How does Tinder's algorithm work? 7 hacks and tips

Dating apps have become a way for many people to meet others – particularly their soulmate – for a large section of society. Tinder, alongside Badoo in Spain, is the leading app in this field, and you, the reader of this article, have probably used it at some point, with varying degrees of success.

This app is simple to use: The aim is to “match” with other profiles, in other words, both of you have indicated that you like the other person’s profile. If you swipe right (in Tinder slang, “swiping”), it means you like a profile; if you swipe left, you reject it. When you get a “match”, Tinder lets you start a conversation with the matched profile. So far, so straightforward.

However, How does Tinder decide which users to show you, when to show them to you and how often? These crucial decisions, which determine the success of a profile, are made by Tinder’s algorithm, the inner workings of which remain a mystery, but from which we have been able to draw many conclusions.

After doing a bit of research and having used Tinder regularly for quite a long time (longer than we’d like), here at Euroinnova we’ll tell you what is known about how the algorithm from Tinder.

The original Tinder algorithm: simple, but outdated

This algorithm, previously used by Tinder, was named Elo. Firstly, it’s worth noting that Tinder’s Elo algorithm wasn’t at all complex when it first started: the profiles it shows you depend largely on your location and your age filters. It also takes into account each user’s rating.

This score or user ranking was determined by Tinder’s algorithm, which analysed how many ‘likes’ (swipes to the right) each user received. The more ‘megusta’ you received, the more points you were awarded. So, Tinder also tended to show you users with a similar score.

This is based on the premise of connecting users who are “in the same league”, which Tinder calls “desirability”.

According to the exact wording on Tinder’s official website: “Elo is now a thing of the past on Tinder. It is an outdated algorithm and our cutting-edge technology no longer relies on it.”. ”We’ve done without Elo.".

Tinder’s current algorithm, which is far more complex

Whilst Tinder’s current algorithm is more advanced than Elo, it remains fairly straightforward and takes into account a finite number of parameters. Based on official information and our extensive experience with Tinder, we can say that the current Tinder algorithm takes the following factors into account:

Age and location

These were, are and will continue to be the main matching criteria. And it makes sense: you want to meet someone of the right age and with whom you can meet in person as easily as possible. Despite being a virtual platform, Tinder knows that its users prefer to meet face to face.

Activity

Tinder takes your level of activity on the app very seriously: how often you swipe, how often you reply to messages, amongst other factors that depend entirely on the user. A user who rarely replies to messages or who logs into the app just once a week won’t see their profile appear very often to other users. Tinder doesn’t want us to waste our time!

Descriptions and preferences

Recently, Tinder has been adding new sections to profile bios to encourage its users to include more details about their lives. As such, Tinder also analyses profile information and prioritises matches with users who share similar preferences based on what they have written.

Photos

It’s no surprise that Tinder is increasingly encouraging users to post more and better-quality photos. After all, Tinder is like a shop window, and photos are the most decisive factor in whether a user swipes right or left. 

Tinder can then analyse the general content of the photo, categorise it and compare its performance with other users. This way, if you swipe right on lots of profiles featuring photos from festivals or outdoor events, Tinder will understand that you’re drawn to these hobbies and lifestyles, and will show you profiles that are more in line with your interests.

Likes and nopes

In a way, this is a continuation of the old Elo algorithm we explained earlier. Tinder still takes into account how often users swipe right and left on your profile. So Tinder continues to match you with users who, it assumes, are in the same league as you. In turn, it will tend to prioritise other users with whom those you’ve previously interacted with have matched, as it assumes you’ll have similar interests and tastes.

Furthermore, it should be borne in mind that the algorithm also favours users of Tinder Premium, after all, they’ve paid for it. However, this isn’t such a decisive factor in the app; it doesn’t matter how much you pay – if your profile doesn’t make an impression, you’ll get the same number of matches with or without Premium, since The algorithm works in the same way.

How do you hack the Tinder algorithm?

Firstly, it’s worth pointing out that you cannot, literally, hack or manipulate Tinder’s algorithm, as it is inaccessible. However, you can take a number of simple steps to optimise your profile so that the algorithm favours you over other profiles.

Photos

• First stunning photo: Make sure your first photo is high-quality, well-lit and shows off your best features. Smile and look at the camera to create a more direct connection.

• Variety and quality: Upload a few photos that show different aspects of your life, such as photos taken outdoors, with friends (without making them the main focus), and doing activities you enjoy. This will help the algorithm match you with profiles that are more similar to yours.

• Don’t let all your photos be selfies: Although a selfie is fine, try not to make all your photos selfies, as they can look repetitive. Try to post photos taken by other people from different angles that accurately reflect your appearance.

Biography

• Be genuine and concise: An interesting bio that gets straight to the point and showcases your personality and interests will make you come across as more genuine and attract more matches. Come up with an original bio and steer clear of mediocrity.

• Use keywords: Include your interests and hobbies in your bio. Tinder’s algorithm takes shared preferences into account, so mention activities you enjoy and would like to share with a partner.

• Update your profile regularly: Uploading new photos and updating your bio can freshen up your profile and make it more appealing to new users and the algorithm.

Activity

• Log in regularly: The algorithm favours active users. Try to log in every day and spend at least a few minutes swiping and replying to messages.

• Reply quickly: Reply to messages as soon as possible. How quickly you reply also affects your profile’s visibility. If you’re certain you won’t be chatting to someone, unmatch them or don’t swipe right in the first place. Tinder takes its users’ regular activity very seriously.

Boosts

• Peak times: Use the boosts during peak times, usually in the evening or at weekends, when the most users are online.

• Boost your visibility strategically: Boosts temporarily increase your profile’s visibility, so they’re a good investment if you’re looking to get more matches quickly.

Swipe wisely

• Be selective: Don’t swipe right indiscriminately. Unfortunately, this is particularly common amongst men due to their sheer lack of judgement when looking for a partner. The algorithm penalises users who do this, deeming them less desirable. Women can sense it too! Be selective and only swipe right when you’re genuinely interested in someone.

• Authentic interactions: By interacting with profiles that genuinely interest you and to which you devote a little time, you increase your chances of matching with compatible people.

New features

• Videos and highlights: If Tinder offers options to upload videos or ‘Moments’, make use of them. These features can boost your visibility and show more sides to your personality.

• Special moments: Take part in the shared activities and interests offered by Tinder. Sometimes, the app runs small campaigns to mark key events throughout the year (Valentine’s Day, Christmas). Why not give them a go to meet more people!

A positive attitude

• Avoid negativity: In both your photos and your bio, maintain a positive attitude. Negativity is a trait that will cause many potential matches to swipe left and dismiss your profile, which will lower your desirability score and reduce your visibility.