best online dating profile writing service

Is your dating profile holding you back?

Eric resnick and his team of dating profile ghostwriters will give you a no-cost, not risk assessment of how your profile stacks up against other daters., online dating profile professionals.

Since 2005, ProfileHelper has grown to be the leading online dating profile writing service in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and throughout the world. ProfileHelper.com’s dating coaches have personally helped more than 25,000 singles improve their online dating lives. ProfileHelper.com has been spotlighted in major publications including: Inc. Magazine, Men’s Health, The New York Times, The New York Daily News, The Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, CNN, and several nationally syndicated radio talk shows. Every online dating coach who works with ProfileHelper is not only trained to help you with all of your online dating needs, but they also have been successful online daters themselves.

Our Services

VIP Profile Creation W/ Eric Resnick

Essay-Based Profile

Premium Dating Profile Writing Service

Personal Dating Coach

Profilehelper has helped more than 40,000 single men and women, feel more confident and optimistic about online dating.

Trying to create the best online dating profile can be a frustrating endeavor. We know that it’s not easy to write an engaging bio or find the perfect dating profile picture, but our expert online dating coaches are here to help. Our online dating profile writing service is designed to help you feel as good as possible about your love life – let us help you meet that special someone!

What Our Customers Are Saying

Are you feeling discouraged with your online dating profile?

Are you ready to meet your perfect partner.

We can help you feel more optimistic and confident about online dating! We’ve helped more than 25,000 singles create great online dating profiles with our dating app profile writing and review services!

As featured in

the latest news in online dating

Can online dating save the world?

How to use AI to be a better online dater

How to use AI to write my dating profile

Have you seen us in.

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

The Match Lab

Struggling to write a good dating profile, don’t know which photos to use in your dating profile.

We create authentic dating profiles that get high-quality matches.

By selecting your best photos and writing you a catchy bio, we’ll provide you with a new dating profile that’ll help you attract compatible matches on any dating app: Hinge, Match, Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, eharmony, and more.

Hi, I'm Dan.

Founder & director of the match lab.

I’m a social psychologist and dating expert with a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, a master’s degree in psychology from UCLA, and a PhD candidacy in psychology from UCLA. I’m also an award-winning writer, poet, and comedian.

I’ve spent years analyzing how people behave on dating apps. By tracking behavioral data from millions of dating app users, I’ve figured out why some dating profiles succeed and others fail.

​I run The Match Lab with a single purpose: to help you achieve your dating goals. I’ll create you a new dating profile that’s designed to attract high-quality matches on any dating app ( Hinge, Match, Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid, eharmony, and any others ).

“Working with Dan was a pleasure: he was responsive, thoughtful, and meticulous every step of the way. Most of all, he helped me cut through the noise and craft a profile that conveys who I uniquely am and that attracts the kind of people I want to meet.”

“The Match Lab is special. Hiring them is the best investment you can make in your dating life.”

Stop guessing how to create a good dating profile.

Start using a dating profile that actually works..

• Dating Profile Examples

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission from some links on this page. This never affects our rankings or recommendations. You may check out our full Monetization Transparency Policy here.

Your online dating profile is the key to whether or not you’re going to have success finding what you’re looking for. No matter if you’re looking for love, marriage, casual dating, or just friendship—a great online dating profile decides your level of success.

One of the best ways to craft a witty online dating profile that truly showcases who you are is by seeing successful examples. In this guide, we’re going to load you up with plenty of the best dating profile examples out there for every section of your profile, including the Headline, About Me, What You’re Looking For, and more!

Before we jump into the examples, we did want to share some free trial account offers in case you needed some more places to try out your new amazing profile!

Dating Profile Headline Examples

Again, if you want to find the easiest way to write a perfect dating profile headline, check out our complete guide on how to write an online dating profile (it’s free), where we have a formula for knocking the headline out of the park!

The only goal of your dating profile headline is to get enough interest for the man or woman to click on your profile to read more. A lot of people tend to overthink it. If it gets the clicks to your profile (from the right people), it’s a winner.

Here are some great online dating profile headline examples.

• Music Lover Looking to Write the Next Verse
• Me + You +… JK, You Don’t Have to Do Any Math to Send Me a Message!
• Gamer Chick Hitting Restart and Looking for a High Score in Co-Op Mode
• Country Girl Who Loves to Get Down on the Farm
• Fitness Lover Looking to Find My Swole Mate
• Tired of Online Dating? Let’s Be Each Other’s Reason for Signing Off
• World Traveler Looking for a Lady Who Likes to Explore
• Math Nerd Looking for Someone to Add to My Life and Multiply the Fun
• Life is Great, But Maybe It Can Be Better With You?
• Hopeless Romantic? Nope. HOPEFUL Romantic Positively Searching for My Match!
• We’ll Never Know If We’re a Great Match Unless You Click that Message Me Button
• Fun and Adventurous Guy: Take a Chance and Send Me a Message!
• Art-Loving Women: Let’s Paint a Picture of Life Together
• Tired of Online Dating? Let’s Be Each Other’s Reason for Signing Off
• Book Worm Looking to Write the Next Chapter
• Movie Lover Looking for My Co-Star for a Real Life Romantic Comedy
• Man Who Loves the Outdoors and Hiking: Let’s Build a Path Together
• Fun and Quirky Lady Who Can Definitely Promise You Laughs
• Proud Dog Mom Looking for a Partner In Crime
• Casting Call for Movie Buffs! Send Me Your Favorite Movie Quote
• You Can’t Spell ‘Online Dating’ Without a Bunch of Different Letters
• Quirky Women Looking for the Mashed to My Potatoes
• Accomplished Man Who’s More Fun Than a 200 Foot Water Slide
• Tell Me Your Best Dad Joke
• Let’s be each other’s reason for getting off these apps

Where can you use these dating site headlines? Anywhere. They’re great for any app, as long as you have the room to fit them in. You can use them as POF headlines, Match.com headlines, or with any of the best dating apps out there.

Dating Profile About Me Examples

Your dating profile about me section should do three things:

• Introduce yourself
• Tell a little bit about what you do and like to do
• Briefly talk about what you’re looking for

You don’t have to give every single detail of your life or give a massive checklist for what you need. As you’ll see in these dating profile about me examples, they’re simple, short, sweet, and straight to the point. The idea is just to arouse enough interest for someone to send you a message or a flirt to start the conversation where you can get to know each other better.

Here are some great About Me dating profile examples.

Hi! My name is Mark, and I am brand new to online dating. While I’m still figuring this all out, here’s something I know for sure—I’m excited to be here! The chance to meet unique, engaging, and interesting women is pretty dang neat. If you think you might fit that mold, drop me a message.

I work in the finance industry. And while I like to work hard, I make sure to leave time to enjoy life. I’m a fan of wine, movies, hiking, and getting out of town for the weekend. Let’s chat and see if maybe we’re a good fit!

Isn’t online dating a blast? Okay, maybe it can be challenging at times, but it’s still exciting that you have the chance to meet someone special who you might have never met elsewhere.

My name’s Sarah! I’m a proud dog mom, an avid gym-goer, and, if you ask my friends, a bit quirky at times. I’m looking for a man who compliments my life and is ready to enjoy all that this world has to bring to the table. If you think we might be a good match, send me a message.

My name is Beth and if I had to pick three words to describe me they would be positive, a little shy, and someone who loves to laugh. Okay, that was a few more than three words, but it’s fun to break the rules from time to time, right?

I’m new to online dating, but I know what I’m looking for in a man. My Christian faith is important to me, so I want to find a man who feels the same way. Additionally, I’m really into movies, so a guy who likes to cuddle up on the couch instead of going out on a Friday night is the right match for me.

If you think maybe we could be right for each other, send me a message! I’m kind of shy, but if you reach out, I come out of my shell.

Hi, I’m Ted! Thanks for stopping by my online dating profile. I’m not the best at describing myself, so I reached out to a few friends and asked them to tell me what I’m like so I could share that with you. Here’s what they had to say.

• Ted is driven, goal-oriented, and goes after what he wants in life.
• Ted is a real catch. He’s caring, dependable, and someone who could really be your rock.

If you want to see if my friends are right or they’re just telling me what I want to hear (kidding), we should chat! Send me a message and let’s start the conversation..

Do these about me examples work for short bio examples too?

Yes! Even if the section isn’t explicitly called “About Me,” these descriptions of who who are work as a fantastic dating profile template. As long as the section is a spot for you to talk about who you are and what you’re looking for, these short dating profile examples will work well.

Things NOT to Put In Your Online Dating Profile: Bad Examples

Writing the best online dating profile is as much about what you put in your profile as it is about what you choose to leave out. Here are a few things you should never include in your online dating profile. Some of these things should be omitted for safety reasons, some because they aren’t helpful, and some because they’re so overdone.

Never include personally identifiable information.

You can share contact information or specific information about things like where you work or where you live after you start a conversation and get to know someone. But you don’t want those things shared with everyone on an online dating site.

Don’t talk about how you hate talking about yourself.

EVERYONE and their mother mention how awkward online dating is and how much they hate talking about themselves in their profile. If it weren’t so overused, it would be something nice to add to your profile. But for the sake of success, leave it out. The only instance where you might be able to hint at it is if you do something like we showed in About Me Example 4 where you get quotes from friends.

Don’t talk about your exes.

Here’s an example of a terrible online dating profile. All this does is signal to good men or women that you may have past issues you haven’t worked through yet.

Hi, I’m Shelly and I am looking for a real man. My ex was a piece of garbage and didn’t know how to treat me right. He used to say mean things to me and never respected me. If you are different than that, hit me up, but not if you’re a piece of garbage like he was.

The Goal of Your Dating Profile Sections

As you can see in these dating profile examples, everything is fairly short and simple. Here’s why. The goal is not to tell someone everything about you or everything you’re looking for. The goal is to get to the conversation part of the process where you can start to get to know each other.

• The goal of the dating profile headline is to get them to click on your profile to read your About Me section.
• Once you get them to your About Me section, the only goal is to get them interested and informed enough to send you a message.
• From there, it’s just a conversation to start to see if they’re someone you might be interested in getting to know more 🙂

Are These Good Online Dating Profile Examples to Copy?

This is always a popular and interesting question. Yes, these are great online dating profile examples. Should you copy them word for word? Probably not. A great online dating profile is one that showcases you and what uniquely makes you—you. If you just cut and paste, you won’t achieve that goal.

That being said, you can certainly use these to copy and make some tweaks to make it unique to you! It’s totally fine if your profile looks fairly similar to these dating profile examples. Not everyone is a writer, which shouldn’t hold you back from finding love.

Can I Use the Same Info on Different Online Dating Apps?

Yes! There’s no rule that you have to use different information on different dating apps. At the end of the day, you’re the same you on every site! The only caveat to this is that you may want to make some slight adjustments if an online dating app is targeting something different. Other than that, though, you can 100% use the exact, word-for-word dating profile on multiple dating apps.

This brings up a second question on whether or not you should be using multiple online dating apps to find what you’re looking for. Absolutely! The more lines you can get in the water, the better your chances of finding exactly what you’re looking for.

Related Articles:

• Should I Delete My Online Dating Profile if I Found a Date?
• Over Half of Singles Admit to Lying on a Dating Profile
• How Seniors Should Write a Dating Profile
• Why Does He Keep Looking at my Online Dating Profile?
• Dating Profile Template

Author: Matt Seymour, MSF

15 Ways to Optimize Your Online Dating Profile

Boost your dating profile with this list of comprehensive tips. Learn which photos to select and how to writ your profile to attract the right match for you!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

1 https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/02/02/key-findings-about-online-dating-in-the-u-s/ Three in ten US adults have tried out online dating. So, if you’re thinking about joining, you’re in good company.But before you start chatting with other singles and going on fun dates , you have to overcome one major obstacle: creating your profile.

Trying to define yourself with a couple hundred words and a few photos is challenging. Luckily, researchers have taken the mystery out of what makes a great profile.

Here is a list of tips to optimize your profile so you look sexier, attract more dates, and increase your chances of finding love.

Master the Art of Photo Storytelling

Go for 5-7 photos, each highlighting a different facet of your life. 

Think about your photos as an opportunity to tell a story about your personality.

For instance, instead of five selfies in your bedroom, consider a candid shot capturing laughter, a photo in your favorite reading nook, and another mid-action in a hobby. 

Every piece of text you write and every photo you include should serve a specific purpose.

Here are a few photo ideas and what each might convey:

• Hiking picture = You are adventurous and enjoy nature.
• Travel photo at a famous landmark = You have a passion for travel and exploring different cultures.
• Playing a musical instrument = You are creative and have a passion for music.
• Participating in fitness activity = You are health-conscious and dedicated to fitness.
• Reading a book or in a library = You are intellectual and enjoy learning.
• With pets or animals = You are caring and love animals.

You get the idea! Whatever pictures you include communicate a lot about you. So be thoughtful in your different photos and what each says about you.

Action Step: Pick out five photos of yourself that each capture a different facet of your personality.

Smile and Tilt

2 http://ebm.bmj.com/content/20/2/48.full Researchers at the London School of Medicine analyzed 86 studies about psychology, sociology, and behavioral science to discover what makes an effective online dating profile. 

They found that the most attractive profile pictures, especially for women, showed them smiling genuinely at the camera with their head slightly tilted.

Action Step: Tilt your head and think about something happy before taking your profile pic so you have a genuine smile.

If you’d like more smiling tips, you might enjoy this article.

Ditch the Generic, Embrace Specifics

Replace generic descriptions with specific details. It’s similar to the power of storytelling . 

If someone tells you they love to laugh, you might believe them but then soon forget. However, if they tell you a story about how they had a laugh attack on a train and got everyone around them laughing for minutes, you’re far more likely to remember.

Action Step: What statements in your profile can you replace with specifics?

Instead of “I love movies,” say, “I’m on a mission to watch every Oscar-winning film from the last decade.”

Instead of “I enjoy hanging out with friends,” try “my friends and I have a tradition of thematic dinner parties. Last month’s theme was ’80s Retro’, complete with costumes and a synth-pop playlist.”

Write About What You’re Looking for in a Partner

When writing their descriptions, a lot of people try to cram as much information about themselves as possible. This innocent mistake can greatly reduce the amount of messages you receive.

The most successful profiles use about 3 https://ebm.bmj.com/content/20/2/48.full 70% of their profiles to talk about themselves and the remaining 30% to describe what they’re looking for in a partner.

For example, you could say:

“I’m an adventurous person who loves to spend time outdoors and am looking for a like-minded individual to share fun experiences with.”

This is the same principle central to 4 https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Donald-Miller-audiobook/dp/B072J8WRND/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LAR27T8CSOS4&keywords=storybrand&qid=1701927196&sprefix=storybrand%2Caps%2C189&sr=8-1 marketing copy —when people read a website that describes who they are, they are more likely to feel seen and want to engage.

Action Step: Think about what you’re looking for in a partner and write your description using the 70:30 rule. 70% about you, 30% about who you are looking for.

Show Emotional Availability

Social Psychologists Stephanie Spielmann and Geoff MacDonald conducted experiments to find out what matters more on online dating profiles: attractiveness or emotional availability. 

