7 Reasons Why You Are Not Getting Matches On Tinder And What To Do

With Tinder being one of the most popular dating apps out there, you’re probably wondering why. You might be swiping all day for weeks on and and thinking, “why am I not getting matches on Tinder?” There could be a number of reasons, but before we dive into it, let’s first talk about the other dating apps that you may also want to try if Tinder doesn’t work out for you:

Site	Our Experience	Our Rating	Free Trial Link
Best For Relationships	Experience Highlights Easily the best option for long-term relationships 75% of all online marriages start here 70% of users meet their spouse within a year In-depth signup and matching process	9	Try eHarmony
Best For Casual Fun	Experience Highlights The best way to meet women for casual relationships Best results for regular guys Over 60 million active members Not good for long-term relationships	9	Try AFF For Free

Let’s be honest: Tinder is the most popular dating app in the world. Why is it so hard to get matches? With more than 75 million monthly active users across a staggering 197 countries, it can be confusing to not have access to women in your area for casual relationships and serious dating. 

Does this look like you? First, you set up your Tinder profile is and you're excited to see who you match with. Then, you spend a couple of days swiping on all the hot women in your city, and you wait patiently for that notification that you got a match. But it's been days, and the only notifications you're getting are from gag accounts and your work email. Now you're starting to wonder why you have no matches on Tinder. It can happen sometimes and there are so many reasons why.

In this article, I'll walk you through some of the factors that affect your Tinder experience. So don't worry; you're not getting matches not because no one likes you. You need to get to know the Tinder algorithm a little better to help you find all those matches. Here's what you need to know:

Methodology: How We Review Tinder and Other Dating Apps

To bring our readers a comprehensive Tinder guide, every HeartInsider writer follows strict and verifiable guidelines. Unlike other dating sites, our Tinder guides, reviews, and recommendations are always sourced from dating experts and long-time industry influencers. You’ll find our content to be fresher, more applicable, and above all, get you the results you want.. 

Here is HeartInsider criteria for our expert contributors: 

Author Credentials:

My name is Ash Wright, dating expert here at HeartInsider.com. I’ve spent decades dating and collecting experiences that took me from a World of Warcraft addict to a certified playboy through self-improvement. Tinder has been a mainstay in my dating life and I too have been frustrated by the app’s nuances. However, through experimentation and finding what actually works (not what I hoped would work), getting matches on Tinder is WAY easier than I had once thought. Read on to discover how to make Tinder work for you!

Affiliate Disclaimer:

At HeartInsider, our mission is to deliver content that is not only informative but also genuinely useful for our readers. In the spirit of full transparency, we want to disclose our use of affiliate links on our website. What this means: If you click on one of these affiliate links and complete a purchase, HeartInsider may receive a commission. This is at no extra cost to you. These commissions are a way to support our site, allowing us to keep offering in-depth, quality content. We assure you that our affiliate relationships do not shape the content we publish. Our articles, reviews, and guides are the result of careful research and impartial analysis. Our priority is to earn and keep the trust of our community, and as such, we recommend products and services that we truly believe will provide value to our readers. Your support through these links enables us to continue our work, and we thank you for being a valued member of the HeartInsider community.

Why Am I Not Getting Matches on Tinder?

Tinder can be a difficult platform for some men and women. If you go through all these steps and still find you aren’t landing matches, it might be time to maximize your potential. We’ve reviewed the best hookup apps and websites so you have the best chance of finding a partner.

If you’re riding with Tinder still, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances. It involves a lot of experimenting with your profile, photos and how you respond to the matches you do get.

It’s a lot of fun experimenting with your profile and it’s also interesting to see a glimpse of Tinder’s algorithm.

We tend to think of Tinder as a game of chance and a lack of matches is just bad luck. That couldn’t be further from the truth but I think that’s actually a good thing. Since we have the ability to influence the outcome, we aren’t at the mercy of lady luck.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to get more Tinder matches.

YOU MIGHT BE USING THE WRONG APP

We tend to think of Tinder as a game of chance and a lack of matches is just bad luck. That couldn’t be further from the truth but I think that’s actually a good thing. Since we have the ability to influence the outcome, we aren’t at the mercy of lady luck.

