) “because not only will you see more options, you will be shown to more people. The more your profile is liked, the more the algorithm will favor you.”
Similarly, Golden agrees to be more liberal with your swiping; she tells her clients to “swipe right on a B- profile or better” because more often than not, a client will report back that the B- match “was way more attractive on video chat or in person.”
When you do send a message, Hoffman has a go-to formula: a comment plus a question. “Comment on something in their profile, then follow up with a related question that jumpstarts the conversation,” she says. Then, keep it short and sweet. “You should be moving to the next phase (a phone call, video date, or IRL meetup) within a week of connecting to keep the momentum going and avoid falling in love with a fantasy and suffering disappointment when you actually meet,” she says.
Hoffman recommends updating your profile frequently (every six to 12 weeks) to boost yourself in the feed
According to Golden, upgrading to premium features on the apps is worth the investment because it “saves you time and gets you a better user experience.” The upgrades are usually around $20 on average; Golden recommends paying for three to four months to get the most bang for your buck. After that, take a break is parship free if you need to; but at least you’ll know you gave it your best shot.