When given the choice between a sexy but emotionally unavailable person or someone who is less attractive but appears caring and emotionally responsive, both men and women were more drawn to the more emotionally available person.

How do you show emotional availability?

Avoid insensitive statements like: “I am a highly driven person who is focused on my career and am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.”

Remember, you’re looking for a relationship, not a promotion.

Instead, write things like: “I enjoy going to music festivals and am looking for someone who shares my love of music and spending time with people.”

Action step: Focus on your hobbies and character traits that are people and value-centered to show that you are emotionally available to develop meaningful relationships with people.

Use the Word “Love”

Looking for love ?

The dating site PlentyofFish wondered what types of profiles led to the best relationships. After examining 1.2 million profiles, they discovered that people who used the word “love” in their descriptions were the most successful at engaging in committed relationships. 

Men, in particular, benefited from using similar words like “heart,” “romantic,” and “relationship.”

Special Note: If you aren’t looking for love–don’t use it.

Action Step: If you’re looking for love, make sure to mention it on your profile.

Choose a Strategic Username

Following your picture, your username or screen name is the most influential tool you have to get people to check out your profile (if you’re using an app that allows you to make a creative username). 

Studies show that straight men tend to zero in on female usernames with words that suggest physical attractiveness, such as “cute…”, “sexy…” and “blondie…” Meanwhile, straight women are attracted to usernames that sound successful, like “cultured…” and “driven…”

Also, among all sexualities, 3 https://ebm.bmj.com/content/20/2/48.full there tends to be a preference for usernames whose first letter is at the beginning of the alphabet. One possible explanation is that we subconsciously associate names at the beginning of the alphabet with success.

Action Step: Choose a username that either a) matches what your preferred partner is looking for or b) starts with a letter in the beginning of the alphabet.

Be Honest About What You Want

If you’re looking for a casual, low-commitment romance, be honest! Otherwise, you’re going to attract people who expect more from you than you’re willing to give. 

And if you want something long-term, be honest about that rather than trying to seduce a casual dater into becoming your soulmate. 

Whatever you want is totally valid. And there are other potential matches who want the same thing. So help them find you by broadcasting it 🙂  

Action Step: Get clear on what you are looking for in a partner, and if there’s room, consider placing it in your profile.

If you sometimes struggle to be authentic because you’re afraid of what others might think, then you might appreciate this free course:

Be The Most Likable Person In The Room

Learn the skills we’ve taught 500k+ students to become more charismatic and successful — including:

• 💝 5 phrases that will make you instantly more likable
• 🤯 Our secret likability strategy for introverts
• 💬 The #1 trick to never running out of things to say

Take Off Your Sunglasses

According to data that 5 https://www.mic.com/life/8-dating-app-mistakes-that-are-easy-to-make-but-could-cost-you-a-right-swipe-18368425 Tinder released, wearing sunglasses in your pictures can decrease your swipe-right rate by 15%.

And it makes sense—your eyes communicate so much of your personality. Wearing sunglasses is effectively like wearing ⅓ of a mask!

Action Step: Replace any sunglasses pictures with ones that reveal your full face.

Avoid Negativity

It’s hard to imagine someone wanting to swipe right on a profile that says:

• “I hate this app, can’t believe I’m still on here,” or
• “Tired of games and drama.” 

We all have negative feelings, but if you lead with them, you might come off as bitter or toxic . 

Instead, it’s more effective to frame your profile in a positive light, focusing on what you enjoy, your passions, and what you’re looking for in a partner. 

And you can still mention that you have a dark side if that’s part of your personality, but even that can be done in a way that’s inviting!

Action Step: Scan your profile for any negative sentiments. If you find something negative, either reframe it as a positive or ditch it.

Positivity is Magnetic

Consider writing out your profile right after doing something you love. If you like to play soccer, imagine writing your profile right after a soccer game when positive 6 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-truth-behind-runners-high-and-other-mental-benefits-of-running#:~:text=As%20you%20hit%20your%20stride,euphoric%20state%20following%20intense%20exercise. endorphins will be bursting through your fingertips.

Plus, if you engage in an activity that puts you in a 7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551835/ flow state , you can bring your writing process into that flow.

Action Step: Consider blocking off 15 minutes to work on your profile right after doing something fun.

Don’t Bring Your Baggage Into Your Profile

While it’s a great policy to be honest and authentic , it’s also important to remember that your dating profile is a place to highlight your positives and what you bring to a potential relationship, not to air past grievances or process past relationships. 

Action Step: If it feels important to say something about your relationship journey, try to reframe it as something you’ve learned or a way in which you are growing.  

Instead of “I’ve been through a lot of disappointing relationships that never seem to work out. I don’t want another toxic ex who plays games,” you could try something like

“My journey in relationships has taught me to value communication, honesty, and mutual respect. I’m looking forward to meeting someone who shares these ideals 💕”

Maximize the Power of Prompts

If your dating app of choice has the option to answer prompts, do it! 

For example, at the time of writing this article, Bumble allows you to pick prompts to respond to, such as:

• “My most useless skill is…”
• “I will never shut up about…”
• “Something I’m optimistic about”

Take advantage of these questions…or add your own! The more information you can provide about yourself, the better.

And when choosing which prompts to answer, don’t just pick randomly! Go for the ones that would speak to your ideal partner.

Invite Engagement

In the world of content marketing, there is a term called a 8 https://blog.hootsuite.com/call-to-action/ call to action. ”” A call to action is essentially the thing you want people to do on any given website page. This could be signing up for your newsletter, reading another blog post, or booking a consultation. And every good marketer knows you should end every post with your call to action!

The same applies to online dating.

Consider ending your profile with a question or a playful challenge to prompt a message. Something like, “I love books that turn my world upside down—tell me one that changed your life,” or “I love staying active. What’s a fun workout you recommend?”

This will filter out who has actually read your profile and provides an easy conversation starter.

Action Step: Can you close off your profile with a short invitation into a conversation?

Spellcheck!

Studies suggest that making typos in your online dating profile will make you appear less attractive.

And it makes sense—having obvious spelling or grammar errors on your profile might subcommmunicate that you lack attention to detail, are not putting in much effort, or might not be as conscientious about other aspects of your life. 

Action Step: Copy and paste your profile into Google Docs, and then try using an app like Grammarly to do a thorough grammar check.

Takeaways on Optimizing Your Online Dating Profile

Best of luck on your dating journey! Just remember these tips when filling out your online profile:

• Write About What You’re Looking for in a Partner: 70% about you, 30% of who you’re looking for.
• Show Emotional Availability: Show that you are open for connection.
• Use the Word “Love”: Include words like “love,” “heart,” and “romantic.”  
• Choose a Strategic Username: Select a username that reflects attractiveness or success.
• Be Honest About What You Want: Clearly state whether you’re seeking a casual or serious relationship to attract the right potential partners.
• Smile and Tilt: Use profile pictures where you are genuinely smiling and slightly tilting your head..
• Master the Art of Photo Storytelling: Use 5-7 photos to tell a story about different aspects of your personality.
• Take Off Your Sunglasses: Stick with pictures that show your full face.
• Ditch the Generic, Embrace Specifics: Replace vague statements with specific details and stories.
• Avoid Negativity: Nobody’s looking for a Debbie Downer. Too much negativity can be a turnoff.
• Positivity is Magnetic: Write your profile in a positive and happy state of mind.
• Don’t Bring Your Baggage Into Your Profile: Don’t vent. If you must, focus on what you’ve learned from past relationships.
• Maximize the Power of Prompts: Anser prompts that would resonate with your ideal partner.
• Invite Engagement: End your profile with a question or challenge.
• Spellcheck! Use an app like Grammarly to fix typos.

If you find a good match and want to set up a real life first date, you might appreciate this article on science-backed tips to make an awesome first date.

Article sources

Popular guides, how to deal with difficult people at work.

Do you have a difficult boss? Colleague? Client? Learn how to transform your difficult relationship. I’ll show you my science-based approach to building a strong, productive relationship with even the most difficult people.

Related Articles

Science of People offers over 1000+ articles on people skills and nonverbal behavior.

Get our latest insights and advice delivered to your inbox.

It’s a privilege to be in your inbox. We promise only to send the good stuff.

13 Top Tips for Nailing the Perfect Dating Profile, According to Dating and Relationship Experts

Dating apps are part of the fabric of modern dating—and the fact that they’re so commonplace in our culture has done wonders for destigmatizing this totally valid way of meeting a partner. Still, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing right at your fingertips. And the seemingly endless stream of potential matches in today’s app-laden dating world can make swiping feel exhausting and overwhelming . That’s why creating a unique, personal dating profile is so important: It can help you cut through the noise and attract the matches you actually want.

Whether you’ve just started dating again after a breakup or have been dating around for some time now , sifting through profiles that aren’t a fit and lame responses can feel discouraging to even the most romantic among us. But there’s a lot you can do while crafting your profile to tailor your experience—namely, using it as an opportunity to show off a few different sides of your personality and have some fun while you’re at it.

• Adelle Kelleher , certified dating and relationship coach and founder of Coaching Hearts Consulting
• Jess Carbino, PhD , relationship expert and former sociologist for Tinder and Bumble
• Shaneeka McCray , certified matchmaker, law of attraction coach, and founder of the HelpMeet Club
• Susan Trombetti , celebrity matchmaker, relationship expert, and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking

What are the elements of a great dating profile?

According to Susan Trombetti , matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking , a great dating profile will show off who you are and entice others to want to date you. It’s your chance to make a first impression, so it’s critical to put your heart into it. “Think of your profile as a preview to your first date, so nothing should be too heavy, serious, or negative, but it should tell an honest story of who you are,” she says.

“Think of your profile as a preview to your first date, so nothing should be too heavy, serious, or negative, but it should tell an honest story of who you are.” —Susan Trombetti, matchmaker

The key pieces of a standout dating profile include an intro that conveys that story in a compelling yet concise way, as well as answers to prompts that reflect your core values and interests, as well as what you’re looking to find on the app. It’ll also include clear photos that reflect how you naturally look and the kinds of experiences you enjoy.

{{post.sponsorText}}

What should I write on my dating profile?

To figure out exactly how to tell your story on your dating profile, Trombetti recommends coming up with three pieces of information “that you think define the true you.” Are you the oldest child of six siblings, or did you grow up on a houseboat, which perhaps gave you a strong sense of adventure or independence? These are just examples to help you consider what the defining experiences of your life may be outside of your job, and how you might distill these experiences into a couple sentences that you include in your dating profile

You can also make a list of the kinds of traits and values you’re looking for in a partner, and consider what facets of your lived experience might reflect similar qualities, suggests certified matchmaker Shaneeka McCray , law of attraction coach and founder of HelpMeet Club , a dating service for professional singles. For example, let’s say you’re looking for someone spontaneous or adventurous; if you once took a solo camping trip on a whim, you might include that detail in a prompt answer or share a photo from the trip as a conversation starter, given that it shows off your own adventurous spirit.

“People may be nervous or struggle with how to reach out, so making sure your profile gives people an opportunity to ask you a question is really important.” —Jess Carbino, PhD, relationship expert

It’s also a good idea to include answers to prompts that encourage people to ask questions and find out more, says relationship expert Jess Carbino, PhD , former sociologist for the dating apps Tinder and Bumble. “People may be nervous or struggle with how to reach out, so making sure your profile gives people an opportunity to ask you a question is really important,” she says.

To do this, include a few details about yourself that offer an easy “in” for conversation. Maybe you were born and raised in the Bay Area and have a lifelong allegiance to the Golden State Warriors; highlighting this somewhere in the profile can invite others to connect with you about basketball, whether it’s to say they’re also fans or for some playful razzing. If you took a trip to Italy this summer and learned how to cook a delicious tagliatelle from someone’s nonna, you could say something like, “Ask me about my secret to making the best pasta ever” as a direct invitation for others to reach out and engage on a topic you’d love to discuss.

Below, the experts share additional tips for how to personalize your dating profile and attract the kinds of people you actually want to meet.

13 tips for creating a dating profile that’ll help you get off the dating apps

1. tailor your profile to the app.

There’s a dating app for pretty much everyone’s preference and dating style , and each has unique features. Adelle Kelleher , certified matchmaker and founder of Coaching Hearts Consulting , recommends tailoring your profile to match the app for which you’re creating it. For example, Hinge offers lots of written prompts, so it’s important to include several on your profile, while Tinder is mostly a visual medium so you’ll want to have plenty of great pictures to share.

2. Write an introduction that tells your story

Most apps offer a space to include a short introduction or summary of yourself—filling this out is crucial, both Kelleher and Trombetti say, because it’s like a topline view of what you’re all about. This is where you can share the details you’ve brainstormed above about what really makes you you , and create an invitation for someone to message you based on your interests.

3. Pick prompts that highlight the traits you’re looking for in a partner

Most apps require (or suggest) that you pick several writing prompts and answer them with details about yourself, so you’re not just relying on your introductory paragraph and photos to get discussions going.

Some common prompts include, “Dating me is like…”, “Green flags I look for are… ”, “My perfect Sunday morning is… ”, “My most irrational fear is… ”, and “My perfect first date is… ” They’re ways to spark conversation and share more about yourself while allowing others to share about themselves, too.

It’s best to pick the prompts that’ll allow you to include as much of what you’re looking for in a partner as possible, says McCray. For instance, if you’re looking for someone who likes to dine out at fancy restaurants, perhaps you pick the prompt that allows you to describe your ideal first date at the hottest reservation in town. Or, if you’re trying to find someone who’s particularly independent and career-driven, you might choose the prompt that allows you to list these kinds of attributes as your key green flags. The idea is to use your ideal partner as your north star, and choose prompts that match the traits you’re seeking out, adds McCray.

4. Be positive

We’re all multi-faceted beings who aren’t happy all the time, but airing out your frustrations and wasting precious space on your profile by sharing what you don’t want from a partner can make you seem overly negative and can be a turn-off to others, says McCray.

For instance, answering a prompt like, “Swipe left if you like to wake up early and hate cooking at home” doesn’t do much to target the kinds of matches you are seeking out. A better use of this space would be to say, “Swipe right if you like to sleep in and prepare a great brunch on the weekends.” After all, “you’ll attract what you give out,” says McCray, “so, it’s important not to list the things you don’t want.”

5. Use a mix of photos to convey who you are

The purpose of photos on an app profile is to represent your full image—not just your face, abs, cleavage, or any single part of you. That’s why it’s a good idea to pick at least three to five photos (Kelleher says no more than eight) that reflect your full face and body, and demonstrate your interests and values.

What does this look like in practice? If you’re a pet lover, include a picture of you cuddling your dog. Photos from a recent trip are great to include as a means to show off your sense of adventure, and photos at a family gathering are a smart way to demonstrate how close you are with your brood. These are just a few examples, and what’s true to you might be completely different; the point is to ensure the mix of photos you include reflects different aspects of your core personality.

6. Include only accurate photos

You expect others to be honest on their profiles, so it’s important to extend the same courtesy their way. That means not using outdated photos that look nothing like you; aim for photos taken within the past year or so that match your current appearance, says Kelleher, and nix any heavy filters or face- or body-distorting poses.