There is no denying that Tinder is incredibly popular but that doesn't mean it's the best option for you (or even a good option). Before you invest a lot of time and energy into your Tinder profile you need to consider your options.

There has been a lot of research done on Tinder over the past year or two and it's become clear that the best looking 10-15% of men get 80-90% of the attention from the women on Tinder. That's just nuts! If you're not in that group don't be surprised if things have been rough for you.

Fortunately, you have some options depending on what you're looking for:

#1 - If you really want a relationship check out our rankings of the best dating apps right now

#2 - If you just want something casual try out the best hookup apps for regular guys

Tinder might be your best option but it pays to look around.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to get more Tinder matches.

Apps Dating Experts Actually Recommend 

Whether it's your first real relationship or you have a string in your past there are a few apps that dating experts recommend consistently. These are apps where you can meet great girls that want something long-term as well as those just looking to keep it casual:

Site	Our Experience	Our Rating	Free Trial Link
Best For Relationships	Experience Highlights Easily the best option for long-term relationships 75% of all online marriages start here 70% of users meet their spouse within a year In-depth signup and matching process	9	Try eHarmony
Best For Casual Fun	Experience Highlights The best way to meet women for casual relationships Best results for regular guys Over 60 million active members Not good for long-term relationships	9	Try AFF For Free

Your Elo score

Tinder is a business and so it’s in their best interests to present relevant matches to their users. How do they do this? An algorithm.

You’re given a score based on your actions and the actions of those you’re presented to. This score then determines a large part of your success. It can be easy to lower your score without realizing it and maybe that’s why you’re left asking “Why am I not getting matches on Tinder?”. That’s okay though -- raising that score can be just as easy once you understand it.

It’s referred to as an Elo score, named after its creator Arpad Elo. It’s generally used in gaming to calculate relative skill level to other users. In the context of Tinder, think of it as calculating the relative desirability of a profile. Basically, how likely it is that someone will swipe right on and interact with you based on your profile as a whole.

Tinder doesn’t disclose exactly what goes into this algorithm. What we do know is it’s about signals of desirability. If women with high Elo scores are regularly swiping right on you, we can expect that’s going to improve your score significantly. Even more so if you’re having actual conversations with these matches.

That means improving your bio, your profile, how you respond to the matches you do get, and most importantly, not swiping on literally every woman.

Is the Elo score still valid?

In March 2019, Tinder announced that they had moved away from the Elo score system. In a blog post titled “Powering Tinder® — The Method Behind Our Matching”, they clarified this change. Tinder stated, "It was a part of our algorithm that considered how others engaged with your profile. While our matching system cares about what you like and how you 'Like' or 'Nope' profiles, it also cares about how your potential matches do, too." Despite this shift, the concept of the Elo score continues to be a point of discussion and speculation among users.

Jonathan Badeen, Tinder's Senior Vice President of Product and co-founder, compared the rating system to the popular game 'Warcraft,' saying, “It’s very complicated. It took us two and a half months just to build the algorithm because a lot of factors go into it.” This quote, although from when the Elo score was still in use, highlights the complexity and thought that went into the development of Tinder's algorithm. 

Today, Tinder claims that their current non-Elo platform is a “dynamic system that continuously factors in how you’re engaging with others on Tinder through Likes, Nopes, and what’s on users’ profiles.” That being said, Tinder’s matching algorithm still seems a bit mysterious for many users, but the same advice for real life applies to the digital world of dating apps: Be attractive.

Limit your swiping by being realistic

If you max out your swipes every day but get no matches, you’re hurting more than just your ego.

If you have a tendency to swipe right on every profile out of frustration, that’s the first thing for you to fix. Consider the likelihood of matching with the women you’re swiping on. I’m all for self-confidence and the idea that there are no ‘leagues.’ With that said, there are some limits to that on Tinder and you likely know what your realistic options are.

For example, I have a friend that’s of average attractiveness with a mediocre profile. He’ll only ever swipe right on women who look like they belong in a Victoria’s Secret catalog. His matches are few and far between accordingly.

I guess what I’m saying is that while nobody is off limits based on aesthetics, accepting only the hottest women on Tinder is hurting you.

