Buzz
Understanding the Tinder algorithm and why your right swipes are going unnoticed
Tinder is a great app for finding love, a fling, or anything in between. But if you’ve been using it for a while with little success, it may feel like the algorithm is sabotaging you. The truth is, Tinder’s algorithm has specific reasons for limiting your matches—and it’s not about your looks or the quality of your photos. Keep reading to learn how the Tinder algorithm works and how you can leverage it to get more matches by enhancing your profile and boosting your chances.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- Swiping right on every profile could be why you're not getting any matches.
- Multiple account deletions and re-creations may also reduce your chances of getting matches.
- For better results, only swipe right on profiles you genuinely want to match with.
- Use Super Like to stand out and improve your visibility in other users’ queues.
How to Improve Your Matches
Reasons You’re Not Getting Matches
You’re swiping right too much. Tinder uses an algorithm called Elo to decide how your profile appears to others. While Tinder doesn’t disclose all the details about how their algorithm works, what we do know is that it tracks your swiping habits to determine where you rank in the queue. If you’re swiping right on every profile without thinking, the algorithm will push you down the ranks, leading to fewer people seeing your profile.
- Each Tinder profile has a score from the algorithm. Swiping right on low-quality profiles (like those without photos or bios) signals that your standards are low, so the algorithm will show your profile to more low-quality profiles.
- Since profiles with no pictures or empty bios are often bots, you likely won’t get many matches.
You’ve deleted and re-made your account too often. You might have heard that deleting and re-making your account can trick Tinder’s algorithm. While this can work temporarily, doing it too often can result in Tinder shadowbanning you, meaning your profile won’t be shown to other users. If no one can see you, no one can swipe right on you.
- If this happens, Tinder may warn you about “inappropriate behavior,” which means your profile has been flagged.
Your location settings are too restrictive. Setting your location to just 1 mile limits your matches. Expand your location settings to 10-20 miles for more profile options.
- If you have Tinder Gold, you can use Tinder Passport to choose a specific region to browse profiles from. Go to Settings, select “Location,” and click “Add New Location” in the app.
Your age range is too low. Tinder allows you to set an age range for the profiles you want to see. While there’s no “right” age range, setting it too narrow can limit your potential matches. Try adjusting your age range to align more closely with your own age, increasing the chance of finding matches that suit you better.
How to Get More Matches on Tinder
Only swipe right on profiles you truly like. Swiping right on everyone may seem like a good idea, but it can actually hurt your chances of getting matches. Take your time and carefully review each profile. If you don’t see a potential match, swipe left. This shows the algorithm that you're more selective, which can push your profile higher in the queue for better visibility.
- Once you match with someone, make sure to engage with them and start a conversation. This demonstrates to the algorithm that you’re genuinely interested in making connections, not just mindlessly swiping. Be sure to aim for an in-person meetup within a few days of matching.
- For guys, the match rate is typically 1 in 10. That means for every 10 profiles you swipe right on, you’ll probably get 1 match.
Use Super Likes. Super Likes are a powerful tool to boost your visibility. When you Super Like someone, you’re signaling to Tinder that you really want them to notice you. This overrides the usual algorithm and places your profile at the top of their queue.
- Each user gets 1 Super Like per day. After that, you can purchase additional Super Likes.
Consider upgrading to Tinder Plus, Tinder Gold, or Tinder Platinum. It's no secret that Tinder gives more visibility to paying members. If you don’t mind spending a little more each month, upgrading could increase your chances of getting matches. Go to your Settings, choose your preferred plan, and enter your payment details.
- Tinder Plus offers unlimited likes, rewinds, and an ad-free experience.
- Tinder Gold includes everything from Tinder Plus plus 5 Super Likes per week and 1 Boost each month.
- Tinder Platinum includes all of the above, along with prioritized likes and the ability to message someone before matching.
- You can always cancel and revert to the free version at any time.