Don’t have any photos you feel great about? McCray says that means it’s time for a photoshoot. Put on an outfit you love or that reflects an element of your personality, and enlist a friend to capture some shots while you’re out and about; this could be a friend with a camera or just one with a smartphone. “I had a client who is really athletic and that’s part of her personality, so in her photoshoot, she had on some athletic clothing,” says McCray, “and that really worked for her profile because it went with her storyline.”

7. Minimize your use of group shots, sunglasses, and selfies

Nobody wants to play, “Where’s Waldo?” when looking at a dating profile, so be sure it’s clear where you are in all your photos, too. If you post a picture of your ultimate frisbee team posing at a team dinner but you’re all the way in the back, someone might just keep scrolling because they can’t tell which person in the photo you are. Or worse, they might assume you’re a different person in the photo and be disappointed when they learn you’re someone else, says McCray.

Group photos are a good way to show that you like to hang out with friends, that you’re social, or that you enjoy certain group activities, but you want to make sure you’re easily identifiable, says Kelleher. You might try blurring others’ faces, or making sure to pick photos that only include a couple other people and where you’re prominent in the shot (and include them alongside solo shots), so it’s clear who you are.

By the same token, avoid pictures where you’re wearing sunglasses or a large hat. You want your whole face to be visible (in your first photo at least), so others swiping can get a good look, says Dr. Carbino.

She also recommends cutting down on the selfie shots. Too many can give the appearance that you’re vain or self-absorbed. Not to mention, the selfie angle cuts out the opportunity for background details that can shed light on what you like to do and where you like to go.

8. Smile in your main profile photo

Include at least one photo that shows off your smile. This way, you’ll come off approachable and kind, which Dr. Carbino says is essential in the context of dating. After all, you want to seem accessible to the strangers looking at your profile, and including a photo without a smile erases one key opportunity to do that.

9. Include your deal-breakers

Many apps have places to indicate other aspects of yourself beyond prompts and photos. This section typically includes checking boxes about certain preferences, like your plans related to children, your typical consumption of alcohol and drugs, whether you want a long-term or short-term relationship, if you’re looking for monogamy, and your religion and political affiliation.

If any of these boxes reflect key deal-breakers (let’s say, you won’t date someone of a different religion, or you won’t date someone who smokes), it’s especially important to fill them out. While, sure, you might normally avoid discussing topics like politics or religion on a first date, Trombetti says it’s important to highlight these items on your profile if they constitute absolute musts and are key to who you are. This way, you won’t find yourself weeding through ill-fitting matches or wasting time on people you wouldn’t seriously consider.

10. Be specific in what you write

Because there are so many people on dating apps, you want to stand out. You’re not alone in your love of SoulCycle and traveling, for instance, so Dr. Carbino and Kelleher say you should highlight why specifically you enjoy any commonly beloved activities you mention.

Maybe you like the uninterrupted time to yourself an hour-long spin class provides, or the city lights in Paris make your heart swell, or you’re mainly into traveling because of the chance to try local cuisines or collect unique skin-care products. In any case, it’s better to go more specific than general in your prompt answers and tidbits.

11. Use humor, but sparingly

You want to make an impression and be memorable, and using humor on your profile is one way to do that. But Kelleher cautions that some jokes won’t land with potential matches because everyone finds different things funny.

“Sarcasm, self-deprecating humor, and politically heated jokes can be great ice-breakers, but only if you know your audience and are confident that they will understand your tone and point of view,” says Kelleher. You don’t want to risk coming off rude, insensitive, or confusing people because you only have so much time and space to make an impression on a dating profile.

However, if having a partner who gets your sarcasm is at the top of your list, you’ll want to highlight that—while still aiming to do so in a way that’s not potentially alienating. “If you can find a way to allow your unique humor to shine without fear of misinterpretation, then, by all means, go for it,” says Kelleher, “but otherwise, proceed with caution.”

12. Be honest

There’s no point in lying on your profile about what you like and want because that defeats its purpose. You want to tailor your profile to find the best matches for you (not great matches for someone different from you), and you can’t do that if you’re not representing yourself accurately. “If you hate partying, don't say that you love to go out every weekend,” says Kelleher, “because you want to use your profile and descriptions to attract the right partner.”

13. Telegraph your values

If you’re on the apps to find a life partner, Dr. Carbino says you want to highlight the values you’re looking for. Strong, lasting relationships are built on shared values , so you want to find a match whose compatibility with you extends beyond a shared love of, say, tacos or hiking.

So, how might you do this? Without writing a novel, Dr. Carbino recommends “trying to frame certain aspects of your life and the choices you made around your values.” For example, maybe your high school friend group organizes an annual summer trip; you could describe this on your profile in a way that highlights your loyalty and how important those friendships are to you. Or maybe you have core values around ambition and striving to make a name for yourself in your career. If that’s the case, you might share a recent career win that showcases how important your job is to your identity and helps attract someone with a similar ethos around their work.

Loading More Posts...

The Beach Is My Happy Place—and Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too

Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal.

4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician

These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim Shorts—According to Some Very Happy Reviewers

{{ successMessage }}

Please wait a moment...

How to Write an Outstanding Dating Profile: Tips & Examples

Dr. Mona Bapat is a licensed clinical psychologist and freelance writer with several notable academic publications to her name and articles published in digital publications across the internet. The topics she covers in her work include dating, relationships, and so much more.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

If you want to give online dating a try, you might feel stuck at the first step: how to write a dating profile. With the right tips, you can create a captivating profile that highlights your unique and wonderful qualities. Here is some guidance on how to get started, as well as dating profile examples that will help you craft your own eye-catching profile in no time.

Key Aspects of a Great Dating Profile

Think of the function of an online dating profile as a way to get a date, similar to how you use a resume to get an interview. You want to grab someone's attention and leave them wanting more, so they initiate communication with you. Some tips for writing a great dating profile are:

• 14 "About Me" Dating Site Examples to Help You Find the One
• Examples of How to Introduce Yourself on Online Dating Sites & Apps
• 25 Best Opening Lines for Online Dating

Be Brief and Concise

Your profile should be written in a way that will quickly spark someone's interest . Keep it short and sweet but include the key pieces of information about you. (More on what to include is listed below). If your profile is too long, you may lose someone's interest, and everything you write will most likely not be read.

Be Honest & Sincere

Research shows that bending the truth and trying too hard to make a good impression can make people less attracted to your profile. But being honest about yourself increases the chances of people contacting you, because this evokes a sense of trust.

It's important to portray yourself accurately in every aspect of your profile, from your physical characteristics to your educational background to what your hobbies are. Misrepresenting yourself and writing what you think others want to hear is unfair to you and others. You don't want to waste both your time and theirs, and being dishonest only makes it harder for you to be matched with someone compatible. Whether you're looking for a casual or long-term partner, trust and safety is important, and that starts with honesty.

Be Positive

Negativity or desperation is a huge turn-off. Saying you've had negative dating experiences so you've turned to online dating as a last resort, can make someone think they might not measure up for you either. Instead, you want to say something like "I'm excited to try this because my best friend met her boyfriend online."

Set Yourself Apart

Because there are so many profiles out there, you want your unique personality to shine through. Avoid cliches even though they may be true. You may like long walks on the beach, but try highlighting something unusual instead... whether it be a crazy hobby, uncommon profession or an adorable quirk.

Put in the Effort

Though you want to be brief, you also want to be diligent. Believe it or not, much like on a job resume, potential dates do give some attention to grammar. And again, represent yourself accurately. Use language you are likely to use in general, rather than trying to sound like a Shakespearean scholar (unless you are a Shakespearean scholar and want to show that off).

Be Selective With Photos

Though photos are a small part of dating profiles, they are what get noticed first. A good guideline is to share photos that show how you usually look now. Honesty is important in the case of photos. If you've only been camping once and hated it, you probably don't want to show a photo of yourself camping because you think it might be more interesting. Use flattering photos that show off your unique self, and include at least one headshot and one full body shot.

What Information Should You Share?

Since this is the first time that someone is "meeting" you, and your profile is online for many to see, you don't want to include a lot of deeply personal information. Below are the dos and don'ts of what to share and what not to reveal in your dating profile.

What Not to Include in a Dating Profile

Given that you're looking for dates in cyberspace, safety is very important. Do not give specific information that would enable someone to locate you. This includes being aware of the photos you use in your profile, making sure pictures don't reveal your home address or work location. Don't include your last name, your home address, your phone number, your work phone number or where you work. If your email address gives your actual first and last name, or hints at where you work, you will want to create a nondescript email address just for your dating profile. If you have children, don't state that in your profile. This will help avoid potential predators from contacting them.

What You Can Include in a Dating Profile:

• Age range (if you don't feel like listing your specific age)
• Relationship status
• Sexual orientation
• General area of where you live such as "metro area"
• Height, weight, body type

To help get matched up with someone compatible, it is a good idea to include information such as your religious and political beliefs, particularly if you have strong beliefs in these areas.

It's almost always a good idea to include your interests, because not only does this help match you with someone with similar interests, but it also provides more specifics to your profile rather than a vague or general description. To help your profile stand out, include the more unusual hobbies you might have such as skydiving, roller derby, or antiquing.

Personality

Writing about your own personality can be tricky. If you're stuck on this aspect, imagine how your friends would describe you. You can even ask your friends for suggestions. Be as specific and descriptive as possible; and paint a picture of your personality instead of just telling people your traits. For example you could write, "My best friend says I have a silly and quirky sense of humor. I laugh a lot, and I'm most myself and relaxed when playing "Apples to Apples."

Share as many insights into who you are as you're comfortable revealing. If you're a math nerd who also likes basketball, it's a great idea to highlight those two aspects of your personality.

Without sounding desperate, it is a good idea to share your goals if they are very important to you. For instance, you can select the "want kids" option, or state that you are not looking for a fling or a one-night stand, or that you can see yourself getting married if you meet the right person. Avoid saying things like "my clock is ticking" and "I want to be married by the end of the year." Such statements could turn away some folks out of fear that you wouldn't let the relationship progress naturally.

Sample Lead-Ins

Here are some examples of lead-ins to your profile:

• I'm a brainy 20-something seeking an adventurous male between 25 and 35 to keep me on my toes.
• Long walks on the beach are nice and all, but I want a nerdy gal who can beat me at chess in a coffee shop on a rainy Sunday afternoon.
• Spunky ex-cheerleader looking for a man who can keep up on the hiking trails.
• Don't worry, I won't make you go shopping with me. But I might make you watch a game or two.
• You can still go out with the boys when you're dating me.
• No drama. Just kisses, laughs, deep discussions, and the occasional wrestling match on the living room floor.

It is estimated that about one-third of marriages in the U.S. began online, so online dating can be a rewarding experience. Remember that dating should be fun. If you find yourself frustrated from the experience or tired from spending time meticulously looking at various profiles, it is a good idea to take a break from online dating and come back to it when you are in a positive emotional headspace.

You're worthy of love, but is your profile?!

You ARE Doteworthy

Online Dating profile and writing consultation services

At Doteworthy, we believe that everyone is deserving of love. We also believe that attracting the right person is a journey that begins with you.

In order to find a meaningful connection that lasts, you need to know what makes you worthy of love and you need to make sure you present those doteworthy aspects of your personality to potential matches. In the modern world of online dating however, it’s often difficult to put into words what exactly makes you so special–so doteworthy . This is where we come in!

The challenge with finding Mr or Mrs Right for you

At Doteworthy, we know how hard it can be to understand what really makes you dotewothy: someone worthy of love. This, coupled with the fact that technology now plays an unavoidable role in our love lives, means that it is that much harder to present the best version of yourself online in today’s fast-paced, swiping-obsessed culture. This is why we work hard to help you uncover and present the best version of yourself on any dating app so that you can find the one .

Capturing attention to create real connections

Doteworthy’s services are two-fold: we want to help you uncover what makes you dotewothy : someone worthy of love and we want to help you present your best, most attractive self on your dating profile(s) so that you can find a meaningful and worthwhile connection.

How it works

Start by signing up and answering a few basic questions about who you are and what you’re looking for. Then, hang tight while one of our Communication Cupids reviews your info. Once this is done, your Cupid will reach out to schedule a time to complete your Doteworthy Intake Call!

Meet your Communication Cupid during your Doteworthy Intake Call! This call will allow your Communication Cupid to learn about the real you . The more insight into who you are, the better! Your Cupid will then use that information to skillfully build your dating profile(s).

Sit back and relax while your Communication Cupid builds your dating profile(s) to reflect your best, most attractive self. Then, put your best foot forward with your brand new Doteworthy Profile(s) so that you can take the dating world by storm and find a meaningful connection that lasts.

We help you create profiles for

How to Write the Perfect Dating Profile Bio (+15 Ideas to Use on Tinder, Hinge, Etc.)

Key Takeaways

• Authenticity is Key: It's important to be authentic in your dating bio to attract the right matches and ensure better chemistry on first dates.
• Essential Bio Elements: Your bio should clearly state what you're looking for, your interests, and what you want in a potential match to start meaningful conversations.
• Avoid Common Pitfalls: Steer clear of corny pick-up lines, overly short bios, and negativity in your profile to make a positive impression.

The first step to success on any dating app is setting up a great profile. The world of online dating requires you to summarize your personality, interests, values, and more in just a few pics and a couple of short lines.

Sound impossible? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

How to Craft The Best Online Dating Profile

Nearly 45 million people in the United States use dating apps. So, needless to say, it’s important to make your online dating profile stand out from the crowd to get potential matches to swipe right.

The best dating apps will guide you through the process of putting together your profile and some even provide prompts to help you showcase more of your personality.

Solid prompt answers are definitely important, but you really want to nail down your profile bio in order to catch someone’s attention.

Amie Leadingham, says, “A good Tinder bio starts with standing out from the crowd by making your profile engaging”. But you want to make sure you’re engaging the right people, which is why the dating coaches and dating experts of the world agree that being authentic in your dating bio is key.

Alexandra Tweten, creator of Bye Felipe and author of Bye Felipe: Disses, Dick Pics, and Other Delights of Modern Dating , says the best way to make your dating app profile stand out from the crowd is originality, “Have a personality. Say something funny or interesting about yourself. And if you can’t think of anything, ask a friend for a suggestion, or even ask them to write it for you! Sometimes it’s hard to identify our own best qualities, so ask someone who knows.”

Being true to who you are and what you like will help ensure that you’re attracting the right matches and will lead to better chemistry when it comes to first dates.

What to Include in Your Dating Profile Bio

Every dating app differs in terms of setup, but the majority of profiles on dating sites will start with an “About Me” section (after the selfies of course).

The “About Me” section typically includes at a minimum: your name, age, and location. Tinder lets you select interests as well, with options ranging from biking to karaoke. Bumble bios let you specify your drinking and smoking preferences, as does Hinge, which also has options to include political party, religious stance, vaccination status, and more.

So your options depend on which dating app you’re using but we’ll focus on a few key pieces of information that we think you should include in all of them.

1.) What you’re looking for: This is the number one must-have in your dating bio. There is no point in telling someone more about yourself if they’re not on the same page as you. You don’t want to get into a great conversation with someone, only for it to go nowhere when you find out they’re looking for a casual hook up and you’re looking for a serious relationship. People tend to shy away from being upfront about what they want. It can feel vulnerable to say out loud “I want something serious”, but you’re definitely not alone if that is what you’re looking for. In fact, 80% of Tinder users are looking for a long-term relationship.