Want to know how to improve your score? Just improve the way you interact. Work on creating a better profile, only swipe right on women you want to meet and make sure you know how to talk to women on Tinder!

Tinder doesn’t have much interest in flooding your inbox with matches when it’s clear they’ll go ignored. If you’re anxious about this side of things, check out my article on how to talk to women on Tinder.

By doing this, you’ll improve your score meaning Tinder exposes you to a greater number of quality women.

It really is that simple. Now, time to take a look at your profile and what you can do to improve it.

What’s your experience with Tinder? Drop a comment below and share your insights and questions with the HeartInsider community.

According to Science, Your Tinder Profile = Your Results

Not getting casual relationships on Tinder? Missing out on serious relationships? According to new research, it may be what you’re putting out there…

The study "The Costs of Sexualization: Examining Viewers’ Perceptions of Sexualized Profile Owners in Online Dating" by Kun Yan and colleagues from the University of Arizona and the University of California, Santa Barbara, offers significant insights into online dating dynamics, especially regarding profile photos. This research is particularly relevant for those not getting matches on Tinder or struggling with online dating in general.

One key finding of the study is that sexualized profile owners, regardless of gender, were rated lower in task competence, liking, and social attractiveness than nonsexualized counterparts. This suggests that while sexualized images might grab attention, they could also lead to negative perceptions about a person's abilities and desirability for serious relationships. The study notes, "sexualized profile owners were perceived as less likely to seek long-term relationships than nonsexualized profiles." This aligns with sexual strategy theory, which suggests that casual relationship seekers place more emphasis on physical attractiveness, potentially leading to more sexualized self-presentation.

Also, the study also revealed that sexualized male profile owners were judged more harshly than sexualized female profile owners in aspects like competence, liking, social attractiveness, and romantic attractiveness. This suggests a potential gender bias in how sexualized images are perceived and could be particularly relevant for men using dating apps.

In essence, this study provides crucial insights into the unintended consequences of sexualized profile pictures in online dating. It underscores the need for careful consideration of how one's online presentation might be interpreted by potential matches.

Check your location settings

This can be the least obvious reason but it’s true. Just because Tinder is the #1 dating app on the planet, doesn’t mean it’s everywhere. Some cities are too small for Tinder it’ll only take you 30 minutes to swipe through almost every girl on the app.

Some countries favor other apps over Tinder as well. In Colombia, you’re more likely to find more quality women on Bumble than on Tinder. It’s just how things are. Being the most popular app makes Tinder more susceptible to spammers and scammers, especially outside America and Europe, which can be the reason you’re not getting matches on Tinder.

So let’s start with the easiest factor to change. Check your location settings to make sure they aren’t holding you back. Setting your range to just one mile might seem like a good idea, particularly if you live in a big city. Instead, I’d suggest expanding it so you have more potential matches to choose from.

I live downtown in a reasonably sized city and set my range to 10 miles. It seems to be a good balance where I never run out of options but I also don’t have to travel long distances for a date.

Look over your profile

Tinder will tell you if your profile has been deactivated but make sure it’s also set up correctly. Check that your photos and bio text are still there. For so many who ask “why am I not getting matches on Tinder?”, the answer is somewhere in their profile setup.

Just skimming through your profile settings may give you some hints. I’ve definitely seen a few instances where friends had set someone’s profile to “seeking men” as a joke!

Some men also don’t realize that they should change their photos according to where they live. Girls can throw in a couple of bikini photos and get matches almost everywhere in the world. But that doesn’t work for men. Who you compete with will determine the quality of your matches. Tinder Bali or Medellin is completely different from Tinder Dubai and Barcelona. Girls tend to be pickier in the latter and men tend to be hotter and more well-rounded.

More on that later...

Think about your age range

There’s no such thing as a right or wrong age range but it can limit your match volume. Think about it this way -- how many matches do you think a 55-year-old man is getting with his age range set to 18 - 19?

Setting the range higher to see older women can be a whole lot of fun. Setting it much lower than you though . . . often not so wise.

