Finding the right match on dating sites is both an art and a science – and the picture you choose for your profile is possibly the most influential factor in the equation!
But, among the 323 million global users on dating apps, what profile picture will have the power to help you stand out from the crowd and entice potential matches to get to know you further?
While beauty, appeal, and the experience of pleasure are undoubtedly subjective, the tips below can increase your chances of finding a match. You can also go for online photo test and see how attractive your photo is in the eyes of other users.
Start here!
Review Your Preferred Dating Site’s Standards and Requirements
Today, there are over 7,500 dating sites and apps active around the world, 2,500 of which operating in the US. And, not two of them have the same requirements and standards for profile pictures!
For example, if your preferred site is eHarmony, you’ll want to upload at least four photos, while Match.com allows you to upload up to 12 pictures.
What’s more, if you have chosen a niche dating site (i.e.: Gamer Dating for gamers, VineaLove for wine lovers, or Veggie Date for vegetarians), you’ll need a relevant shot of yourself!
Keep Your Online Dating Profile Up to Date
One of the best online dating hacks is to keep your profile photo relevant and up to date. Keep old photos shot more than five years ago away from your dating profile and avoid linking your dating app to social media pages such as Instagram and Facebook.
Instead, choose recent photos that describe who you are and what you look like today!
Consider What Profile Photos Attract You on Free Dating Sites
If bathroom selfies put you off, you are certainly not alone – so, why would you scare off potential matches by uploading similar photos?!
If you are unsure how to increase your chances of getting a match, consider looking at what attracts you to other people’s online dating profiles. A great way to do so without commitment is to create a profile on an absolutely free dating site, look for those users who could be great matches for you, and learn from their profile-crafting skills!
Choose More Than One Photo for Your Profile
Most dating profiles out there allow you to upload more than one photo – don’t miss out on this opportunity of letting others get to know you better! While what photos to upload is ultimately your own choice, a great mix of shots should include:
- Portraits
- Full body shots
- Action shots (i.e.: photos of you playing your favorite sport)
- Dressed-up and dressed-down photos
- Photos taken in different places and with different backgrounds
Put Yourself in the Viewer’s Shoes
Although most dating sites today boast a wide range of security features for users to date in all safety, scams are still common!
In turn, most conscious users will be looking for genuine profiles and authentic photos that show who they are talking to. Build trust in potential matches by choosing clear, high-quality photos of your face
Avoid Selfies and Be Careful About Choosing Group Photos
There is no doubt about it: selfies are often the most easily accessible type of photos – and they are great for setting up a dating profile on the go! However, this choice of profile picture can easily backfire!
According to statistics, selfies decrease your chances of getting a like on Hinge by over 40% and they can make you appear as a less confident or genuine person. Even worse, a selfie taken in the bathroom can reduce your chances of finding a match by over 90%!
Similarly, group photos might help you show off your social life, but they can be hurting your likelihood of finding a match if you are not easily distinguishable in the photo.
Avoid these common pitfalls by choosing a photo you have already taken or by asking a friend to help you build up your camera roll!
Use Body Language to Your Advantage
Your body language can say a lot about you – and can make a difference in the number of contacts you’ll receive a month!
Some best practices worth keeping in mind include:
- For females, it is recommended to make eye contact with the camera
- Men can gain likes by looking away from the camera
- Both men and women can benefit from smiling at the camera
- Showing teeth while smiling is more beneficial for men than for women
- Making flirty face may help, but only if you are looking at the camera
Choose Genuine, High-Quality Photos – And Avoid Photoshop and Filters!
While a heavily edited shot can help you gain a like at first, it can cause you to lose the trust of your potential date when meeting in person. Avoid this damaging effect by choosing genuine photos of yourself or candid shots.
Similarly, high-quality photos can help you show your commitment to finding a match and avoid giving out misleading information. If you are unsure how to get started, the following tips can help:
- Choose a soft light and consider taking photos at sunrise or sunset
- Avoid blurry photos and shots that are too dark
- You may show a little cleavage, but find the right balance between a flirtatious and an elegant look
- Choose a nice outfit that enhances your features
- Be the focus of your photos
- Pay attention to your chosen background
Tell More About Yourself Through Your Photos
While your chosen profile picture can show others what you look like, they also give you the chance to communicate several aspects of your personality, interests, and lifestyle.
For example, if you are a fitness enthusiast or a sports person, you might choose shots that portray you while playing sports. But don’t forget that posting what sports teams you support and choosing gym selfies can penalize you!
Keep an Eye on the Most Recent Research out There
As the popularity of dating sites grows, so does the official research conducted on this trend. A quick online search will tell you that wearing red can help you gain more likes than any other outfit color and that smiling at the camera can secure you the right match.
Depending on your preferred dating profile, consider researching what works according to science before spending time and effort taking thousands of shots!