2.) Your interests: These are the real conversation starters. Along with your pictures, your interests will tell your potential match if you two have things in common. Talk about how you spend your time, what you’re passionate about, and what matters most to you in life.

3.) What you want in a potential match: One of the best profile tips from Bumble is to communicate what type of person you’re looking for. Are you a big hiker and you’re looking for a fellow outdoors enthusiast to go on adventures with? Maybe you’re a homebody and your ideal partner is someone content with staying in, ordering takeout, and watching a movie on a Friday night. Whatever you’re into, make it clear, so other daters know if they fit the vibe you’re looking for.

There’s not a hard-in-stone template for what should and shouldn’t be in your dating app profile, but if you include these three, you’re in a good spot.

What Not to Include in Your Dating Profile Bio

This wouldn’t be a good guide without some notes on what NOT to do when it comes to your dating app bio.

1.) Avoid corny pick-up lines: While there might have been a time when these worked on dating apps, that time is now over. Your bio is precious real estate and wasting it on a cheesy one-liner is doing a disservice to you and the other daters looking for real connection. Alexandra Tweten recommends avoiding cliches or jokes that are over done, “If you’re a man, whenever women see "If you don't look like your profile pics, you're buying the drinks until you do," it makes us want to throw our phones into a volcano.”

2.) Short bio: These are far too common. It’s quite a turn off when people don’t put any effort into their profile. How are you supposed to get any sense of who they actually are if the only thing on their tinder profile is: “Looking for fun” or “Trying to get off of here as soon as possible”.  A little mystery is great, but your dating profile bio is not the time to hold back information in an effort to seem cool.

3.) Negativity: Another big tip from the dating experts is to avoid negativity in your online dating profile. Tweten advises to “Keep it about yourself. Don’t phrase anything in the negative...Instead, include what you ARE looking for and avoid describing any physical appearances. Keep your “no’s” list to yourself. That’s for you to filter out on your own. Even if you’re not typically attracted to blondes, you don’t have to say it in your profile.” So, try to keep it positive to avoid seeming like a downer or triggering red flags.

Now on to the Dating Profile Bios Ideas

We’ve put together a bunch of bio ideas, ranging from cute to funny to creative and even the unexpected. Feel free to use any of these as a starting point and add anything else that you think might be important (remember: what you’re looking for, your interests, and what you want in a potential match)

* We don't subscribe to the gender binary, so use these dating bio examples as you please, but for the sake of this showing up in search results, we've categorized these ideas into dating bio examples for women and dating bio examples for men.

Online Dating Profile Examples for Women

Funny dating bio examples:.

Long walks on the beach (with a twist): I enjoy long walks on the beach, cute dogs, and my weekly session with my therapist.

Overrated/Underrated: Overrated: Cheesy pick up lines Underrated: Sending me a shark tank pitch for why I should go out with you

Most controversial opinion: My most controversial opinion: ketchup belongs on everything—if you disagree, it’s best if you don’t see me in a restaurant setting.

Cute dating bio examples:

Looking for someone to: Looking for someone to exhaust all take-out options with.

First rounds on me if: First rounds on me if you work in tech too (you need a drink).

Dating me is like: Dating me is like watching a Jordan Peele movie: a healthy mix of unexpected twists and character development for everyone involved.

Creative dating bio examples:

Rate yourself:

• Personality: 10/10
• Music taste: 9/10
• Willingness to let you have the aux: 3/10 ‍

Likes and dislikes:

• Likes: Live music, cat people, Indian food.
• Dislikes: Big egos, bad coffee, and being left on read.

Two truths and a lie: I’m a great cook, I’ve been to 18 countries, and I’m on here to find love"(this could be a cheeky idea if you’re looking for something casual).

Online Dating Profile Examples for Men

Swipe right, swipe left: Swipe right if you enjoy a good debate. Swipe left if you “don’t talk about politics”.

I may not, but I am: I may not know my way around the wine aisle, but I am a dive bar connoisseur.

By day/By night: Financial analyst and dad dog by day, aspiring salsa dancer and jazz club enthusiast by night

How friends describe you: My friends describe me as “the life of the party”, “their go-to for a good time”, and “in desperate need of someone to take me off their hands”.

Would you rather?: There’s about a milion of these to choose from. Try to pick one that will tell you something interesting about the other person.

Pros and cons list:

• Pros: I’m a great wedding date, My profile picture actually looks like me, I’ll share my Netflix account.
• Cons: I’m bad at using emojis, I’m a huge nerd for LOTR, and I own crocs.

And you’re off...

Best of luck! Remember to be yourself, keep an open mind, and as always when it comes to online dating, be safe and use caution.

WTF is National Rape Day?

Evolving with Purpose: Our Next Phase at Garbo

The Top 10 Queer Dating Safety Tips You Should Know

Get the Guide for Tips, Tools, and Strategies to Stay Safe Online & IRL

get in touch

We work with online platforms to help proactively protect their communities through our innovative background check system. Get in touch to learn more about how we can integrate Garbo or help you proactively screen users at sacale.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Relationships
• Online Dating

How to Write a Good Online Dating Profile

Last Updated: October 2, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Sarah Schewitz, PsyD . Sarah Schewitz, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist by the California Board of Psychology with over 10 years of experience. She received her Psy.D. from the Florida Institute of Technology in 2011. She is the founder of Couples Learn, an online psychology practice helping couples and individuals improve and change their patterns in love and relationships. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,040,946 times.

Your online profile helps potential matches decide whether they want a date with you, so it's important to write something that will really catch their attention. Read on for tips on how to create a bio that's creative, fun, unique, and totally you!

Writing A Winning Bio

• Hybrid names work well. Mix together a couple of your interest areas into one name. For example, HockeyFlier or RoseIvy.
• Resist the urge to simply tack on a number to the back-end of your handle. It can come off as boring, so go the creative route instead.
• For security and safety reasons, do not use your full name as your online ID.

• You might open with, "In the immortal words of Doc Holliday, "I'm your huckleberry." Or, maybe I could be your huckleberry if you are the right person!"
• Don’t try to include everything in this initial area. You’ll have plenty of space later to elaborate on certain aspects of your personality. Avoid list-like writing whenever possible.
• It might be helpful to consider the type of person that you would like to entice with your profile. What will they respond to? That is the type of information that you need to include either here or down the page. When in doubt it is always better to cast a wide net and sort through the responses. [2] X Research source

• For example, if you enjoy dancing and travel you could describe your ideal salsa dancing date in Spain. Or, if you’ve actually had an experience like this, write about the exciting sensations that you felt at that moment. What were the sounds like? How did the people behave? Make sure to end your story with a memorable final line. [4] X Research source
• If you want to get really creative, tie your bio statements in with your photos to present a story in multiple parts. Or, consider your photos to be illustrations of your bio section.
• You can also create a list of “wants and don’t wants,” but more and more people are ignoring these sections, comparing them to grocery lists. [5] X Research source

• Humorous language benefits all sides as both men and women respond positively to puns and jokes found in profiles. Just avoid using too many exclamation points at the end of your jokes as excess punctuation turns people off. [7] X Research source

• If you want something long-term it is still best to resist mentioning how many kids you want or how much money you want your partner to make. These topics have a tendency to drive people away from online profiles.

• Ask a close friend to take a look at your profile. Have them send you suggestions and ideas for further revision. [11] X Research source

Choosing Successful Profile Pictures

• Sunglasses are a great look for many people, but they also make you appear closed-off and cold. Limit yourself to only one sunglasses shot in your profile.
• A natural look is always nice with facial shots. But if you simply feel more comfortable and "you" in makeup, then by all means put some on. Just make sure to keep it light and as close to natural looking as possible.

• It is really tempting to use a selfie, but try to find a photo alternative. Selfies can seem a bit anti-social and the mirror ones often appear staged. [15] X Research source

• The action shot is a good opportunity to show your whole body as well, which is a near-to requirement for online profiles. [17] X Research source
• Action shots don't need to be limited to highly physical activities. For example, if you want to emphasize your intelligent side, you might include a photo of yourself reading a favorite book or playing chess.

• Consider blocking out your friends' faces if you know that they prefer to keep a low profile online. You can do this with free online photo editing tools.

• When asked to compare the people in summertime versus winter pics the summery photo subjects were consistently judged to be more attractive and fun. [20] X Research source
• Professional photos can be a good option as long as they are not awkward or too staged. However, avoid using a professional photo taken with a flash as it can add up to 7 years to your appearance. [21] X Research source

Avoiding Common Profile Pitfalls

• Don’t discuss your ex in your profile. Nothing kills a romantic mood quicker than rehashing the past. These are all conversations that can take place if your relationship progresses.
• Don’t write about how you are so surprised to be considering online dating. This can come off as dismissive and superior to those folks who are considering it a viable option (which includes you at this point!).

• You might say, “I find that playing the piano is a great way to unwind at the end of the day. I’m actually pretty good at it too.”

• Instead of saying that you enjoy eating with friends perhaps mention your favorite restaurant and dish. Or, recount a favorite dining story.

Sample Bio and About Me Sections and Starter Lines

Expert Q&A

• It may help to dress up a bit before writing your profile, almost like getting into character. [26] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure to update your profile on a regular basis. Add any new stories and check your messages frequently too. [27] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Remember that you are dealing with strangers online. Guard your personal information closely. Check your photos to make sure that they do not reveal phone numbers, addresses, etc. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-introverts-corner/201603/writing-online-dating-profile-works
• ↑ http://www.oprah.com/relationships/Online-Dating-Tips-How-To-Write-Your-Best-Profile_1
• ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a2958/how-to-write-an-online-dating-profile/
• ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-copeland/online-dating-profile_b_5752694.html
• ↑ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/valentines-day/11369981/How-to-build-the-perfect-online-dating-profile.html
• ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2629412/Sweet-female-WLTM-ambitious-male-Scientists-reveal-alluring-words-entice-hot-date-online.html#ixzz4OD2g9m1J
• ↑ https://fortune.com/2016/02/13/write-dating-profile-wrong/
• ↑ Sarah Schewitz, PsyD. Licensed Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.
• ↑ http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/sex-and-relationships/15-ways-to-make-your-online-dating-profile-stand-out-from-the-pack-1-118673#lrzoKyYvVIZ3uG7F.99
• ↑ http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/sex-relationships/what-makes-good-online-dating-7213619
• ↑ http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/sex-and-relationships/15-ways-to-make-your-online-dating-profile-stand-out-from-the-pack-1-118673
• ↑ http://www.oprah.com/relationships/online-dating-tips-how-to-write-your-best-profile_1#ixzz4O9k50ZY2

About This Article

The key to writing a good online dating profile is being honest and specific. Write a brief headline that sums up your personality and interests. Think about your ideal partner and what they’d be most interested in. For example, you could write, “A creative guy who loves to play music and travel.” In your bio, mention your hobbies and interests to paint a picture of your life and how you spend your time. Avoid clichés like saying you enjoy hanging out with friends and long walks on the beach. Try to be honest about yourself rather than writing what you think potential partners will be attracted to. That way, you’ll get better matches that are more suitable for you. For more tips from our co-author, including how to choose some enticing profile pictures for your dating profile, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Sirimewan Amaratunga

May 18, 2018

Did this article help you?

Sep 26, 2016

Tonya Phillips

Mar 30, 2017

Aug 17, 2016

Feb 15, 2017

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get the best dating & love tips

wikiHow's Relationships Newsletter

Dating Profile Writing Service

Don't like writing about yourself? Our dating profile writer will create a custom-tailored, high-performance bio for your dating profiles. Quick, easy and 100% custom tailored to your goals.

Custom dating bios that convert.

We get it. Writing about yourself is tough . That's why we hired a copywriter to help our clients create high-performance bios for their dating profiles. Here's our process.

1. You answer a survey

Answer our bio questionnaire which asks deep questions to help us to get to know you better.

2. We review answers

We analyze the answers to find the most interesting tidbits that we can expand on for your bio.

3. We write your bio

We write a bio in the tone-of-voice that you prefer. It will be custom-tailored to your goals.

4. Paste to your profile

You get the bio via email & upload it to your dating profiles. Then you enjoy all the new matches. :) 

Dating profile writer , at your service.

Do you want a witty dating profile? How about a flirtatious one? Answer our bio questionnaire and choose a tone-of-voice, and we'll create an original custom bio in that tone. Easy peasy.

Get more matches

Our bios are engineered to increase our clients' matches.

Make an impression

No templates here. Your bio will be witty, punchy & original.

Save time & effort

How long have you spent trying to write the perfect profile?

Never write again

No more staring at your blank profile wondering what to write.

Dating Profile Writing Service 📝

Get a new profile bio that's designed to increase your match rate. We will learn as much as we can about you, then deliver a custom bio that's tailored to your goals & personality.

4.7/5 Stars

Avg. Rating

Frequently Asked Questions

What if i'm not satisfied with my purchase.

If you're not happy with your bio, we'll work with you to make it right. We'll give you a few rounds of revisions and implement your feedback until you have a bio you love.

What is included in the price?

You get one bio for either Tinder, Bumble or Match.com (Hinge coming soon). Have more than one profile? We can make variations of your profile for multiple apps for a discounted rate. Get in touch to learn more .

How long will the process take?

The entire process takes 5-7 days from start to finish. The sooner you complete your bio questionnaire, the sooner we can get started on your bio.

Can I use it on multiple profiles?

Your bio will be optimized for the bio of your choice, but you're free to use it on any apps that you like.

Who is the copywriter?

Our copywriter is Vanessa and she's based out of Chicago, Illinois.

What kinds of questions are in the bio questionnaire?

We'll ask you a range of questions, including basic stuff like career and hobbies, to deeper questions about your ideal partner and types of relationships you're seeking. The goal is to learn as much as we can so we can write in your voice and get the results you're after.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Best Family Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

How to Perfect Your Online Dating Profile

Sela Breen is the 2023 Verywell Mind Editorial Intern and Contributing Writer.

Sherri Gordon, CLC is a published author, certified professional life coach, and bullying prevention expert. She's also the former editor of Columbus Parent and has countless years of experience writing and researching health and social issues.

 Getty Images

Create Opportunities to Connect

Choose good photos, am i ready to publish my profile.

Venturing into the world of online dating is not easy, especially when it requires creating a profile to concisely show others who you are. Many feel pressure to be the funniest, hottest or most interesting person on the app. 

Knowing how to capture your personality , interests, and general outlook on life succinctly is daunting for anyone. But, the truth is, no one expects you to be perfect. Sometimes it's the simplest and most honest dating profiles that are the most effective. 

Here are a few tips on how to make an online dating profile you can feel confident presenting to the world.

One of the best things you can do on your dating profile is provide ways for people to start a conversation with you. Including different types of text or specific photos can give people easy opportunities to respond. 

“Including an engaging question for potential matches in your profile can invite engagement and make it easier for people to reach out and start chatting with you,” says Ivy Kwong , LMFT, relationship and family therapist. Conversation starters may make people more inclined to reach out. 