Tips and Tricks for Dating Older Women from HeartInsider Experts: 

Looking for some tips for dating older women. We’ve got you covered. Click on any of the links below to explore some of the most popular articles on HeartInsider:

10 Things Older Women Interested in Dating a Younger Man

Excerpt: “First of all, ignore all the haters! Dating a younger man can sometimes raise some eyebrows from other people, but that should never discourage you from giving it a try. That's because there are a lot of advantages to dating younger men who appreciate you for your experience, wisdom and maturity.” - Andrius Saulis, Saulis Dating

The Ultimate Guide to Dating Someone Younger Than You

Excerpt: “Older women might not necessarily want to get married or have children, but many desire a committed companion to look after them as they age. Older women are less likely to have a lot of friends. Plus, the friends they do have often have husbands and families of their own to look after. So, they usually look for a partner to become that life companion they’re missing.” - Joe Elvin, internationally known confidence and dating coach

Top 5 Reasons Older Women Are Dating Younger Men

Excerpt: “A major advantage that younger men have is the willingness and ability to have fun. Decades of stress from living an adult life can sap some of the fun out of a guy. If you can ensure that any time spent with you is going to be FUN you are going to have a lot of success dating older women. We've put together some solid recommendations on where you can meet cougars looking for cubs, spots that also happen to be fun date locations.” - Jennifer Greene, Dating and Sex Coach

Are your photos swipe-worthy?

At its core, Tinder is a very shallow and fast-paced app. That means that having just one low-quality photo will result in very few matches if any. Likewise having a few good photos can help you win on Tinder.

They’re the first thing women will use to decide if they want to talk to you or not. This makes them critical to getting matches and raising your Elo score. It also makes it your first opportunity to demonstrate who you are.

While we’ve broken down in more specifics how to utilize photos on Tinder, it’s a pretty simple concept overall.

Put your best foot forward and show off your most attractive assets. If you have a great sense of humor, funny photos are an excellent option. Maybe you’re a regular traveler and have some great shots from around the world.

Quality photos give her a reason to pay attention to you when swiping. They also make for easy conversation once you get that match. Besides, with everyone having a high-quality camera in their pocket these days, there’s no excuse not to!

So don't add photos in non-fitting, non-matching clothes. Boring places. Group photos with lots of hotter (or lame) friends. Lame activities. Old pixelated photos. Shirtless photos where you clearly don't work out. And staged photos that scream “I had to book this photo session to get laid.”

How does your bio look?

Your bio plays a big role in meeting women on Tinder. The biggest key is to make sure yours demonstrates who you are. Whether you go with a more detailed approach or a short, witty comment, one thing is for sure. Even the most basic of bios is a vast improvement on a blank one.

They can help in the swiping process but a strong bio is most important when it comes to having a conversation.

If you want a far more detailed look at writing a good Tinder bio, we’ve got you covered.

The dreaded shadowban

Ever noticed that when you tend to get better matches the moment you reset Tinder? That’s because Tinder often gives all new users a boost for the first few hours until it figures out their proper rate.

For example, when a 6/10 guy signs up, Tinder – who is still clueless about the guy’s rate - will show him 7s, 8s, 9s, and maybe 10s to swipe on. If those girls don’t match with him, Tinder will rate him at 6 and send him girls close to his score. On the other hand, if those 8s, and 9s swipe right on him, his Tinder score will increase and the app will send him more of those he matched with.

So, what’s the catch?

Many guys took advantage of this so-called “glitch” and began deleting, and re-creating their accounts to get better matches.

What did Tinder do?

Tinder banned those guys without telling them. They kept using the app – some even kept paying for premium – but it messed up their scores so bad they no longer got good matches, not even average ones. And the worst part? These guys never knew they were banned until they saw their friends having the same problem.

Have you ever been shadowbanned? Drop a comment below and share your experience with the HeartInsider community.

What To Do If You’re Getting No Matches On Tinder

So, you’re getting no matches on Tinder?

Well, that’s not the end of the world. We’ve all been there, and that’s how we learned what works and what doesn’t. I was shadow-banned myself for almost six months and all I could match with were psychos and guys who were clearly being pranked.

