Dating Apps Are Getting More Competitive
Dating apps are the most popular choice when it comes to finding dates. As of 2024, almost half of all people (45%) prefer them over meeting at social events (32%) or being introduced through friends (33%). Their convenience and ease of use underlie their popularity, making them the go-to option for many users looking for casual or serious relationships.
Making a profile stand out depends on what age group you’re trying to attract, at least to some extent. For a first date, appearance and personality are important to more than 50% of people, but there are certain differences with age. Older people tend to be more concerned with physical appearance. Just over a third (35%) of online daters have invested in premium features as a way to set themselves apart, with some searching for casual dates (40%) and others looking for a long-term relationship (44%).
Competition is especially fierce on apps like Tinder, which has over 75 million active monthly users. This means crafting a standout profile isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential.
Curate Your Profile Pictures
It’s harder for men to stand out because there are a lot more men on dating sites. It’s essential to choose flattering pictures that appear to be taken “in the moment.” They shouldn’t look forced or unnatural. Ideally, dating app users should have three photos or types of photos: one in a social setting, another of the person doing a hobby (sports, traveling, etc.), and a good headshot with the face clearly visible. Users are also attracted to animal photos, so you can try to include an animal picture as well.
Of course, you don’t need to get a photoshoot done for a dating app, but the pictures must be current and sufficiently polished. Photos that reflect a mix of fun, personality, and authenticity can help you stand out in a crowded space.
Don’t Try to Conceal Shortcomings
If you are sensitive about an aspect like your height or a receding hairline, don’t try to conceal it, e.g., by resorting to hatfishing. Instead, make a joke and bring it to the fore to show confidence. If the person wasn’t going to swipe because of a perceived inadequacy, you couldn’t and needn’t have done anything to change that.
Confidence is an attractive quality, and embracing your perceived flaws often turns them into assets. Highlighting your sense of humor or focusing on other strengths in your profile can shift attention to your positive traits. Authenticity wins over superficial perfection, particularly when looking for deeper connections.
Talk About Their Hobbies and Interests
You’ll get a lot of matches by being able to point out someone’s favorite hobby with an intelligent reply. All it takes is confidence. If you pay for the lowest app tier available, you can’t send messages to more than a few people a month. Assuming you’re committed to being frugal, you need to make the most of those messages. A generous message length is permitted, so you could write extensively about a potential match’s hobbies or interests. Yes, it might turn out to be a waste of time, just like paying for the highest tier, which might be a waste of money if you send a ton of messages lacking substance. If you craft a thoughtful message, you don’t need to be the most attractive person on the app to get attention.
Discuss the interests that they have listed in their bio, and be honest and genuine. Women appreciate a man who wants to get to know them and not just sleep with them. If anything sets your profile apart, it will be this. If you don’t share any hobbies, discuss one of theirs that interests you and that you would take up.
Including personal interests in your bio is equally important. When someone sees a picture of you enjoying a hobby or reads about your unique passions, it gives them an opportunity to connect. Shared interests often create the foundation for strong relationships.
Go Beyond Tinder
While Tinder is the most competitive dating app, it’s not the only option. Exploring alternatives like Bumble, Hinge, or Coffee Meets Bagel can increase your chances of finding matches. Each app caters to slightly different audiences, so choosing the platform that aligns with your goals can make a significant difference.
For instance, Bumble emphasizes women initiating conversations, which often fosters more meaningful interactions. Hinge markets itself as “designed to be deleted,” appealing to users interested in long-term relationships. By diversifying your presence across platforms, you can tap into different demographics and enhance your chances of success.
Showcase Effort and Thoughtfulness
When crafting your dating profile, effort is the key to standing out. Take time to think about how you present yourself, from photos to bio content. Use your bio to showcase a blend of humor, authenticity, and depth. For example, rather than listing generic traits like “fun-loving,” share a specific anecdote or mention an interesting hobby that represents your personality.
Additionally, be strategic with your messaging. Tailor your initial messages to reflect genuine interest in the other person’s profile. Personalization shows thoughtfulness and sets you apart from the generic “Hey, how are you?” messages that flood dating apps.
Conclusion: Crafting a Memorable Dating Profile
Creating a standout dating profile in competitive apps requires a balance of authenticity, effort, and strategic engagement. From curating the right photos to embracing your uniqueness and thoughtfully engaging with matches, every detail counts. Diversifying your presence across multiple apps and tailoring your approach to specific audiences can further improve your chances.
By putting effort into showcasing your genuine self, you not only increase your visibility but also attract connections that align with your values and interests. A well-crafted profile isn’t just about standing out—it’s about finding someone who appreciates the real you.
