"Being single in 2025 means that, despite your vision of rom-com meet-cutes IRL, you’ve most likely dipped your toe into the world of online dating. And even with just a single dip, you know there is quite literally no torture like trying to put together a dating 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 (but not too dateable). You may download Hinge with a burst of energy, ready to find “the one,” only to be met with a case of writer’s block when trying to come up with a perfectly witty answer to one of their many prompts. (Spoiler alert: It’s not “My simple pleasures… watching the sunset.”) Long story short: Creating a dating profile is hard.
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However, it turns out there’s actually a secret to a good dating app profile. On The Everygirl Podcast, we talked to Hinge’s Director of Relationship Science, Logan Ury, about what exactly your profile should look like, and to our relief, she shared her exact checklist:
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 welcomed, 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 girls 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 Pilates mirror selfie for your Insta story instead.
5. Use prompts that are easy to respond to
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.”
Once you’ve revamped your profile with this checklist, 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 anyways.
Lauren Blue, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of must-read books, movies, home tours, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Goodreads for new releases to feature on the site.
Feature graphic images credited to: Maju Burlim | Dupe, Claudine Delgado | Dupe, Artempo | Adobe Stock