I remember the only hot chick I got during that period was an English girl from Stoke who offered to get me coke – as in cocaine – before the date and dropped four beers in her surprisingly small belly less than 20 minutes after sitting together. So, don’t feel desperate, you’ll get your share of good women if you do the work, or you’ll have to find a good escaping plan when girls from Stoke come knocking on your door.

Below, are a few good ways to help you overcome the online trap and get more matches on Tinder in a very short time.

1. Never delete your Tinder account more than twice

The more you do it, the more your chances of getting shadow-banned will become. If you think you’re not getting enough matches on Tinder and want more/better, then build a better profile, and/or pay for a boost or two every other week. These are enough to get you a solid stream of matches over time.

If, however, you think Tinder has shadow-banned you, then the only way out of it is this:

• Delete Tinder permanently
• Delete all the photos you used on your previous Tinder profile (Tinder keeps track of those with its face recognition tools)
• Get a new sim card
• Use a different credit card (if you’ll pay for Tinder)
• You’ll need a new Facebook and/or Instagram account in case you connected your previous Tinder account with one or both of them

Some people claim you’ll need a new phone but nothing proves it, so just stick to the tips I just mentioned. Sounds tiring? It is. But that’s the only way to reset your Tinder score and get better matches.

2. Get better photos

Duh!!! Ask women to rate your Tinder photos or use a tool like PhotoFeeler (the paid version) to get honest feedback on your photos. If they say they’re not working, consider reading our latest guide on how to choose the best photos for your Tinder profile, then book a photo session with a solid photographer. Also consider working out, losing weight, grooming your hair/beard, and upgrading your wardrobe to look better in the new photos.

Your photos should convey that you’re:

• Good looking: Of course, the hotter the better, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t get by with a regular dad bod. I’ve seen many guys score from Tinder, including myself before I ever had my six-pack. It’s just about showing the girl that you take care of yourself and finding the right angle for your shot. Dressing well also adds to your overall score. A good tux on a well-groomed face can do wonders to your score. Women like high-status men, and if you can make your pictures speak value to women, you’ll never complain about not getting matches on Tinder.
• A potential suitor: Some girls will insist on dating a guy who makes more than she does, while others won’t care as long as you look hot and cool. Guys who get many matches consistently handle this provider part by showing status. This can be anything from simply wearing a nice suit to taking a photo in a classy restaurant or bar. You can also throw in a photo with your pet dog or cat. Animal photos give the impression of safety and the ability to provide because if you’re good enough to raise a dog, you’re good enough to be around children.
• Safety: She doesn’t wanna go out with a serial killer, so looking like a pimp in your photos will harm your score without you even realizing it. One of the reasons you're screaming, "why am I not getting matches on Tinder?!" is that you don’t smile in your photos.

I figured this out one day when a girl said she won’t go out with me until I send her a photo of my teeth (lol!). She said she was worried that if I didn’t smile much in my photos that I may have crooked teeth.

That was a bad experience she had before and didn’t wanna have again. Of course, I used that situation to further make her like me (I also had my teeth whitened a week earlier and wanted to show off) so we talked on Messenger for like half an hour then went on a date on the same day.

3. Consider using other alternatives

As I said, Tinder is great, but it’s not the only one. There are other sites, including Bumble, Hinge, eHarmony where you can have success with beautiful women. Here’s a list of the best dating sites and apps you can use to meet and date beautiful women near you.

User Testimonial for Bumble

Nikita P. - Sitejabber

“I just want to say thank you to Bumble to give me my destined partner and my lifetime!i would recommend this app for sure to all the folks out there.”

User Testimonial for Hinge

Javin Turbotch - Google Play

“Met my wife on this app. She was a super match and we've been super matched ever since.”

User Testimonial for eHarmony

Roland R. - Sitejabber

“I found my harmony in life

I'm totally grateful to this site because it helped me to find my sweetheart, my harmony with the world.”

Tatiana Kozak - TrustPilot

“I like this website. At my age, it’s impossible to find a partner without such a service. When I find my partner, I’ll give it 5 stars, but for now, it’s 4 stars. It’s very convenient that this website focuses on local partner searches and immediately shows the approximate distance between seekers.”