Some apps, such as Hinge provide prompts that act as conversation starters while also allowing users to include details about themselves. "Change my mind about...", "Two truths and a lie", and "What I want to know about you" are all fun ways for you to put some information out there that makes it easy for people to reach out and break the ice.

You can also make your profile more interesting and prone to engagement with specific details about your life people can relate to. For example, rather than just saying you like to read, if someone sees they have the same favorite book as you, they will be more likely to respond. 

While it may feel intimidating to include answers that are less basic, profiles that are surface-level and generic can easily slip through the crack and be dismissed. Having something unique on your profile will make you more memorable and intriguing.

When it comes to online dating, photos are obviously important, especially if you are meeting a stranger. But, too many times, online dating hopefuls will select a profile picture that is unclear or hides their face in some way. 

The majority of your photos on your dating profile should be high quality and of you alone. It’s ok to have one or two with a friend, but nobody wants to zoom in on a blurry, group photo to find you.  

You should also take advantage of options to upload multiple photos. This allows you to supplement a profile photo with other photos that show more of you and your personality. 

“Present realistic photos of you in a variety of settings that showcase your interests and values. This could mean including family members, friends, and displaying your hobbies and interests. It’s best to post recent photos that represent your typical life.” says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a licensed psychologist who specializes in relationships.

How much do photos matter?

It can feel very vulnerable to put photos of yourself on the internet, especially if you struggle with or have struggled with body image or self-confidence issues. 

However, a study done in 2021 showed that both photos and text are taken into account when perceiving attractiveness of someone’s dating profile. While photos may be more eye-catching initially, text on a profile is still taken into account regardless of attractiveness. The study reveals both text and photos cue attractiveness in their own way.

So, while your photo selection is important, try not to get too caught up in it—people care a lot about what’s in your head.

Even though some details are important for making connections, it's smart to be selective about the information you choose to share. Make it a highlight reel—a couple of short paragraphs, or witty answers to a couple of prompts, is enough. 

This also means that, in the small amount of space you have in your profile, you should focus on positive things . “Providing lots of don'ts or information about what you don't like is a turnoff for many people, even when they agree with you,” Kwong says. 

Remember, you want to give people an overview of who you are without telling them your entire life story all at once. You want to give people a reason to message you and get to know you, plus there's something fun about maintaining a little bit of mystery!

Fill in all the Fields

One mistake a lot of people make is not taking advantage of the tools the app provides. When trying to keep your dating profile concise while still giving a lot of information, the key is to make use of every tool the app or website provides. 

For example, many sites have places to mark if you drink , smoke or use marijuana , if you have pets, or if you want or have children. Using these fields makes it easy to convey information without having to list it all out in your profile.

When it comes to online dating, it can be tempting to stretch the truth a bit in order to present yourself in the best possible light. While it's natural to want to be accepted, it's more important that you aren't trying to fit yourself into some mold that you think others would want. The majority of people prefer honesty over perfection.

“You want to present a realistic image of who you are so you can attract a partner who will be aligned with your lifestyle. It’s important to not misrepresent yourself and instead try to accurately showcase what you enjoy and make you excited so you can find someone who shares those values,” Romanoff says.

So try to be as open and honest as you can. You don’t have to share every quirk about yourself, but avoid lying on your profile and creating a false persona. And adding an unexpected detail about yourself doesn’t hurt either. It actually may help you make the best connections and meet those with mutual interests!

One way to ensure your profile accurately represents you before showing it to the world is by consulting the people who know you best, your friends. If you aren’t sure about a part of your dating profile, run it by your friends to see if they have advice on how to improve it. Or, they will validate you and it looks perfect. Either way, it never hurts to ask.

Another thing to do before you press done is to proofread and edit your profile for any grammatical errors. “For some people, spelling or grammatical errors can come across as careless and be a turnoff. By fixing any spelling or grammar errors before publishing, your profile will read more smoothly and leave a more positive impression on potential matches,” Kwong says.

When it comes to being emotionally prepared to go online with your profile, there is no right answer. Whatever feels right for you is what's best. However, if you’re nervous, remember that putting yourself out there on a dating site does not mean that you have to go on dates right away. Creating a profile is just an exciting first step.

van der Zanden T, Mos MBJ, Schouten AP, Krahmer EJ. What people look at in multimodal online dating profiles: how pictorial and textual cues affect impression formation.  Communication Research . 2022;49(6):863-890.

Best Online Dating Profile Examples for 2023 (for Guys & Girls)

Looking for good online dating profiles to copy? I gotchu, boo, with all the online dating profile inspiration and examples you need.

Here are some great, easy-to-copy dating profile examples & profile photo optimization tips for gents and ladies.

Feel free to mix, match, and edit these dating profile examples as needed to suit your situation.

Dating Profile Example # 1: Three things

An essential rule of thumb when creating your dating profile is to think of yourself as a product.

What are the best keywords to describe what “you” are, and what you’re into? (Ex: An engineer? A creative? An athlete/fitness enthusiast?)

Second, what is the “consumer” getting if they “buy”? (Ex: Your contagious enthusiasm for life? A good listener? Interesting conversation about books? Boozy campfires? Raucous club outings?)

These dating profile examples show that you don’t need to list everything there is to know about you.

Your bio is just an ad, so you want to pique interest, and leave the meaty getting-to-know-you stuff for chats and dates.

List three interesting things about you (interests, hobbies, goals) to make people curious and want to swipe right to find out more.

Astrid, 26 Kava enthusiast. Wannabe climber. Roomba owner.

Jesse, 27 Amateur Lego builder. Terrible cook. Aspiring snowboarder.

Dating Profile Example # 2: “Ask me about…”

Brevity is your friend, friend. A concise one-liner comes across as confident and self assured, like you know what you’re about and have nothing to prove.

Use this short and simple “Ask me about…” template to steer your chat convo toward that one weird interest or fun fact about yourself you’re dying to share.

Taylor, 27 Ask me about my sleight of hand

Jude, 23 Ask me about my cat’s tricks.

Dating Profile Example # 3: Movie quote

Referencing movies or tv shows is a really great way to engage on a dating app. Even though you’re strangers, you’re already connected through this shared social consciousness, so swipers will automatically feel positively towards you.

Heather, 22 I’ll have what she’s having (When Harry Met Sally quote)

Derek, 25 Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off quote)

Dating Profile Example # 4: Greater than/less than

These dating profile examples of the “greater than/less than” template show that you can reveal a lot about your interests and sense of humor without penning a multi-volume autobiography.

Are you always down for a good-natured debate? Rousing convo? This format is a great way to express an unpopular opinion or slightly tease about a topic you know people feel strongly about.

Claudia, 24 Captain America > Thor

Mark, 26 My Sunday roast > your mom’s Sunday roast

Dating Profile Example # 5: Quirky Interest

Got an unusual interest or passion? Your dating profile is the perfect place to reveal this little-known fact.

Sure, maybe not everyone will love that you keep track of your Minecraft progress in a spreadsheet or secretly take salsa lessons, but the people who do respond are already really going to be picking up what you’re putting down.

There’s no sense in hiding your quirkiness or nerdom. You may as well focus on attracting those who will jive with you than going for worldwide mass appeal.

Ferrin, 25 My labelmaker is the single best purchase of my 20s so far.

Rory, 29 I may or may not use the Dewey Decimal System for my home library.

Even the best bio won’t make up for unattractive pics 😕

If your pics don’t look good, your dating profile doesn’t stand a chance at getting much notice, unfortunately.

Pro tip : Before you start swiping, run your dating profile pics through Photofeeler to see how women or men are responding to them.

Choosing your profile pics this way has been shown to significantly increase match rates and match quality.

Go to Photofeeler.com now and give it a try!

• What Does This Emoji Mean? 20 Commonly Confused Emojis and Meanings
• How To Improve Your Online Dating Profile and Get Higher Quality Matches
• Top 9 Overused Phrases on Dating Apps
• Top 4 Mistakes Women Make on Dating Apps
• How to Look Taller on Dating Apps

See All In:

• Professional Profiles
• Online Dating
• Profile Photos
• Photofeeler University
• Back to Photofeeler

How To Write A Dating Profile That Gets Matches: 31 Top Tips!

Disclosure: this page may contain affiliate links to select partners. We receive a commission should you choose to make a purchase after clicking on them. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Your dating profile is how you present yourself to the thousands of available people of your preferred gender.

Those people are going to decide whether they’re interested in getting to know more about you based on what they find out from your profile.

To get lots of good matches, you ought to take this part of online dating very seriously.

Getting matches is not about making yourself look like the most amazing person in the world. You want to get matches based on who you are and your preferences. If you are dating with a purpose , you’re looking for someone similar to you that you could have something real and lasting with.

Whether you’ll find this person or not depends a lot on how you write your dating profile. Even if you’re just looking to meet new people and/or have fun, there’s no point in getting matches that you don’t click with in real life.

To write a dating profile that gets good matches, you should showcase your personality, explain what you’re looking for, choose the right photos, and complete and verify your profile. Here’s how:

Showcase your personality:

Your profile description should be mostly about who you are as a person. Showcase your personality, and you will be more likely to find people similar to you.

Creating a profile with no description or a generic description isn’t going to get you matches, especially not good ones.

Your picture is a very important part of your dating profile, but your profile description is the most important one. Here’s how you can showcase your personality when you write the description:

1. Describe your hobbies and interests.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? This will give people an insight into your life and your personality, so make sure to mention it in your profile.

Do you enjoy skiing, working out, or watching sci-fi movies? There’s certainly someone who likes the same things as you do, so mention your hobbies and interests.

This is useful to people who don’t share your interests too. To one person, your hobbies and interests might indicate that you’re their ideal partner. To another, they might show right away that you’re not a good match. Either way, it helps in finding the right person for you.

Go into detail when you describe your hobby. Instead of simply stating, “I work out,” write “I try to keep in shape and I’m a regular at the local gym” since this gives people more information. It should sound interesting too.

For instance, you could mention that you secretly write poetry or have a collection of coasters. Think about hobbies and interests that apply to you but are not generic. Feel free to use your sense of humor if you have a great one, but don’t make it look like you’re trying too hard.

2. Find an interesting way to describe your job.

Any job can be described in an interesting way. Try it. You don’t have to mention your job in your dating profile, but if you want to do that, find an interesting way to describe it.

For instance, if you’re an accountant, you could say that you’re amazing with numbers, and people pay you to handle their money. Mention that you’re an accountant too—don’t let them keep guessing what that job is, but have a great introduction to your profession.

What you do for a living is one of the first questions that someone who doesn’t know you is going to ask. So, why not answer it even before they ask, and do it in a fun way? Your job and your hobbies can help other people decide whether you’d be a good fit for each other and increase your chances of getting the right kind of matches.

3. Mention a strong opinion.

This is not about your political views or something else that could start a debate. Most importantly, this is not about your dealbreakers and criteria, which will be discussed later.

Mentioning a strong opinion is about stating something specific that you believe in that could be a great thing to have in common with your potential match. Consider things that aren’t that important, but you strongly care about, and not a lot of people do.

Do you hate olives? Is autumn the best season? Do you start your day early or tend to sleep in? How do you feel about trains? Do you have a favorite dinosaur?

Creating a good profile is all about making it fun and interesting while staying honest and true to yourself. So, what do you feel strongly about that not a lot of people would agree with?

4. Be positive and interesting.

While you’re making your profile interesting, don’t overdo it and make it sound snobbish or like you’re trying too hard. These are negative things, and you want your profile to portray you as a positive person, not just an interesting one.

When you’re writing your profile description, think about things that make you happy. Besides your hobbies and interests, this could be the way you relax after work or where you’d like to travel.

By getting specific about your likes and dislikes, you’re also showing that you’re not desperate. You’re not going to settle for just anyone, and you’re looking for a person who shares the same interests or can enjoy them with you. By being specific about who you are, you’re also specific about what you want.

5. Don’t go overboard with quirkiness.

Someone will love your quirks but don’t go overboard with listing and describing them. If you do, it will look like there’s no other person like you, when really you’re dating online to find that person.

Also, you don’t want to reveal everything about yourself in your profile. There are certain things that a person should find out after you get in touch and when you start dating in person.

So, don’t be an open book. You don’t have to list all your hobbies and pursuits, pick just a few of your most interesting ones. Your profile should spark people’s interest just enough to want to meet you, not get them to know you already.

6. Avoid clichés.

Avoid things that everyone says, such as “long walks on the beach.” Steer clear of any clichés, and try to be witty and unique when you write your description. Think of things that could serve as conversation starters instead of general things.

For instance, instead of “I like to laugh and have fun,” write “I like to go to comedy shows and watch Jim Carrey movies.” Instead of “I like jazz,” write “I’m a big Sinatra fan and a regular at the jazz club, but I’m mostly into electro swing.” Again, being specific is the key.

Your profile should be just as unique as you are, and it should offer something new compared to other profiles. So, what makes you unique? “I like to dance” sounds pretty generic. You could write, “I’ve studied ballroom dancing, but I’m also up for dancing in clubs as long as I get to show off the moves I invented.”

7. Keep it short but detailed.

While you should go into details and get specific, keep in mind that no one wants to read an essay on a dating site. So, keep your profile description relatively short. There are plenty of things that you can tell people once you get in touch, so just include an interesting introduction on your profile.

The purpose of your profile description is to get people interested in you. So, consider which things about you are relevant for this. Maybe you love to travel, and it’s important that your future partner likes to travel too. In that case, be sure to mention something about it.

However, maybe you enjoy fishing, but you don’t care whether your future partner will like fishing too. In this case, don’t include fishing in your profile description. You can show this hobby by posting a picture of yourself fishing if you care about your potential partner enjoying spending time in nature. Pictures are also a great tool for showcasing your personality, but more on that later.

8. Be your authentic self.

Do you genuinely like the things that you say you like? Make sure to be your authentic self on dating sites. It can be tempting to present yourself differently to how you really are. A lot of people do this, but you’re not doing yourself any favors by pretending that you’re someone you’re not.

Eventually, your date is going to get to know the real you, so don’t make them expect someone who’s not going to show up. Be your authentic self when writing your dating profile, as well as when you communicate with your matches.

You’re creating this profile so that you can find a person who likes you. There’s no point in it if you make them like the person you’re pretending to be. Find people who like you for you by being honest about what you enjoy and want.

9. Mention the music that you like.

What do you like that someone else might like just as much? Your favorite travel destination, food, or music could be a great conversation starter. When it comes to their interests, people usually mention music, sports, movies, and books, but music seems to be the most popular choice.

So, mention your favorite band or the kind of music that you listen to. You could also mention a memorable concert that you’ve been to or include song lyrics in your profile description.

Think about it, if you and your date like the same music, it gives you a great opportunity to ask them out on a date. Simply suggest a concert or a bar where you could enjoy the music that you both like.

10. Highlight your best qualities, but be honest.

It’s okay to present yourself in the best possible light, just make sure that you’re not doing it to the point where you’re being dishonest about who you are. As you already learned, it’s very important to be your authentic self. Write about the person that you are, not who you’d like to be.

The goal is to appear interesting and positive while still being honest and not exaggerating your good qualities too much. You should also be honest about what you’re looking for.

