How to Get More Matches on Dating Apps

Why You're Not Getting Enough Matches

Before diving into solutions, understand the common problems:

Poor photo quality or selection - 90% of match decisions are based on photos
Weak or generic bio - Fails to differentiate you or spark interest
Wrong swiping strategy - Algorithm penalties for indiscriminate swiping
Inactive profile - Apps deprioritize inactive users
Location limitations - Exhausted potential matches in your area
Unrealistic standards - Swiping only on 9s and 10s

The Photo Formula That Works

Your Primary Photo Must Have

Clear face shot with genuine smile
Only you in frame (no group photos)
Natural lighting (golden hour or window light)
High resolution - no pixelation or blur
Eye contact with camera
Taken within last 12 months
Professional quality (but not necessarily professional photos)

Complete Your Photo Portfolio

Upload 6-9 photos showing variety:

1 excellent headshot (position 1)
1-2 full-body shots (position 2-3)
1-2 activity/hobby photos (shows personality)
1 social photo (proof you have friends)
1 travel or interesting location (conversation starter)
1 dressed up (shows you can clean up)

Common Photo Mistakes Killing Your Matches

Starting with group photo
All selfies
Bathroom mirror pics
Sunglasses in every photo
Blurry or low quality images
Heavy filters that change your appearance
Photos from 5+ years ago

Write a Bio That Converts

The Formula

Keep it 3-4 sentences:

Hook: Something intriguing or humorous
Personality: 2-3 interests or qualities
Call to action: Give them conversation starters

Example Good Bios

"Coffee snob who'll judge your order (but still buy you one). Weekend hiker, amateur chef, and your future trivia teammate. Let's debate whether pineapple belongs on pizza."

"Marketing by day, rock climbing by weekend. I make a mean pasta and terrible puns. Looking for someone to explore new restaurants and old bookstores with."

Bio Don'ts

"I don't know why I'm here" (negative)
"Just ask" (lazy)
Listing height, job title only (boring)
Complaining about dating apps (ironic)
Listing demands ("Must be 6ft+, fit, no drama")

Master the Algorithm

How Dating App Algorithms Work

Every app uses an "Elo score" or similar ranking:

New users get temporary boost ("newbie boost")
Right swipes from attractive users increase your score
Being swiped right on increases your score
Activity level matters - active users shown more
Selectivity matters - swiping right on everyone hurts you

Algorithm Hacks That Work

Reset strategically: Delete and recreate account every 3 months (but not more frequently)
Peak activity times: Use apps during 8-10pm on Sunday-Thursday for max visibility
Be selective: Swipe right on 30-50% of profiles, not everyone
Complete your profile: Apps reward fully filled profiles
Verify your profile: Verified profiles get boosted
Link Instagram/Spotify: Shows you're real, adds authenticity
Daily activity: Open app daily, even if just for 5 minutes

Optimize Your Swiping Strategy

Quality Over Quantity

Don't swipe right on everyone. The algorithm detects this and lowers your visibility. Instead:

Be discerning: Actually read profiles, look at all photos
Swipe right on 40-60% of profiles
Take breaks: 15-20 swipes, then pause for 30 minutes
Avoid rapid swiping: Looks bot-like to algorithm

Expand Your Filters

Increase distance by 10-20 miles
Expand age range by 2-3 years on each end
Remove deal-breaker filters that are actually negotiable

Timing and Activity Patterns

Best Times to Swipe

Sunday evening (8-10pm): Peak activity, people planning week ahead
Monday-Thursday (9pm): People winding down from work
Saturday morning (10am-12pm): Weekend planning time

Worst Times

Friday-Saturday night (people are out)
Monday morning (people are working)
2-5am (low user activity)

Activity Hacks

Change your bio weekly: Signals active profile to algorithm
Add new photos monthly: Fresh content gets boosted
Update location if traveling: Tap into new user pools
Use paid boosts strategically: Sunday 8pm for maximum impact

