Being single in 2026 means that, despite your vision of rom-com meet-cutes IRL, you’ve most likely downloaded Hinge. And even with just a single dip, you know there is quite literally no torture like trying to put together a Hinge profile. It feels like, through a handful of photos and a couple of prompts, you have to capture your entire personality, interests, and that indescribable whimsy that sets you apart—all while looking extremely attractive and dateable.
You may download the app with a burst of energy, ready to find “the one,” only to be met with a serious case of writer’s block when trying to come up with the perfect answer to Hinge prompts. (Spoiler alert: It’s not “My simple pleasures… watching the sunset.”) Long story short: Creating a Hinge profile that feels authentic, stands out, and actually attracts the right matches is hard.
However, it turns out there’s actually a secret to creating a good dating app profile. We talked to Hinge’s Director of Relationship Science, Logan Ury, about exactly what your Hinge profile should include, from the photos you choose to the prompts you answer—and she’s sharing her expert-backed Hinge profile checklist, along with mistakes to avoid and more.
How to make a Hinge Profile that gets matches
1. Show different sides of yourself on your profile
According to Ury, your profile should represent different facets of your likes and interests. “A profile should really tell your story and show off different sides of yourself,” she said. That’s not to say you’ll be able to encompass everything you love into a few short pictures and blurbs, but you can use prompts and photos that speak to your real interests and hobbies. If you love to run, include a photo of you running or talk about it in one of your prompts, but don’t make your entire Hinge profile a dedication to your Strava account. People want to see variety while swiping, so don’t pigeonhole yourself.
2. Balance humor and vulnerability
We all want a partner who’ll make us laugh, but Ury warned it can actually be a turnoff if your entire profile is too silly. Think about it: Have you ever met someone who considered themselves a “jokester” and wondered, “Do they even know how to be serious about… anything?” Being funny or sarcastic is welcome, but it can come off as not taking dating seriously when it’s overdone, and no one is out here trying to waste their time. With that in mind, be sure to balance sincere and serious responses with funny ones. This will help you strike the delicate balance between lighthearted conversation and connection.
3. Use a clear solo shot for your first photo
I love a stylized photo, smizing with sunnies and the perfect filter, but a dating app profile isn’t the place to show those off. Ury said the first photo on your profile should clearly show what you look like, so don’t choose one with friends or where you’re turned away from the camera. You want something with good lighting and no heavy filters. If you’re scrolling through your camera roll and realizing you have literally no photos that check all those boxes (same), have a photoshoot with the friends the next time you’re together. Just keep snapping until you have one you absolutely love.
4. Have a variety of photos
Your first photo is important, but the profile doesn’t end there. Ury has a foolproof formula for the rest of the photos to make sure your profile is well-rounded: You should have one full-body shot, one photo of you doing an activity you love, and one with friends or family. Ideally, these should be photos taken by someone else because selfies don’t perform as well, especially gym selfies, according to Ury. Save the thirst-trap gym pic or Hyrox mirror selfie for your Instagram story instead.
5. Use prompts that start conversations
It’s stressful enough to download a dating app and get started, so prompts that don’t make the other person spiral trying to come up with a response are key. Ury’s best advice is to remember that your profile is a chance to start a conversation, so it’s great to ask a question or share something about yourself that’s easy for someone to follow up on. One of my favorites? “First round is on me if you can guess my coffee order.”
READ: Hinge Released New Prompts, And They’re Already Leading to Better First Dates
Hinge profile mistakes to avoid
Creating a Hinge profile is all about finding the balance between showing your personality and making it easy for someone to connect with you. While there’s no one “right” way to make a dating app profile, avoiding these common Hinge profile mistakes can help your profile feel more authentic and engaging.
Having too many group photos
Group photos can show that you have a fun social life, but if every picture includes other people, no one is going to know who they’re actually considering swiping right for. So, as Ury mentioned, include a mix of solo photos and group shots so you are the main focus.
Choosing generic prompts
Your prompts are your chance to start a memorable conversation, so avoid generic prompts and answers. For example, instead of statements like “I love trying new restaurants,” share specific details, stories, or opinions that give someone an easy way to respond. Think: “I love the early-bird special. Catch me snagging all the happy hour deals in town while watching cute old couples whisper-fight before the dinner rush.”
Only showing your funny side
Humor is a great way to show personality, but a profile made up entirely of jokes can feel a little surface-level. The best Hinge profiles balance playfulness with authenticity.
Using photos that don’t show your lifestyle
Your Hinge photos should give someone a glimpse into your life—not just what you look like. Include pictures that show your hobbies, interests, and everyday moments so potential matches can get a better sense of who you are. Yes, that means sharing a photo of your most recent needlepoint project or the sweaty picture of you finishing a half marathon.