Explain what you’re looking for:

Your dating profile should include information about who you are, but it should also include what you want. What kind of partner are you looking for? What kind of relationship are you hoping for? Are you looking for someone adventurous or for someone to settle down with? Here’s how to point it out in your profile to get good matches:

1. Be honest and specific.

Whether you’re looking to find the love of your life, or just want to have some fun, be honest about it when writing your dating profile. This will save you the trouble of going on dates with potential matches just to find out that you’re not on the same page. Be honest about what you’re looking for to increase your chances of finding it.

Think about what your ideal partner should be like too. What are the things that matter the most so that the two of you could have a future? Maybe they have to want kids someday, or they should be up for traveling for the next five years.

Be specific when describing the kind of person that you’re hoping to find. What would be the biggest indicator that you have found them or the biggest sign that they’re not who you’re searching for?

2. State dealbreakers.

It’s perfectly fine to state your dealbreakers in your profile description. Maybe you have some strong beliefs, and you’re looking for someone like you. For instance, you could write “Looking for someone who attends church every Sunday.”

It’s also common to write about what kind of relationship you’re hoping to find in terms of dealbreakers. For instance, if you’re looking for the real deal, you could write “No hookups” at the end of your profile description.

Maybe you have some other dealbreakers. For instance, maybe it’s important to you that your date doesn’t smoke or drink. While it might be okay to exclude everyone who smokes and drinks, consider how many other things you could have in common with them and how many people you’re excluding.

So, focus only on dealbreakers that really matter to you. Because, ultimately, the purpose of dealbreakers is to help you realize whether you could have a future with someone or not.

Try to keep an open mind. While having the same political views can bring you closer together, it might not be what you want to base your search on. Look for someone who has the same core values and relationship goals as you do. If you’re determined to find people with the same beliefs, habits, or hobbies, search for an app or website that caters exclusively to those people because there’ll probably be one.

3. Focus on what you’re looking for, not what you’re trying to avoid.

It’s okay to write down your dealbreakers, but when you do, try to turn them into what you want, not what you don’t want. For instance, instead of writing that you’re looking for someone who doesn’t smoke or drink, write down that you want someone who leads a healthy lifestyle. Instead of “No hookups,” you can write “Looking for a serious relationship.” The same rule can be applied to anything you don’t want.

Don’t include too many dealbreakers in your description. When you do include some, phrase them as what you are searching for, not what you’re trying to avoid. This will help you find that person just the same as the other way around.

But, it will also give a chance to those who’d be perfect for you other than the dealbreaker. You don’t have to give these people a chance, but this way, you’ll at least get to know who they are and be able to consider it. Again, it’s important to keep an open mind and look beyond your type.

4. Don’t describe the physical appearance of a person.

What if your ideal partner doesn’t look the way you’re imagining them? By describing the physical appearance of a person you’re searching for, you might be eliminating your perfect match.

Don’t focus on height, weight, hair color, eye color, body type, or anything else regarding the physical appearance of your perfect match. You will still get to decide whether you’ll give someone a chance based on their picture, but not just based on that.

Describe the kind of person they are, not what they look like. Are they adventurous, funny, smart, well-read, or ambitious? Maybe it’s important that they have respectable manners or that they are a good listener.

Describe the person, not the body. Think about it. Would you rather give a chance to someone who is your ideal partner or to someone who just looks like one? Don’t assume what your perfect match looks like, or even what you’ll find attractive in someone.

5. Focus on what matters to you in the long term.

Maybe it’s currently very important to you that your perfect match likes rock music because you could go to upcoming concerts and festivals together. However, does it really matter to you what kind of music your partner listens to when you’re thinking about it in the long term?

Maybe it does, and that’s okay. However, maybe you just care about the upcoming concerts, and music doesn’t matter that much to you. If so, don’t make rock music a must-have.

Think about your plans for the future. Where do you see yourself five, and even ten years from now? Maybe you would like to move to another country or start a family. So, this is what your perfect match should want too. You can mention that your match must like travel or must want to have kids someday.

6. Keep an open mind.

Like most people, you probably have a type. However, keep in mind that your type is not necessarily the same as your ideal partner. Don’t blindly stick to finding the person who’s exactly your type when there are lots of people who could open up a new world to you.

When dating, it’s important to get out of your comfort zone and expand your horizons. In addition, you can’t really figure out whether the person’s right for you based solely on their profile. They might look like your type but have nothing in common with you, or look nothing like your type but be perfectly compatible with you.

It’s good to have an idea of who your ideal partner is. However, don’t let the idea of a person block your view to the point that you don’t see actual potential matches. Give people a chance and search for compatibility, chemistry, and an almost effortless connection.

If you have that with someone, it doesn’t really matter if they’re not your type. Remind yourself that your type changes too, just like you do. Someone who was perfect for the old version of you might not be right for the person that you’re trying to become.

Choose the right photos:

You can have a great profile description, but if your picture’s not just up to scratch, you’re going to miss out on a lot of potentially good matches.

This is not about looking like a supermodel. There are things that people notice about your pictures on an online dating app that make them decide whether to swipe right or left.

Here’s what you need to do to make sure that your photo gets you more matches:

1. Choose four to six photos.

People can’t really tell what you look like based on only one picture. In addition, having only one picture suggests that it’s either a fake profile, the person isn’t serious about dating online, or they don’t want to show what they really look like.

Either of these things will make you lose matches. So, make sure to include at least four to six pictures in your profile. Don’t put less than three pictures, and make sure that they are all different. You don’t need three selfies in a row.

2. Choose photos that showcase your personality.

Your main profile picture should be of your face, but the others don’t need to be. In fact, it’s even better if they are action shots that showcase your personality.

Maybe you are rollerblading, skiing, playing chess, or painting in the picture. Let your photos tell a story about you, not just show your face. Seeing you in action will help people get a better idea of how you look and what kind of person you are.

Let your photos showcase your everyday lifestyle, especially if you like to engage in outdoor activities. Include head shots, action shots, and body shots in your profile pictures. This will make you more interesting to potential matches!

3. Avoid old photos.

People on dating sites don’t care about how you looked five years ago, they want to know who they’ll see when they show up for a date now. So, don’t choose old photos, especially those that don’t resemble you anymore. Make sure that all of your photos were taken recently.

If you don’t have any good recent photos, make a decision to take them before creating your dating profile. You could even hire a professional to take your photos, just remember that photos need to show how you really look, not how you’d like to look.

4. Don’t hide your face.

Wearing sunglasses in a picture entirely hides your face. You might look cool with sunglasses on, but those who don’t know you can’t tell what you look like. So, don’t choose pictures where you’re hiding your face.

The point is for people to see your face, so don’t use hats, sunglasses, or anything else that would prevent them from seeing you clearly.

You might not be comfortable with showing your face because you think that you’re not attractive enough. However, that is for your potential matches to decide, and you just need to look relaxed, fun, and approachable.

After all, there’s no point in hiding on dating sites when your goal is to meet people in person. They aren’t going to be willing to see you in person if they can’t see you in a picture.

5. Don’t use too many group photos.

Having a group photo as one of your profile pictures might be okay, because it shows that you are social. However, this can’t be your main picture, and you shouldn’t make people guess who you are from all the faces in the photos.

It’s also a very bad idea to choose pictures where you’re with people of the opposite sex, and a terrible idea to use photos where you’re with your ex.

Ultimately, it’s safer to avoid group photos altogether. However, as long as you make sure that people can clearly recognize you and that they won’t assume that you were sleeping with someone from the photo, you’ll be fine.

6. Take a picture with your pet.

Many people like pets, and people look friendly and loving when they’re with a pet in the picture. So, if you have a pet, pose for the cutest picture in the world.

Not only does this present you in a positive light, but it also lets your potential matches learn more about you. In addition, it’s a great conversation starter as well as something that you can have in common with your matches.

Are you a dog person or a cat person? Do you have a guinea pig? A snake? A picture with a pet makes you look interesting too!

However, avoid taking a picture with someone else’s pet if you don’t have one. People will assume that it’s your pet, so you’ll just waste time explaining yourself.

7. Smile in the pictures.

Smiling in a picture makes you look genuine and inviting, and it’s attractive for both genders. You don’t have to smile in every photo, but if you’re smiling in most of them people will sense the positive vibe and be attracted to it.

You should never choose a photo where you look depressed or worried. Your photos should radiate positive energy, so pick the ones that show you when you are in a good mood, comfortable, and relaxed. After all, that is when you look your best and how you will look when you’re in a happy relationship!

8. Choose high-quality pictures.

Poorly cropped, blurry, distant, and dark photos don’t belong on your dating profile. Choose high-quality photos and show that you’ve put some effort into presenting yourself properly. You can always hire a professional if you lack quality photos.

Your pictures shouldn’t be heavily edited either. Avoid too many filters and make sure that you look like the person that your matches are going to see when you go on a date.

9. Actually look like you do in the photo.

This has to be emphasized once more—you need to really look like you do in the photo. Obviously, you want to highlight your best features and present yourself in the best possible light… But it needs to still be you.

Think about how you would look if you were dressed up for a date with your ideal partner. You would probably present the best version of yourself. That is how you should look in your photos.

Don’t let your dates expect someone else when you show up for the date. A lot of people make themselves look significantly better than they really do. It’s okay to do this by dressing up and using cosmetic products, but don’t go overboard with editing. You shouldn’t even overdo it with dressing up and cosmetic products unless that’s what you normally do.

10. Update your profile regularly.

Your photos can quickly become old and outdated. Don’t forget to update your profile on a regular basis. Maybe you don’t like skiing anymore. So, you should remove that picture. Maybe you’re suddenly okay with hookups, so you want to remove that dealbreaker from your description.

Keep your photos and your description regularly updated. Most likely, you aren’t going to find the perfect match quickly. So, you’ll spend a while on the dating site, and things will change in time.

Even if you do meet someone great right away, you could later realize that it’s not working out and go back to your profile. So, make sure that it shows who you are right now, not who you were a few months ago.

Complete and verify your profile:

The last part of a good dating profile is completing and verifying your profile. Incomplete and unverified profiles get fewer matches. If you are serious about finding a great match, you should increase the odds by not leaving anything blank. Here’s how:

1. Don’t leave the description blank.

A profile that has only one picture and no description isn’t going to get matches. Whatever you do, don’t leave the description blank. You don’t have to write everything that you’ve read about so far, but make sure to write something. It should include who you are and what you are looking for.

This is usually necessary to complete your profile and get good matches. Profiles with a lot of information show up more to users, and people are more likely to message a person when they can read something about them first.

2. Post several photos.

It’s already advised that you post at least four pictures, but posting several photos is also often necessary to complete the profile. So, don’t skip this step, even if you feel reluctant at first. Post as many pictures as you need for your profile to be complete, whether it’s less or more than four.

Don’t forget to make these photos different. To sum up again, you should include headshots, body shots, and action shots. Avoid group photos, low-quality photos, and photos where you’re hiding your face with sunglasses or a hat. Don’t forget to smile and say cheese!

3. Complete your profile.

Most of the time you will be required to write a description and post several photos for your profile to be complete. However, if the app or site requires something more than this, do that as well. Most apps and sites will display complete profiles more often than those with little to no information.

4. Verify your profile.

If the app has a verification feature, verifying your profile will help you get more matches. This reassures potential matches that you’re a real person and not a scammer or a fake profile. To verify your profile you will usually be asked to post a picture and imitate a certain pose.

Since it’s that easy to verify a profile, an unverified profile represents a huge red flag in the online dating world. You will lose a lot of potential matches if you skip this step.

5. Proofread everything.

In the end, don’t forget that grammar and spelling matter too. Consciously or not, some people might decide not to contact you just because you have grammar and/or spelling errors in your profile. The reason for this might be that failing to fix the errors indicates that you’re not putting a lot of effort into online dating.

People also don’t expect to have a stimulating conversation with someone who makes grammar and spelling errors. Proofreading everything before making your profile public is the least you can do to make sure that your profile looks good and inviting.

If you need help with this, ask a friend if they could read through your profile to check for mistakes or even to suggest better ways to write a certain thing.

So, remember to showcase your personality, explain what you’re looking for, pick the best photos, and complete your profile. If you do these things, you are likely to get a lot of matches while dating online, and some of them will be good enough to match with you in real life as well!

You may also like:

• 18 Important First Date Tips After Meeting Someone Online
• 46 Seriously Funny Icebreaker Jokes For Online Dating

You may also like...

14 Tips To Get A Girl’s Attention (In The Best Way Possible)

Why Do I Keep Getting Ghosted? (15 Possible Reasons)

Dating Is A Numbers Game… Sort Of (Learn The Truth)

Mastering The “Self” Date + 18 Ideas For Your Next Solo Date

Taking A Break From Dating: Why You Should + What To Do

30 Signs A Woman Is Sexually Attracted To You

26 Highly Effective Ways To Deal With Dating Rejection

Online Dating Over A Long Distance: 20 Tips To Make It Work

How To Have A Great Phone Call Before Meeting A Dating Match

About The Author

Ana Vakos enjoys writing about love and all the problems that come with it. Everyone has experiences with love, and everyone needs dating advice, so giving these topics more attention and spreading the word means a lot to her.

Online Dating Profile Writing

“I was so discouraged, never getting any matches.

Now, thanks to lydia, i feel confident while online dating.”, -anna, 35, usa, hi, i’m lydia.

As an online dating profile writer, it is my mission to ensure your online dating experience is a success by helping you start conversations, go out on dates and find what you are looking for.

I’ve written 1000s of profiles, published books on the topic , and my reviews speak for themselves.

I know what works and what doesn’t.

Let me help you raise the bar and make an awesome first impression. 

Profiles That Stand Out

Personalized

Each letter of your profile is typed by us with you in mind. The result is unique text and tone that accurate depicts your personality.

No templates. Ever.

Conversations start with curiosity. Our profiles spark curiosity with eye-catching language and invitations to engage.

We find and highlight what makes you unique.

When your profile flows seamlessly, people are more likely to read it from start to finish. Our profiles are flawless, and we format them for each sites specifications. Nothing gets left out, no matter the word-count.

Want to know more about our profiles? Let’s talk!

Email Address

Get To Know Lydia

I’m not just a creative writer. I am also a reader. 

I have read thousands upon thousands of online bios. As a former prospect researcher, it was my job to identify certain alumni with the propensity and capacity to give philanthropically. I’ve seen countless LinkedIn bios, company web bios and personal websites. I’ve learned what I like to see and what not to see.

I also have personal experience with online dating, I’m a world-traveler and educated in mental health counseling. I want to help people have success when online dating, and it all starts with the profile. 

Want to know more? Email me directly at [email protected] and let’s talk.

“Lydia summed up who I am and what I’m looking for, but in a casual way that comes off as professional, confident, and honest!”

I know that your dating profile is much more than a simple introduction– it’s a representation of your personality, values, and character to potential partners. With limited space and so much to say, I know it can feel impossible to chose what to include, what to leave out, and how to show your authentic self through a screen. 

With a background in ghostwriting and an education in interpretation and linguistics, I take pride in finding the perfect language to convey nuanced messages and paint a complete picture of who you are and exactly what you are looking for. I’m a people person at heart, and my favorite part of my job is watching someone’s confidence grow as they get more comfortable talking about themselves. 

“I’m not sure I even have the words to relay how impressed I am with Aja.

