Top 5 Hinge Dating Tips That Really Work

When it comes to dating in the digital world, there are only a handful of dating apps we think are worth your time. Hinge is one of those apps. 

If you sign up via Facebook, Hinge connects you with Facebook friends of friends who meet your preferences, so it's a great way to meet real women. And if you use it without Facebook, you'll still find some great matches looking for a long-term relationship.

Hinge has garnered a reputation for being one of the better dating apps to meet high-quality singles. The male/female ratio is about 50-50, and according to Hinge, 90% of users are between 23 and 36.

We use this popular dating app daily, curating matches, sending messages and arranging dates. Since it launched in 2012, we've logged hundreds of thousands of hours on Hinge - and all that firsthand experience means the tips we're about to reveal are tested and proven.

Want to turn your most attractive Hinge matches into dates? Follow these 5 Hinge dating tips!

#1. Choose Hinge Photos That Inspire Messages

The Hinge dating app requires you to upload 6 photos or videos in order to like someone. Select pics that highlight your interesting lifestyle and hobbies, and make sure you’re the center of attention in each one.

Hinge has an “interactive” format, meaning other users can comment directly on your photos or profile sections as a way of reaching out. Thinking of your photos as conversation starters can help you pick the most interesting ones.

Colorful snaps on a beach or some other exotic location can inspire her to ask where it was taken, and cute puppies are message magnets. And as an added bonus, pet ownership makes you seem more trustworthy and attractive.

Keep in mind online daters these days want to see more authenticity in profiles. That means the last thing she wants to see is your profile picture obscured by goofy Snapchat filters.

Don't overdo it on the selfies, either. As Hinge's Director of Relationship Science Logan Ury revealed in an interview, "Pictures that aren’t selfies perform better."

Need more dating photo tips? Read more about how to choose your best profile pics! 

#2. Make Your “My Story” Section Shine

Rather than writing a Tinder or Bumble style bio, Hinge uses a series of 225-characters-or-less prompts to tell your story. You must choose 3 from a list of 65+, with the first Hinge prompt being the primary focus of your profile.

These little snippets can make a big impression, and you want to make sure it’s a good one. Choose profile prompts that allow you to highlight an attractive trait. Research has shown women are naturally drawn to a potential partner who displays courage, bravery, and a willingness to take risks, so tell a story that illustrates one of those traits.

Women also find a good sense of humor sexy, and many of the prompts lend themselves to telling a humorous anecdote. Steer clear of any inherently negative prompts, like “worst first date.” Negativity in your dating profile and messages is a turn off.

Want more prompt help? Put these expert Hinge profile tips on your reading list!

#3. Make The First Move On Hinge

Hinge makes it easy to get the conversational ball rolling with your matches. You don’t even need to worry about using an icebreaker! All you have to do is “like” one of the other person's profile sections or photos, or comment on one.

But remember, the daily likes limit for a free Hinge user is 10, so use them wisely. (To get unlimited daily likes, you need a Hinge+ or HingeX membership.) If your potential match replies, the connection is made and you can start a conversation.

Don't make the mistake of asking for a number or a date in the very first message, before you've built up any attraction. That’s a near instant turn-off for most women, and especially attractive women get that All. The. Time. so it's even more annoying.

Research has shown that talking about yourself makes you feel good, and the comments are a great way to encourage her to do just that. Scroll through her photos and ask her about one of her hobbies, or where a particular picture was taken.

Pet photos are a golden opportunity - if she chose a picture of her with her dog, it’s a good bet she’ll want to talk about Fluffy. If you’ve got a dog or cat of your own, make sure to mention that fact.

Still not sure what to say in your first message? Check out these expert tips on how to start a conversation online!

#4. Ask Her Out Sooner Rather Than Later

Hinge connections never expire, but your goal is moving things off the app. But if you ask her out too soon, you risk scaring her off. Wait too long and she’ll get bored and move on.

Here are 3 signs that indicate she’s into you, and will probably be open to meeting up or exchanging numbers:

• She’s putting some thought into her responses. If she’s sending you several lines instead of just yes/no answers, she’s interested.
• You’re getting lots of “lols” and emojis. This is the online equivalent of laughing at your jokes - always a good sign.
• She’s responding with questions of her own. She wants to learn more about you.

Confident men ask women out, and confidence is an attractive trait.

If your Hinge match is in her 20s, consider suggesting a meet up rather than a date. “Date” is an emotionally loaded word, implying a large time investment on her part. “Meet up” is a more casual, less risky proposition she’s more likely to agree to.

But if you’re exchanging messages with a women in her mid-30s+, go ahead and use the word “date”. That implies you’re serious about taking things off the app, which she’ll likely appreciate.

#5. Do Less & Date More

When it’s all said and done, there is only so much one guy can do. And unless you are willing to turn your dating life into a part-time job, you might find it hard to meet quality women in any reasonable amount of time.

Instead of wasting hours fiddling with your dating profiles, why not hire a virtual dating assistant? Here at VIDA we will manage all of your dating profiles and do all the work for you. That means all you’ll have to do is show up for your Hinge dates.

Click here for your free consultation. Why spend another Friday night alone?