4. Go premium

Is Tinder Gold worth it? It depends on what your definition of "worth it" is. While Tinder is generally free, it will still give you lots of useful perks if you spend money on the app. It tells the app, "Hey, I'm serious about finding a date. Help me out here." And nine times out of ten, Tinder delivers. So if you think your Tinder profile is being ignored in favor of guys who can effortlessly get matches, we suggest paying up.

User Testimonial for Tinder

Xander Al - Google Play

“I'm not into dating apps but.. gotta go with the times. Apart from the few instagram follower farming girls (skip whoever has that in their bio), I've only seen real women. I get a few likes every day, which considering I'm not paying is fair. Pretty hard to match with the likes because Tinder doesn't put them in the swipe algorithm easily, but you'll get at least 1-2 a day. If you pay...those 100 likes you had sitting around will eat through your free time quickly now that you can match em 😂”

Concetta C. - Sitejabber

“I find nice people who are interesting to talk to. I enjoy making new friends here. Thanks to the developers.”

Adéla - Trustpilot

“i found my parner!

and never been happier. i havent been active on tinder for years, but anytime i made a real connection with someone, it turned out to be a great date and i am still friends with those people.

tinder helped me figure out my sexuality and find people of similar interests, as we are often shy and wouldnt talk to each other otherwise.

even though im bad at texting, my partner had patience with me and we have been in a relationship for months and are getting engaged soon. i would recommend everyone to at least try. not just hook up. theres more.

Tinder! if you would like to get an article or longer review about how you have helped me, i would love to share!

Adela, CZ”

Safety & Precautions: Use Tinder Wisely

Tinder isn’t foolproof for your personal, financial, and digital security. To help you get a foothold on the basics, we’ll look at some tips that significantly enhance your safety when dating online. Here are key aspects to consider:

• Profile Privacy and Information Sharing: It's vital to be cautious about the personal information shared on profiles. Avoid revealing details like your home address, workplace, or places you frequently visit. Tinder and similar apps often allow users to control what information is public.
• Communication Safety: Use the in-app messaging features rather than giving out personal contact details like phone numbers or email addresses. This maintains a level of anonymity and safety until you're confident about sharing more personal information.
• Meeting in Public Places: When meeting someone from an online dating platform for the first time, choose a public space. Inform a friend or family member about the meeting, the meeting place, and the person you're meeting.
• Verification Features: Some dating apps, including Tinder, have profile verification features to reduce the risk of catfishing. These features help verify a user's identity through various means, ensuring they are who they claim to be.
• Block and Report Suspicious Profiles: If you encounter a profile that seems suspicious or if someone's behavior becomes inappropriate, use the block and report functions. This helps maintain a safer community for everyone on the app.
• Watch Out for Scammers: Be aware of common online dating scams. Scammers often create fake profiles to lure unsuspecting users into giving out personal information or money. Never send money or personal information to someone you've only met online.
• Transportation Safety: Arrange your own transportation for the first few dates. Depending on someone you've just met online for a ride might not be safe.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a person or situation, trust your instincts. It's better to be cautious and safe.
• Stay Sober: Keep a clear mind during your first few meetings. Alcohol or drugs can impair your judgment and potentially put you in a vulnerable position.
• Safe Dating Tools and Resources: Many dating apps, including Tinder, provide resources and tools about safe dating practices on their platforms. Familiarize yourself with these resources for additional safety information.

Important Tinder Statistics

• User Demographics: As of 2021, Tinder's user base consisted of 75% males and 25% females.
• Global Usage: Tinder is available in over 190 countries and has been translated into more than 40 languages.
• Active Users: As of 2021, Tinder reported having 75 million monthly active users.
• Age Distribution: A significant portion of Tinder users, around 50%, are between the ages of 18 and 24.
• Matches Made: Since Tinder’s launch, over 60 billion matches have been made on the platform.
• User Engagement: An average user logs into the Tinder app around four times per day.
• First Dates per Week: Tinder facilitates over 1.5 million first dates every week.
• International Revenue: Tinder generated over $1.4 billion in revenue globally in 2020.
• Swipe Statistics: There are over 1.6 billion left and right swipes on Tinder every day.
• Paid Subscribers: As of the fourth quarter of 2020, Tinder had 6.6 million paid subscribers.