I was completely floored by what she wrote! I feel like she was in my head. She took everything I wanted to get across and wrote it in a way I could never quite get right. Heck, she was able to relay things I hadn’t realized I should relay!”

Our Collaborative Process

We are an online company with traditional customer service. We are real writers, not AI, and are available to our clients every step of the way.  You are included in the process, not left in the dark.

You Chose Your Package

Based our your unique needs and preferences.

We Get to Know You

Through your choice of extesnive questionaire or one-on-one interview.

You Recieve A Profile

And respond with any thoughts, comments, or suggestions.

We Finish the Job

Incorporating your suggestions and completeing any additonal services, such as a photo review.

You Date With Confidence

And we are here as backup with support, resources, and advice.

Do You Write Profiles For People Over 50?

Yes! Absolutely. In fact, the majority of my clients are over 35

Will This Mean My Profile Is Inauthentic?

Absolutely not! If you answer the questions genuinely and authentically, then I will be able to write a profile that captures your essence. One thing I hear most often is, “I have a hard time writing about myself.” Totally natural. Having trouble writing your profile, then asking for help does not make you undatable. It makes you human. Your goal is to make connections online, start meaningful conversations, and go out on dates. p.s. no one needs to know.

Which online dating sites do you write profiles for?

All of them! When you purchase an online dating profile package (Diamond Comprehensive or Ruby Mini) you’ll indicate what site(s) you are on.

Do you write profiles for the LGBTQ community?

Can you share samples of your work.

Yes. Please contact me , and I will respond with sample excerpts. You can also see small samples in this article.

What payment methods do you accept?

Major credit cards and PayPal are accepted.

Do you give advice about dating?

I prefer the term counseling over advice. While I don’t formally coach, I’m happy to answer any questions you have in regards to dating. I definitely have lots of thoughts and insights from my own experiences that I can share and that you can use to navigate your dating experiences. 

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. You can schedule your free 15-minute phone/Skype/Zoom consultation here .

Don’t see your question? Ask us!

What We Offer…

Packages & pricing.

All Packages Are Subject to our Satisfa ction Guaranteed Refund Policy

 Unlimited Profiles

Personalized Profiles Optimized for Each Site You Use

Expert Online Dating Guidance, Suggestions, & Answers to Any Questions

Detailed Photo Review and Feedback

Priority Access to Matchmaking Database

Have questions about our packages and services? Send us a message and we’re happy to explain!

What Past Clients Have to Say…

The profile is absolutely perfect.

“You did a great job crafting words with an authentic sounding voice to describe what I am looking for and who I am. Thank you so much!”

Tara, 48, Canada

I am so glad I stepped out and took that chance…

“Last year at this time I contacted you and you helped me with my profile. Just wanted you to know I was married on October 5th to an amazing man I met on “match.” I am so glad I stepped out and took that chance… Thought you’d be excited to hear the good news.”

Thank you so much!

“It is perfect, simple and to the point…just like me!” 

“Wow, I don’t think I would have seen myself like that.  I sound so good!  I appreciate the write-up.  Especially I appreciate how you summarized the type of guys I am looking for.  That would have been so challenging for me.”

received a lot of positive feedback on the profile.

“I just wanted to let you know that I received a lot of positive feedback on the profile. Several people said it’s one of the best they’ve read and many others thought my excitement and positivity for life came through. I’ve received hundreds of messages.” 

Thank you for the match.com profile you wrote for me.

“Ever since I started using it, my response rate on emails has gone from about 10% to 50%, and I’ve been getting more high quality dates. I was a little skeptical when I first, but clearly you know what you’re doing!” 

How I Write Provocative Online Dating Profiles

by Lydia | May 30, 2024 | Featured , The How-Tos | 0 Comments

My Biggest Criticism As An Online Dating Profile Writer

by Lydia | May 23, 2024 | Featured , Online Dating , The How-Tos | 0 Comments

The Art Of Persuasion And Your Online Dating Profile

by Lydia | May 14, 2024 | Featured , The How-Tos , Writing | 0 Comments

How I Add Intrigue To Your Online Dating Profile

by Lydia | May 6, 2024 | Featured , Personal Branding , Quotes , The How-Tos | 0 Comments

How To Be Humble In Your Online Dating Profile

by Lydia | April 30, 2024 | Featured , The How-Tos | 0 Comments

The Mindful Dating Path: A Journal

Want to be more mindful of your experiences when dating? Use this interactive journal to help you get to the essence of you and make the right decisions.

I designed this dating journal to help you process thoughts and feelings as they relate to who you are deciding to spend time with. 

This journal is a mix of guided prompts and plenty of free flow. You may want to view it as a mix of a plain journal and an interactive workbook.

The prompts are recurrent based on  Date 1 ,  Date 2 ,  Date 3 and more.  You will flip around a bit, but that’s good, have fun with it!  You’ll likely re-read something you wrote.

How to Write A Great Online Dating Profile

With this book,  How To Write A Great Online Dating Profile , you will find dos and don’ts, before and after examples, and a template to follow. There is also advice on which photos to choose and how to craft email messages. You will also find full written samples and a questionnaire to use for idea generation.

Your Online Dating Profile: The Dos, The Don'ts, The Musts

WATCH OWN APP

Download the Watch OWN app and access OWN anytime, anywhere. Watch full episodes and live stream OWN whenever and wherever you want. The Watch OWN app is free and available to you as part of your OWN subscription through a participating TV provider.

NEWSLETTERS

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS TODAY AND ENJOY THE BENEFITS.

• Stay up to date with the latest trends that matter to you most.
• Have top-notch advice and tips delivered directly to you.
• Be in the know on current and upcoming trends.

OPRAH IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF HARPO, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2024 HARPO PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

I hope you enjoy reading the blog post.

If you want my team to just do your online dating for you, click here .

Why A Dating Profile Writing Service Will Change The Game

Considering using a dating profile writing service? If you’re like many guys on dating sites and apps like M a tch.com , Bumble , Hinge or Tinder , you’re probably frustrated because the women you actually want to meet aren’t responding to your icebreaker messages .

Or maybe you’re getting a response here and there, only to have the conversation fizzle into oblivion before you can move it off the dating app.

Whatever your circumstances, you’re beginning to suspect your profile is part of the problem - and you’d be correct. When your profile doesn’t measure up to the competition, you’re fighting a fruitless battle.  

And that’s why hiring a dating profile writing service like VIDA Select is a game changer. Our dating experts have been helping singles with every aspect of modern dating since 2009. 

We’ve written hundreds of thousands of online dating profiles, and we know exactly what works and what doesn’t. 

How? Because we also manage the dating apps on behalf of all the clients we represent! We know what approaches lead to dates with attractive women.

So, why should you use a profile writing service? It’s simple…

A Professional Dating Profile Writer Knows How To “Sell” You

Think of your dating profile like a marketing campaign. You need strong photos , but unless you're extremely handsome, thinking you can coast by on the merits of your photos is a huge mistake.

Studies have shown that women assess potential partners on more than just physical appearance . They’re looking for insights into your traits like intelligence, ambition, loyalty, your career, etc. 

Those are all details that are almost impossible to express in your pics, so your bio needs to do the heavy lifting.

And that’s a tall order. A magnetically attractive profile needs to highlight your best “boyfriend material” traits without sounding like you’re bragging.

It’s not as simple as listing off adjectives, either. Because you need to market yourself in an authentic way. She needs to believe it. Over 80% of online daters lie in their profiles , so most women are swiping with a healthy dose of skepticism.   

There’s a science behind the language of attraction that combines Darwin’s alpha male theory with subconscious attraction triggers. Add in the need for compelling authenticity… and this is why so many guys find dating apps to be a monumentally frustrating experience. 

You could fire up Google and try to find some profile writing advice, then spend a few hours bringing your profile from “Zzzzz” to “meh”. But you’re no Hemingway. The last time you wrote something non-work-related you were probably struggling to stay awake in class.

Imagine how much better your dating profile could be if you used a professional dating profile writing service. You may balk at the idea of paying a profile writer to craft your dating profile, but think of it this way… 

You’d pay a lawyer to draft a contract. You’ve got an assistant to write your memos. So why not bring in a professional to write an online dating profile that’s 100% customized to you - and that actually works ?

Your Love Life Is Worth The Minimal Investment

Even if she swipes right based solely on your pics, she’s most likely going to read your dating profile before replying to your message. And she’ll definitely check it out before giving out her number or agreeing to meet you in person.

A bio packed with cliches could make her quickly lose interest as she mentally files you under “basic & boring”.

A joke gone wrong or inadvertently raising a red flag or two could have her drawing the wrong conclusion, and unmatching or even reporting you.

The list of profile “don’ts” is endless, which is why writing your bio is like navigating a minefield. One wrong move, and you risk blowing up your chances.

Working with a dating profile writing service means a pro will craft every word with strategic precision, factoring in whatever type of relationship you’re seeking, be it casual, long-term, or marriage. 

And yes, different types of relationships call for a different type of profile - see why hiring an online dating expert makes sense?

And VIDA Select takes it one step further: we’ll handle all your swiping and back-and-forth messaging too! 

Here’s how the service works:

After a short interview, we’ll showcase “the real you” by highlighting all your best, most attractive traits. Then we’ll go over it with you, and edit anything that doesn’t feel quite right to you. You’ll end up with a 100% customized profile that makes women want to meet you.

Then, your dedicated professional writer will handle every aspect of your messaging: sending proven icebreakers, keeping the conversation going, and arranging the dates. All while representing you in an authentic and genuine way.

You’ll even have a matchmaker doing the swiping and screening! 

There’s no easier way to meet highly compatible women effortlessly, because every step from setting up your profile to scheduling the dates is done for you.

We’ve helped thousands and thousands of men get the results they want. Want VIDA Select to change your love life too? Get started here!

Want us to do your online dating for you?

Hey, I'm Ally, VIDA Select's Director of Matchmaking.

We take all the frustration, hard work and hassle out of modern dating!

Imagine your very own Dream Team of highly skilled dating experts searching for the very best local matches, sparking their interest, and arranging all the dates for you.

Wouldn't it be nice to finally stop swiping and start dating higher quality matches so you can meet someone special?

We've helped thousands of singles just like you since 2009, and we're ready to make you our next success story!

What are you waiting for? Take the next step now…

Steal One of Our Top-Performing Bios

We Do Your Online Dating For You

Which of the following skills would you like to improve today.

Taking a summer road trip? Enter for a chance to win $4,000 cash with AARP Rewards.

AARP daily Crossword Puzzle

Hotels with AARP discounts

Life Insurance

AARP Dental Insurance Plans

AARP MEMBERSHIP 

AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products, hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Find how much you can save in a year with a membership.  Learn more.

• right_container

Work & Jobs

Social Security

AARP en Español

• Membership & Benefits
• AARP Rewards
• AARP Rewards %{points}%

Conditions & Treatments

Drugs & Supplements

Health Care & Coverage

Health Benefits

AARP Hearing Center

Advice on Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

Get Happier

Creating Social Connections

Brain Health Resources

Tools and Explainers on Brain Health

Your Health

8 Major Health Risks for People 50+

Scams & Fraud

Personal Finance

Money Benefits

View and Report Scams in Your Area

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Free Tax Preparation Assistance

AARP Money Map

Get Your Finances Back on Track

How to Protect What You Collect

Small Business

Age Discrimination

Flexible Work

Freelance Jobs You Can Do From Home

AARP Skills Builder

Online Courses to Boost Your Career

31 Great Ways to Boost Your Career

ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Tips to Enhance Your Job Search

Get More out of Your Benefits

When to Start Taking Social Security

10 Top Social Security FAQs

Social Security Benefits Calculator

Medicare Made Easy

Original vs. Medicare Advantage

Enrollment Guide

Step-by-Step Tool for First-Timers

Prescription Drugs

9 Biggest Changes Under New Rx Law

Medicare FAQs

Quick Answers to Your Top Questions

Care at Home

Financial & Legal

Life Balance

LONG-TERM CARE

​Understanding Basics of LTC Insurance​

State Guides

Assistance and Services in Your Area

Prepare to Care Guides

How to Develop a Caregiving Plan

End of Life

How to Cope With Grief, Loss

Recently Played

Word & Trivia

Atari® & Retro

Members Only

Staying Sharp

Mobile Apps

More About Games

Right Again! Trivia

Right Again! Trivia – Sports

Atari® Video Games

Throwback Thursday Crossword

Travel Tips

Vacation Ideas

Destinations

Travel Benefits

Outdoor Vacation Ideas

Camping Vacations

Plan Ahead for Summer Travel

AARP National Park Guide

Discover Canyonlands National Park

History & Culture

8 Amazing American Pilgrimages

Entertainment & Style

Family & Relationships

Personal Tech

Home & Living

Celebrities

Beauty & Style

Movies for Grownups

Summer Movie Preview

Jon Bon Jovi’s Long Journey Back

Looking Back

50 World Changers Turning 50

Sex & Dating

Spice Up Your Love Life

Friends & Family

How to Host a Fabulous Dessert Party

Home Technology

Caregiver’s Guide to Smart Home Tech

Virtual Community Center

Join Free Tech Help Events

Create a Hygge Haven

Soups to Comfort Your Soul

AARP Solves 25 of Your Problems

Driver Safety

Maintenance & Safety

Trends & Technology

AARP Smart Guide

How to Clean Your Car

We Need To Talk

Assess Your Loved One's Driving Skills

AARP Smart Driver Course

Building Resilience in Difficult Times

Tips for Finding Your Calm

Weight Loss After 50 Challenge

Cautionary Tales of Today's Biggest Scams

7 Top Podcasts for Armchair Travelers

Jean Chatzky: ‘Closing the Savings Gap’

Quick Digest of Today's Top News

AARP Top Tips for Navigating Life

Get Moving With Our Workout Series

You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply.

Go to Series Main Page

How to Make Your Online Dating Profile Stand Out

Over-50 daters should focus on quality photos, video and bio information for success.

Sheryl Jean,

​​In the real world, love can be hard to find, so daters are increasingly turning to the digital world instead.

Whether singles over 50 are looking for a long-term relationship, someone to travel with or just good conversation, connecting using apps and websites can expand the dating pool and make meeting people easier. But the way daters represent themselves online makes a big difference in who responds and how.​

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Find out how much you could save in a year with a membership.  Learn more.

For many older adults, the pandemic and social distancing boosted the use of digital dating. Data tracker Apptopia reported that there were 1.2 million more people using  the top 50 dating apps  in 2021 than a year earlier, before the pandemic. That group includes many older adults. Roughly a third of U.S. adults age 55-plus have used an online dating site or app, according to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center. Furthermore, two-thirds of them had a relationship with someone they met through the platform, according to a 2021 survey by Choice Mutual, an insurance company.​

But dating when you’re over 50 is far different from dating when you’re 20. Taking the time to create an engaging online dating profile that contains a well-crafted bio with appealing photographs and maybe a video or audio message may encourage people to swipe right.​

Your profile is vital, says San Francisco Bay Area dating and relationship coach Maya Diamond, because it says who you are and what kind of relationship you want. “When you’re creating that in a thoughtful and intentional way, it can really help you find the right partner,” she adds.​

As always, use caution when interacting with others online. Don’t share personal data or financial information with others online and keep an eye out for red flags that could indicate the person’s profile is fake (see video below). Educate yourself about  romance scams  and how to avoid them.