Delete and recreate your account with a different phone number. Although recreating your account too often can result in a shadowban, Tinder tracks users via their phone numbers or Facebook profiles. You can bypass this by creating a new account with a different phone number or Facebook profile. This will start your account fresh, avoiding the shadowban risk.
- Generally, you can only delete and remake your account once with the same login info before Tinder starts limiting your matches.
Try another dating app. If Tinder isn’t working out for you, it might be worth exploring other options. Consider using apps like Bumble, Hinge, or eHarmony. These platforms may offer a different pool of users and could feature profiles of people seeking more serious relationships.
- While Tinder is often associated with casual dating or hookups, there’s always a chance you’ll find something meaningful, though it’s not what most users are after.
How to Craft an Amazing Tinder Profile
Choose photos that reflect your true self. Selfies are fun, but they don’t reveal much about you. Instead, create a compelling Tinder profile by selecting photos that showcase you in real-life situations: hanging out with friends, taking a stroll with your dog, or hiking. This allows potential matches to get a sense of your personality even before reading your bio.
- Ask family or friends to take candid pictures of you while you're out. It may feel odd at first, but they’ll likely be more than willing to help!
Opt for photos with natural light. Good photo quality is just as crucial as the content of the photo itself. Instead of using a dimly lit mirror selfie, choose a picture where natural sunlight highlights your face. Natural lighting always looks more flattering and increases your chances of getting swiped right on.
Write a witty and unique bio. Your photos make the first impression, but your bio is your punchline. Keep it brief and to the point—aim for under 500 characters. Craft a bio that lets potential matches know who you are and what you’re looking for, whether it's a relationship, a fling, or something else.
- “See that shirt in the first pic? I think it’s made of boyfriend material.”
- “Only on here to meet your dog.”
- “Looking for someone to watch horror movies with.”
Connect your Instagram and Spotify to your profile. Show potential matches that you’re a real person by linking your Instagram and Spotify. Allow Tinder to pull pictures from your Instagram and share your favorite music from your Spotify playlist. This adds depth to your profile and helps others get to know you better.
- Worried about privacy? Don’t stress—your Instagram handle remains hidden, and users will only see your photos, not your full profile.
How Can You Get More Matches on Dating Apps?
Join the Conversation...
I'm a 24-year-old guy who's been on the apps for 4 years, and it’s been pretty frustrating. I find myself spending hours on Tinder every week, but I only manage to get a couple of dates per year! What am I doing wrong? I've revamped my profile countless times over the years, but it still doesn’t seem to work. I know a few people who've used Tinder Gold and have had better luck, but I’m unsure if it's worth the investment. What else can I do to get more matches?
Maya Diamond, MA
Relationship Coach
Relationship Coach
Ensure that your profile truly highlights your interests, lifestyle, and personality. Be very clear about what you're seeking. Avoid the mistake of trying to cast a wide net by being vague. Many get frustrated because they attract the wrong people. By being upfront about your purpose on Tinder (or other dating sites), you’ll filter out those who aren’t a match and attract others whose dating goals align with yours.
Jeremy Sharvit
Dating App Developer
Dating App Developer
Once your profile is set up, limit the app interaction. Have a few exchanges to get to know the person, and then try to quickly arrange a casual meeting, like coffee, drinks, or even a walk. Dating is a numbers game. The sooner you meet in person and gauge potential, the quicker you’ll learn if it’s worth pursuing, which may lead to more dates.
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Read the Full Discussion-
Don’t overvalue your success on dating apps. If it’s no longer fun and starts feeling like a chore, take a step back. Your worth is not determined by your success on Tinder.
The advice shared here comes from the real-life experiences of Mytour readers like you. If you have a valuable tip to share, feel free to submit it in the field below.
- Be genuine and true to yourself, and avoid thinking you’re above anyone else. This doesn’t mean you should settle for someone you don’t like, but try not to be too picky, at least until you meet in person. The app only gives you so much information about others.
- Use a current, clear photo of just you. Avoid confusing potential matches with pictures of you with an ex. It won’t make them jealous or more interested, it will only make them think you’re unavailable.