Trying too hard to be liked by everyone
One of the biggest dating app profile mistakes is trying to create a profile you think everyone will like. Not only will it drive you crazy trying to “perfect,” but it won’t attract the people who appreciate who you authentically are. Remember the reality: You’re not going to like everyone, so you can’t expect everyone to like you, either. That’s OK!
Best Hinge prompts to get you more matches
Hinge gives you the option to answer three prompts and three prompts only, so choose wisely! (No pressure, of course!) The secret? Choose the prompts that feel true to you and give responses that will make other users want to know more about you. Here are some of our favorite prompts and some tips for how to answer them.
- “Together, we could…”: Share a date idea or activity you’d genuinely enjoy.
- “My ideal Friday night includes…”: Show off your adventurism or homebody tendencies.
- “The way to win me over is…”: Mention something quirky you’d love for them to remember in the future.
- “We’ll get along if…”: Highlight shared values or interests instead of dealbreakers.
- “I geek out on…”: Showcase a hobby, niche interest, or passion you genuinely love.
- “My most irrational fear…”: Show off your sense of humor or get vulnerable and share what silly thing actually scares you.
- “Believe it or not, I…”: Share a fun fact, hidden talent, or surprising experience.
If you’re looking for more, we have an even deeper dive on all things Hinge prompts. It will help you craft responses that reveal your sense of humor, spark curiosity, or even invite a friendly debate.
Your Hinge profile questions, answered
How many photos should you have on Hinge?
A strong Hinge profile should include a variety of photos that give someone a sense of who you are beyond just what you look like. Fill up your photo slots with images that show different sides of your personality, whether that’s a photo of you doing a hobby you love, spending time with family, or simply a clear photo where you feel confident. Avoid using only selfies, overly edited photos, or too many group shots that make it difficult for someone to know which person is you.
What makes a good Hinge profile?
A good Hinge profile feels like a genuine reflection of who you are while also giving potential matches an easy way to start a conversation. The best Hinge profiles combine thoughtful prompts, a mix of photos, and specific details that reveal your personality. Instead of trying to sound universally appealing, focus on sharing the things that make you unique. Think: your interests, sense of humor, values, and the little details that make you, you.
What are the best Hinge prompts?
The best Hinge prompts are the ones that make it easy for someone to respond and spark a conversation. Instead of choosing a generic answer, use your prompts as an opportunity to share a story, showcase your personality, or reveal something memorable about yourself. Answers that are specific, playful, or invite a question back tend to create more opportunities for meaningful conversations than simple one-line responses.
How do I get more matches on Hinge?
Getting more matches on Hinge starts with creating a profile that feels authentic and makes it easy for someone to connect with you. Choose photos that clearly show who you are, write prompts that give people something to respond to, and avoid making your profile feel too generic. While there’s no way to guarantee matches, putting thought into your Hinge profile can help attract people who are genuinely interested in getting to know you.
The bottom line
Once you’ve revamped your profile with this checklist and taken Ury’s advice, you’ll likely have better luck in the online dating world. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, remember that you don’t need to put so much pressure on yourself to curate your profile absolutely perfectly.
A little bit of intention and a lot of authenticity will go a long way. Just put your best self forward and go from there. Plus, Ury says that “true connection is going to happen on the date itself”—so if you’re not feeling the love through an app even with a “perfect” profile, don’t sweat it. Take things off the app once you meet someone, and “use the date to figure out if this is someone you want to see again,” says Ury. We all know that love doesn’t always happen at first swipe anyway.
Looking for more online dating guidance and advice? Read these next:
- Is Hinge Hiding Better Matches Behind a Paywall? We Investigated
- 40+ Bumble Openers That Spark Genuine Conversations
- The 3P Theory Proves the Messiness of Modern Dating Is Worth It
- This Major Dating App Is Now Using Zodiac Compatibility to Bring You Better Matches
Lauren Blue, Associate Editor & Book Club Co-Host
As an Associate Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives, from must-read books and behind-the-scenes interviews to beauty products she can’t live without. When she isn’t sitting in an AMC watching the latest buzzy release, she can be found scouring Goodreads for the perfect pick for The Everygirl Book Club. There, she co-hosts discussions with members, debating plotlines, fancasting characters, and, of course, tossing in her own recommendations.
Hailey Tagliarino, Assistant Managing Editor
As Assistant Managing Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey Tagliarino oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.
Feature graphic images credited to: Maju Burlim | Dupe, Claudine Delgado | Dupe, Artempo | Adobe Stock
