Does Tinder Hold Back Matches?

As with most people on Tinder, they’ve always complained about whether or not the platform was keeping hold of matches, maybe to a paywall, or after a certain time range.

Either way, if you’re here, you’re likely stuck with a low match count. So let’s go over this possible “myth” and see whether there is any truth to it.

Does Tinder Hold Back Matches?

So, let’s get straight to the point.

The short answer to this question is a bit more complicated than a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

To truly understand how this works, we first need to take a look at Tinder’s algorithm.

For those who might not know, an algorithm, in the world of tech, is a set of rules or processes a software uses to perform a task. In Tinder’s case, the task is to sort through thousands of profiles and suggest the ones you might be interested in.

Now, Tinder has always been somewhat secretive about the precise workings of their algorithm, and it’s not hard to see why.

This is essentially the secret sauce that makes the app successful. And basically, no app would reveal its algorithm to the open.

That aside…

What we know about the Hinge algorithm is that it’s designed to learn from your swiping behaviors and preferences to curate a list of matches. It’s almost as if the app is attempting to figure out your ‘type’.

It’s also important to understand that Tinder uses an Elo score, or desirability rating, to decide which profiles to show you. This score is a measure of how desirable your profile is to others, and it influences how often and to whom your profile is shown.

So, is Tinder hiding matches from you? Well, in a sense, you could say that. The app’s algorithm, based on your swiping behavior and Elo score, decides who to show you.

It doesn’t exactly withhold matches, but it does prioritize certain profiles over others. But remember, this process isn’t about tricking you; it’s about optimizing the chances of a ‘right swipe’ – a match.

Why do you Barely get Matches on Tinder or Get once in a While?

There are a few reasons why this happens, and the key to understanding this lies in the inner workings of the platform algorithm, which we touched on earlier.

First off, it’s important to understand that the Tinder algorithm rewards active users.

So if you’re someone who opens the app only once a week, you might find yourself with fewer matches than someone who’s swiping daily.

The reasoning behind this is quite simple: the more active you are, the more likely you are to engage with your matches, which ultimately is what Tinder wants.

The Elo score we mentioned earlier also plays a role.

If you’re swiping right on every profile, Tinder might interpret this as a sign of desperation, lowering your Elo score and thus, the quality and quantity of your matches.

On the other hand, if you’re too picky and swipe left on too many profiles, Tinder might think you’re not interested in meeting anyone, which could also negatively affect your match rate.

Something else to consider is your bio and profile pictures.

Your first picture especially plays a huge role in getting that coveted right swipe. Make sure it’s a clear, good quality picture of you. And your bio? It’s a great place to showcase your personality and interests, so don’t leave it empty!

Lastly, new users on Tinder often experience what’s known as a “noob boost”, which is essentially a temporary boost in visibility.

This often results in a higher number of matches when you first sign up. As this boost wears off, you might notice a decrease in matches.

How to get a Better Success Rate on Tinder

1. Fix your Photos

Your profile pictures make the strongest first impression. Ensure your first picture is a clear, well-lit photo of you, ideally smiling.

People are drawn to positivity and warmth.

You also want to keep your sunglasses and hats off, people want to see your face! And remember, variety is key – a mix of candid and posed photos could go a long way in showing off different aspects of your personality.

2. Make your Bio Active

Your bio is your chance to convey your personality, your interests, and what you’re looking for. Be honest, but also remember to keep things light and engaging. Humor, if done right, can be a great ice breaker.

In the same vein, you also want to stay active and engage on the platform. Remember, Tinder’s algorithm rewards users who are active. The more you swipe and interact, the more you’re shown to other people.

3. Swipe Properly

Be mindful of how you’re swiping. A common misconception is that swiping right on everyone increases your chances of a match. This approach could actually hinder your success, as Tinder might see this as spammy behavior. Be selective, but not overly picky.

Conclusion

The bottom line? The profiles you see are not a complete representation of all available users in your area. They’re a selection made by Tinder’s algorithm, determined by various factors, aiming to increase the likelihood of successful matches. So yes, in a way, Tinder is holding back matches – but not without reason.