Platform-Specific Strategies

Tinder

Maximize all 9 photo slots
Use Smart Photos feature to test which photo performs best
Write bio that's fun, not serious
Use Boost during peak hours for visibility spike
Swipe right on 40-50% of profiles

Bumble

Fill out all profile sections (dealbreakers, interests, badges)
Use video first impression (30% boost in matches)
Be active in first 24 hours after creating profile
Participate in Bumble BFF/Bizz for algorithm boost
Swipe right on 50-60% (Bumble rewards selectivity less)

Hinge

Answer all 3 prompts thoughtfully
Leave thoughtful comments on prompts/photos (not just likes)
Use "We Met" feature - signals active, successful user
Send first message within 24 hours of matching
Engage with app daily for 15+ minutes

Improve Your Attractiveness Baseline

Quick Physical Wins

Haircut: Fresh cut/style adds +1-2 points
Grooming: Facial hair maintenance, eyebrow cleanup
Fitness: Even 10-15lbs muscle or fat loss shows in photos
Posture: Stand tall in all photos
Wardrobe: Clothes that fit well (not baggy or tight)
Smile with teeth: Appears more approachable and confident

Photo Quality Upgrades

Natural outdoor lighting over indoor
Use portrait mode on phone for professional depth
Hire photographer for 1-hour session ($100-200)
Use AI enhancement tools like AURA to optimize existing photos
Get friend with good camera to shoot you

A/B Testing Your Profile

What to Test

Primary photo: Smiling vs. serious
Photo order: Different sequences
Bio versions: Funny vs. sincere
Photo styles: Casual vs. dressed up first

How to Test

Run each version for 1 week
Track total matches, match rate, quality of matches
Keep winner, test next variable

Common Misconceptions

Myth: "I need to be 6ft+ and rich to get matches"
Reality: Photos and presentation matter most. Average-looking people with great photos outperform attractive people with bad photos.
Myth: "More photos = more matches"
Reality: Quality beats quantity. 6 great photos > 9 mediocre ones.
Myth: "Shirtless pics always help"
Reality: Only if you're exceptionally fit AND the photo is tasteful (beach/pool setting, not bathroom mirror).
Myth: "Being picky means fewer matches"
Reality: Apps reward selectivity. Swiping right on everyone actually gets you fewer matches.

When to Consider Paid Features

Worth It

Tinder Boost: During peak hours (Sunday 8pm) in populated areas
Bumble Spotlight: Same timing strategy as Tinder
Hinge Preferred: If you're very selective and want to filter precisely

Not Worth It

Unlimited swipes (you don't need them if strategic)
Super likes/roses (low ROI, can seem desperate)
Rewind feature (just be more careful swiping)

Advanced Strategies

The Fresh Start Method

If you've been on an app 6+ months with declining matches:

Delete your account (actually delete, not just app)
Wait 3 months minimum
Update all photos with recent, high-quality shots
Rewrite bio completely
Create new account with new number/Facebook if possible
Be very active first 2 weeks for newbie boost

Multi-App Strategy

Don't put all eggs in one basket:

Be active on 3-4 apps simultaneously
Use similar but not identical photos/bios
Different apps have different demographics
More chances = more matches

Mindset and Patience

Remember:

Dating apps are numbers games - even attractive people face rejection
Takes 100+ swipes to get 10 matches to get 1-2 dates typically
Quality matches matter more than quantity
Consistency beats perfection - keep profile active and updated
Take breaks if it becomes mentally draining

Conclusion: The Action Plan

This Week:

Audit your current photos - replace worst 2-3
Rewrite your bio using the formula above
Complete all profile sections
Verify your profile

This Month:

Get 2-3 new high-quality photos taken
Test different primary photos
Adjust swiping strategy to 40-50% right swipes
Be active during peak hours

Ongoing:

Update one photo per month
Tweak bio every 2 weeks
Track what's working
Stay active and consistent

If your photos are holding you back, AURA's AI can transform your existing photos with better lighting, backgrounds, and overall quality while keeping you looking authentically like yourself. Better photos = more matches, guaranteed.

How to Get More Matches on Any Dating App in 2025