Tips for writing an online dating profile ​

Most online dating profiles require you to use your real name and where you live, but nearly all other information is up to you.​

One basic rule is to be yourself, online dating experts say. “Don’t write what you think people want to hear; write about what matters to you,” says Sophie Watson, spokeswoman for SilverSingles, a dating site exclusively for people age 50-plus. “If you have a quirky  hobby  or get delighted by something silly, make a reference to it. Chances are there’s someone out there who will share your passion.”​

Avoid negativity in your profile, recommend experts. Focus on what you want in a partner and a relationship, not what you don’t want. Instead of saying you’re not interested in smokers, for instance, say you’re seeking an active, nature-loving person.​

AARP NEWSLETTERS

%{ newsLetterPromoText  }%

%{ description }%

Privacy Policy

ARTICLE CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT

Create a Winning Dating Profile

• Think first. Make lists to clarify what you want to say before you start writing.
• Add personality by weaving your interests and sense of humor through your profile.​
• Keep it short.
• Adopt a friendly, conversational tone.​
• If a dating site or app lets you create a username or headline, make sure it reflects an interest or passion, such as “Global Trekker.”​
• Photos of people being active and with pets do well.​
• Avoid selfies, but if you must include one, use a selfie stick for better quality.​
• Scour your profile for any grammatical or spelling mistakes. Have a couple of family members or trustworthy friends read it before you post it.​
• Look at other people’s profiles for inspiration.​
• Add a video message or audio greeting for extra depth and zing.​
• Write your profile when you feel  happy , which may be reflected in the content.​

Rebecca Nelson, 67, began online dating several years ago after moving to Nashville, Tennessee. The retiree spent upwards of a week creating the perfect profile for several dating sites and apps, repeating key words and phrases like “active” and “adventuresome” and “seeks an emotionally intelligent and well-grounded partner” to increase her match chances.​

Nelson was generally pleased with the results, getting “more in-depth responses and messages than I might have expected,” she says. “I think it’s because I took such care with the profile.”​

Dating profiles should reflect your personality ​

The bio section should include enough information to reveal who you are, but keep it on the shorter side, so it’s not overwhelming. Think quality over quantity. “You want to create some level of intrigue and curiosity,” Diamond says.​

Nelson adapted OkCupid’s profile template for several other dating sites and apps, such as Bumble, Match and Zoosk, and regularly altered the profiles to shorten them or make them easier to read.

In answer to the prompt “On a Friday night, you’ll find me doing ...,” for example, she reduced her answers from six to three.​

Your profile isn’t a  résumé , so you don’t need to list all of your degrees and jobs. Instead, include your preferences, like you’d rather walk on the beach than hike in the mountains. Keep the tone conversational and friendly.​

AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dental insurance plans for members and their families

“You’re not going into business with your date — you’re looking for someone to enjoy life with,” Watson says.

Not only can writing about your hobbies help you connect with others who enjoy similar activities, SilverSingles’ studies show that profiles mentioning hobbies like cooking, dancing and gardening get more messages.​

LEARN MORE ABOUT AARP MEMBERSHIP.

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Limit the selfies and include current images ​

Include photos in your profile, because they’re what people see first. Photos also are more likely to draw responses and start conversations by prompting someone to ask where an image was shot. In fact, eHarmony says people with four or more photos receive the most inquiries from matches.​

You don’t need professional photographs, but images should be attractive and poses should be natural and relaxed, online dating experts say. Don’t forget to smile.​

Make your lead profile image a solo shot. Other photos can include a mix of headshots, full-body images, and group and activity shots. If you say you like to cycle, include a photo of you biking. Avoid old photos that no longer resemble you and images of you wearing sunglasses or anything that obscures your face.

Do not use selfies — especially if they’re taken in a car, in a bathroom mirror or in bed. Selfies are typically poor quality unless they’re done with a selfie stick.

And if you have a pet you love, include it in a photo. SilverSingles’ studies show that including a  cat or dog  in profile photos catches the attention of other members.​

Embrace new dating profile features ​

Virtual dating, video messages and audio greetings emerged during the pandemic, when people weren’t meeting in person, but they’re sticking around as options for easing into dating. For example, eHarmony offers video dating, Grindr provides video chat and OurTime has audio greetings. ​

These are opportunities to talk about yourself in ways not available in other parts of your profile, such as what your interests are and what you seek in a partner. Suggest what you’d like to do on a first date. Be creative. Active dates and experiences, such as picnics, bowling or  hiking , are hot.​

Editor's note: This article was originally published on January 26, 2022. It has been updated to reflect new information.

Sheryl Jean is a contributing writer who covers aging, business, technology, travel, health and human-interest stories. A former reporter for several daily metropolitan newspapers, her work also has appeared in the  Chicago Tribune  and  The Dallas Morning News  and on the American Heart Association’s website.

Discover AARP Members Only Access

Already a Member? Login

MORE FROM AARP

13 Great Cities for Older Singles

If you're looking for love, these spots might be where to find it

How Much Do You Know About Dating After 50?

Navigating the World of Online Dating After 50

More older Americans than ever are finding a soulmate on the internet

AARP VALUE &

MEMBER BENEFITS

Member Benefits Text Alerts

Unlock more value: Get updates and be the first to know about new benefits

10% off any Paramount+ plan

AARP® Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford

Up to 20% off when you bundle your home and auto policies

AARP® Staying Sharp®

Activities, recipes, challenges and more with full access to AARP Staying Sharp®

SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Key findings about online dating in the U.S.

Online dating in the United States has evolved over the past several decades into a booming industry , transforming the way some people meet matches . A new report from Pew Research Center explores the upsides and downsides of online dating by highlighting Americans’ experiences and views about it. Here are 12 key takeaways.

Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans’ experiences with dating sites and apps and their views of online dating generally. This analysis is based on a survey conducted among 6,034 U.S. adults from July 5-17, 2022. This included 4,996 respondents from the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. It also included an oversample of 1,038 respondents from Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel who indicated that they are lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB), with oversampled groups weighted back to reflect proportions in the population. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

Terminology

• Online dating users refers to the 30% of Americans who answered yes to the following question: “Have you ever used an online dating site or dating app?”
• Current or recent online dating users refers to the 9% of adults who had used a dating site or app in the past year as of the July survey.
• Partnered refers to the 69% of U.S. adults who describe themselves as married, living with a partner, or in a committed romantic relationship.
• LGB refers to those who are lesbian, gay or bisexual. These groups are combined because of small sample sizes. Additionally, since this research is focused on sexual orientation, not gender identity, and due to the fact that the transgender population in the U.S. is very small, transgender respondents are not identified separately. Read the report for more details.

A note about the Asian adult sample

This survey includes a total sample size of 234 Asian adults. The sample primarily includes English-speaking Asian adults and therefore may not be representative of the overall Asian adult population. Despite this limitation, it is important to report the views of Asian adults on the topics in this study. As always, Asian adults’ responses are incorporated into the general population figures throughout this report. Asian adults are shown as a separate group when the question was asked of the full sample. Because of the relatively small sample size and a reduction in precision due to weighting, results are not shown separately for Asian adults for questions that were only asked of online dating users or other filtered questions. We are also not able to analyze Asian adults by demographic categories, such as gender, age or education.

Three-in-ten U.S. adults say they have ever used a dating site or app, identical to the share who said this in 2019 . That includes 9% who report doing so in the past year, according to the Center’s survey of 6,034 adults conducted July 5-17, 2022.

Online dating is more common among younger adults than among older people. About half of those under 30 (53%) report having ever used a dating site or app, compared with 37% of those ages 30 to 49, 20% of those 50 to 64 and 13% of those 65 and older.

When looking at sexual orientation, lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) adults are more likely than their straight counterparts to say they have ever used a dating site or app (51% vs. 28%).

Men are somewhat more likely than women to have tried online dating (34% vs. 27%), as are those with at least some college education when compared with those with a high school education or less.

Adults who have never been married are much more likely than married adults to report having used online dating sites or apps (52% vs. 16%). Adults who are currently living with a partner (46%) or who are divorced, separated or widowed (36%) are also more likely to have tried online dating than married adults.

There are no statistically significant differences in the shares of adults who report ever using an online dating platform by race or ethnicity: Similar shares of White, Black, Hispanic and Asian adults report ever having done so.

Tinder tops the list of dating sites or apps the survey studied and is particularly popular among adults under 30. Some 46% of online dating users say they have ever used Tinder, followed by about three-in-ten who have used Match (31%) or Bumble (28%). OkCupid, eharmony and Hinge are each used by about a fifth of online dating users. Grindr and HER are used by very few online dating users overall (6% and 3%, respectively) but are more widely used by LGB adults than straight adults. Additionally, 31% of online dating users mention having tried some other online dating platform not asked about directly in this survey. (Read the topline  for a list of the most common other dating sites and apps users mentioned.)

Tinder use is far more common among younger adults than among older Americans: 79% of online dating users under 30 say they have used the platform, compared with 44% of users ages 30 to 49, 17% of users 50 to 64 and just 1% of those 65 and older. Tinder is the top online dating platform among users under 50. By contrast, users 50 and older are about five times more likely to use Match than Tinder (50% vs. 11%).

One-in-ten partnered adults – meaning those who are married, living with a partner or in a committed romantic relationship – met their current significant other through a dating site or app. Partnered adults who are under 30 or who are LGB stand out from other groups when looking at this measure of online dating “success”: One-in-five partnered adults under 30 say they met their current spouse or partner on a dating site or app, as do about a quarter of partnered LGB adults (24%).

Online dating users are somewhat divided over whether their experiences on these platforms have been positive or negative. Among those who have ever used a dating site or app, slightly more say their personal experiences have been very or somewhat positive than say they have been very or somewhat negative (53% vs. 46%).

Some demographic groups are more likely to report positive experiences. For example, 57% of men who have dated online say their experiences have been positive, while women users are roughly split down the middle (48% positive, 51% negative). In addition, LGB users of these platforms are more likely than straight users to report positive experiences (61% vs. 53%).

Roughly a third of online dating users (35%) say they have ever paid to use one of these platforms – including for extra features – but this varies by income, age and gender. Some 45% of online dating users with upper incomes report having paid to use a dating site or app, compared with 36% of users with middle incomes and 28% of those with lower incomes. Similarly, 41% of users 30 and older say they have paid to use these platforms, compared with 22% of those under 30. Men who have dated online are more likely than women to report having paid for these sites and apps (41% vs. 29%).

Those who have ever paid to use dating sites or apps report more positive experiences than those who have never paid. Around six-in-ten paid users (58%) say their personal experiences with dating sites or apps have been positive; half of users who have never paid say this.

Women who have used online dating platforms in the past year are more likely to feel overwhelmed by the number of messages they get, while men are more likely to feel insecure about a lack of messages. Among current or recent online dating users, 54% of women say they have felt overwhelmed by the number of messages they received on dating sites or apps in the past year, while just a quarter of men say the same. By contrast, 64% of men say they have felt insecure because of the lack of messages they received, while four-in-ten women say the same.

Overall, 55% of adults who have used a dating app or site in the past year say they often or sometimes felt insecure about the number of messages they received, while 36% say they often or sometimes felt overwhelmed.

Among recent online daters, large majorities of men and women say they have often or sometimes felt excited by the people they have seen while using these platforms, though large majorities also say they have often or sometimes felt disappointed.

When asked why they’ve turned to dating sites or apps in the past year, 44% of users say a major reason was to meet a long-term partner and 40% say a major reason was to date casually. Smaller shares say a major reason was to have casual sex (24%) or make new friends (22%).

Men who have used a dating platform in the past year are much more likely than women to say casual sex was a major reason (31% vs. 13%). There are no statistically significant gender differences on the other three reasons asked about in the survey.

About four-in-ten U.S. adults overall (42%) say online dating has made the search for a long-term partner easier. Far fewer (22%) say it has made the search for a long-term partner or spouse harder. About a third (32%) say it has made no difference.

Adults under 30 are less convinced than their older counterparts that online dating has made the search for a partner easier. These younger adults are about evenly divided in their views, with 35% of those ages 18 to 29 saying it has made the search easier and 33% saying it has made the search harder.

When it comes to the choices people have on dating sites and apps, 43% of adults overall say people have the right amount of options for dating on these platforms, while 37% think choices are too plentiful. Fewer (13%) say there are not enough options.

Most U.S. adults are skeptical or unsure that dating algorithms can predict love. About one-in-five adults (21%) think that the types of computer programs that dating sites and apps use could determine whether two people will eventually fall in love. But greater shares of Americans either say these programs could not do this (35%) or are unsure (43%).

Americans are split on whether online dating is a safe way to meet people, and a majority support requiring background checks before someone can create a profile. The share of U.S. adults who say online dating is generally a very or somewhat safe way to meet people has dipped slightly since 2019, from 53% to 48%. Women are more likely than men to say online dating is not too or not at all safe.

There are also differences by age: 62% of Americans ages 65 and older say online dating is not safe, compared with 53% of those 50 to 64 and 42% of adults younger than 50. Those who have never used a dating site or app are particularly likely to think it is unsafe: 57% say this, compared with 32% of those who have used an online dating site or app.

At the same time, six-in-ten Americans say companies should require background checks before someone creates a dating profile, while 15% say they should not and 24% are not sure. Women are more likely than men to say these checks should be required, as are adults 50 and older compared with younger adults.

These checks do not have majority support among online dating users themselves, however: 47% of users say companies should require background checks, versus 65% of those who have never used a dating site or app.

Younger women who have used dating sites or apps stand out for experiencing unwanted behaviors on these platforms. A majority of women under 50 who have used dating sites or apps (56%) say they have been sent a sexually explicit message or image they didn’t ask for, and about four-in-ten have had someone continue to contact them after they said they were not interested (43%) or have been called an offensive name (37%). Roughly one-in-ten of this group (11%) have received threats of physical harm. Each of these experiences is less common among women online dating users ages 50 and older, as well as among men of any age.

Among all online dating users, 38% have ever received unsolicited sexually explicit messages or images while using a dating site or app; 30% have experienced continued unwanted contact; 24% have been called an offensive name; and 6% have been threatened with physical harm.

About half of those who have used dating sites and apps (52%) say they have come across someone they think was trying to scam them. Men under 50 are particularly likely to say they have had this experience: 63% of men in this age group who have used dating sites or apps think they have encountered a scammer on them. Smaller shares of men ages 50 and older (47%) and women of any age (44%) say the same.

Note: Here are the questions used for this analysis, along with responses, and its methodology .

• Online Dating
• Romance & Dating

Emily A. Vogels is a former research associate focusing on internet and technology at Pew Research Center .

Colleen McClain is a research associate focusing on internet and technology research at Pew Research Center .

For Valentine’s Day, facts about marriage and dating in the U.S.

Dating at 50 and up: older americans’ experiences with online dating, about half of lesbian, gay and bisexual adults have used online dating, about half of never-married americans have used an online dating site or app, from looking for love to swiping the field: online dating in the u.s., most popular.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

© 2024 Pew Research Center