Time to go and put these things into practice and see the improvement for yourself. With a more swipeable profile and an elevated Elo score, you’re going to see more matches. “Why am I not getting matches on Tinder?” will become a question of the past.

As always, give these tips a try and make sure you let us know how you go. And if you feel like, despite following our tips, you still can't find any good matches, you might consider trying some other alternatives to Tinder. After all, with so many dating apps and sites out there these days, there's bound to be one that will work for your specific tastes!

Frequently Asked Questions about Tinder Matches

Why Am I Not Getting Matches on Tinder?

There could be various reasons why you're not getting matches on Tinder. It might be due to your profile settings, photo quality, how you interact with the app, or even the specifics of Tinder's algorithm.

How Does Tinder's Algorithm Affect My Match Rate?

Tinder uses an algorithm (often referred to as the Elo score system) to rank users based on their attractiveness and engagement on the app. Your interactions and the way others interact with your profile significantly impact this score.

Can My Swiping Habits Impact My Tinder Success?

Yes, if you indiscriminately swipe right on everyone, it could lower your Elo score. Being selective and swiping on profiles you are genuinely interested in can improve your chances of getting better matches.

How Important Are My Tinder Photos?

Photos are crucial on Tinder. Having high-quality, interesting, and attractive photos can significantly increase your chances of getting matches. Your photos are often the first thing others notice about your profile.

What Should I Include in My Tinder Bio?

Your Tinder bio should give a snapshot of who you are. It can be detailed or a short, witty comment, but even a basic bio is better than leaving it blank. It should reflect your personality and interests.

Is Tinder the Right Dating App for Me?

Tinder is popular and has a broad user base, but it might not be suitable for everyone. Depending on your preferences, you might find better success on other dating platforms better suited to your needs.

What Can I Do If I Feel I'm Shadowbanned on Tinder?

If you suspect a shadowban (where your profile is less visible), you might need to reset your account. This involves deleting your account, changing your photos (since Tinder uses facial recognition), and possibly using different login details.

Should I Consider Going Premium on Tinder?

Going premium on Tinder, with options like Tinder Gold, can offer benefits like more visibility and additional features. Whether it's worth it depends on your individual needs and how much you're willing to invest in the app.

How Can I Improve My Tinder Profile?

Improving your Tinder profile involves optimizing your photos, fine-tuning your bio, being realistic in your swiping habits, and regularly updating your profile to keep it fresh.

Are There Any Safety Precautions I Should Take While Using Tinder?

Yes, it's important to be cautious. This includes not sharing personal information too quickly, verifying profiles to ensure they're genuine, and meeting in public places for the first few dates.

References:

Bedi, S. (2015) Why swiping right on everyone isn’t a winning strategy. The Washington Post.

Broek, K. (2024) How to talk to women on Tinder and actually land a date. Heart Insider.

Brooks, E. (2024) How to find and meet single cougars in 2024—What you’re doing wrong. Heart Insider. 

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Contributing authors:

Tom Senkus

For more than two decades, Tom has dated extensively and studied behavioral psychology as a way of understanding the complexities of human nature until he became an expert. After traveling as a touring musician and living in more than 15 countries, Tom has cross-referenced his experience in seduction, dating, and interpersonal dynamics with the ever-changing landscape of 21st-century dating. His work as a writer has appeared in 500+ publications (digital and print). Tom is also the author of several books (available on Amazon). In his free time, you can find Tom recording music and cooking the best Cincinnati-style chili you’ve ever had.

Andrius Saulis

Andrius, the mind behind Saulis Dating, is a professional dating coach and educator with over a decade of hands-on experience, who shows men how to deal with their insecurities and self-esteem issues, and teaches guys how to have consistently great dates that end up in casual hookups or serious relationships.

He has taught thousands of guys how to master their inner game by getting rid of their anxiety, shyness, nervousness, self-doubt, feat, and various mental blocks and limiting beliefs that hold most men back from being awesome with women! Andrius is also a successful author (Amazon) who has published multiple books on dating and relationships that have been highly received.

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