The Gentleman's Guide To Creating A Dating App Profile & Getting It Right
Your definitive answer to what women want on the apps!
So, you’re newly single and found yourself downloading a dating app onto your phone at 1 AM last night. Now what? The apps are no magic portals to romance, and getting matches hinges on crafting a great dating profile – one that makes you look confident, sexy, cool, erudite, and ultimately desirable.
In the digital era of dating, a man’s profile is as telling as his shoes or drink order is IRL, and it is shockingly easy to get it wrong. Tastefully done photos and a bio can help you stand out in a sea of atrocious profiles and turn the algorithm in your favour.
This handy guide of basic dos and don’ts is all you need to find success on Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge.
THE PHOTOS
The First Impression Is The Last
The first photo on your profile decides whether you’ll get a heart or an X, and you have about 10 seconds to impress. Choose a picture where your face is clearly visible, and you’re smiling. Group pictures are a strict no-no – nobody has the time to figure out which one is you, and it’s a sign of low confidence. Own who you are and put a face shot, but it shouldn’t be a creepy close-up. Some men make the mistake of putting professional, studio photos, which is far too vain. Instead, stick to a picture taken in real life, where you look happy, confident, and not overly posed.
Skip The Shirtless Selfies
Do you have an amazing body that you worked hard on? Great, now refrain from putting up a shirtless gym selfie. A shirtless photo on a beach is the right kind of thirst trap, because it’s natural and laidback. A candid photo in a well-fitted tuxedo at a wedding or a muscle tee is even better.
The Rest Of Your Photos Should Tell A Story
Most apps let you upload between 4-8 images, so use this dating real estate to communicate who you really are. According to Bumble’s 2025 Dating Trends Report, 46% of singles said that unique and quirky interests were attractive, while 49% of Gen Z singles considered bonding over a shared interest a form of intimacy. Love travelling? Upload that picture of you in Japan. Enjoy sports? Ask a friend to take candids the next time you book a tennis court.
Pets And Babies
Photos with pets and babies is the number one cheat code to getting matches. Use it well, but make sure to specify that the baby isn’t yours (or if it is).
THE DETAILS
Be Clear
When on dating apps, act like an adult. Fill in as many basic details that dating apps ask for, like location, work, and education, but be honest. It’s tempting to say that you’re 6 feet tall, but when it’s time to meet, she will know that you’re actually 5’7”.
Whether you’re looking for something casual or a long-term situation, be upfront about it so that nobody’s time is wasted.
Effort Is Hot
You think you sound cool when you put one-word answers or emojis only in your bio, but it is an immediate turn-off. Use this space to give us a low-down on what you’re passionate about, whether that’s cooking a delicious meal on the weekend, or a book that changed your life. Don’t be afraid to get vulnerable, or be witty and funny. It helps women know if there’s any common ground, and provides fodder for conversation for when she does match with you. And for the love of God, stop copy-pasting AI-generated lines onto your profile.
Get Multi With Your Media
Since the rise of Tinder in 2012, dating apps have evolved considerably to make it easier for people to connect. Voice notes are a great way to show off your husky timbre, and interest badges and polls compel people to respond if they relate. Don’t be shy to use the video feature, because sometimes, you look better there. If you must use party videos, use them sparingly.
AFTER THE MATCH
Skip commenting on how hot she is and don’t make sex-adjacent small talk – sex and intimacy should be taken care of in real life. Focus on getting to know your match by asking questions, and leave mansplaining and condescension at the door, even if you think astrology is silly.
Build momentum in your chats, but don’t let them go on for too long. If the vibe feels right, ask her out between days 2 and 7 of matching!