How to Pick a Tinder Photo That'll Actually Make People Swipe Right

Photo credit: grinvalds - Getty Images
Photo credit: grinvalds - Getty Images

From Men's Health

While we all look for a good sense of humor, intelligence, and loyalty from our potential life partners, the fact remains that humans are a visual species. And when it comes to dating apps, it's a matter of seconds before someone decides if they want to swipe left or right on you.

Tinder is one of the most popular of dating apps, but it can be hard to know how to get a good photo for your profile. The app used to only allow photos from your Facebook, but they've since relaxed the rules to also allow photos from your phone gallery. There are no hard and fast rules for what kind of photos you should and shouldn't post on your profile, but listen: I've seen a lot of profiles, and I know what's a turn-on—and what's not. (And before you ask—yes, you do need to post a picture on your Tinder profile.)

Here, I came up with some tips on how to pick the best photos for your Tinder profile.

Tip #1: Always start with a clear shot of your face.

The first tip is the most simple one, yet it's the hardest for some people to follow. While filters and hand-over-face photos are fun and ~mysterious~, the good people of Tinder just want to see your face. Go for a headshot photo, or one from the waist up.

Tip #2: Vacation pics are always a safe bet.

Want to show that you're open-minded, worldly, and up for a good time? Post a photo from your last vacation.

Photo credit: grinvalds - Getty Images
Photo credit: grinvalds - Getty Images

Tip #3: Group photos should be used sparingly.

Picture this: I open my app, click on your profile, and get hit with a series of group photos. I have no idea which friend you are, so I'm swiping left ASAP! Sorry!

If your group photos tend to capture your best angle, keep them to a minimum (no more than two), and push them to the end of your series of pictures, so people can see how you look without four bros flanking you.

Tip #4: Pictures with kids that are not your own can be iffy.

Yes, your niece is super adorable, and yes, studies have shown that women are more attracted to guys that are good with kids, but people are going to wonder if that's your child! If you insist on keeping the photo, here's how you should clarify it.

Tip #5: No pictures of a car. Like, just the car.

My friend had a succinct answer when I asked her about her Tinder pet peeves: You are not a car. You are a human. The end.

Tip #6: Variety is key.

You can have up to six photos on Tinder, and while you don't have to use all six spots, it's nice to have a bunch of different photos to express that dazzling personality of yours.

Tip #7: Hunting photos are not sexy.

We get it. You killed something, and now you want to show it off. However, the sight of a dead animal carcass isn't likely to get someone to swipe right on you. And if you've killed an endangered animal like a rhino or a sea turtle, then 1. you should stop; and 2. nobody will like you.

Tip #8: Pictures with a pet are always good.

If you have a pet—specifically one of the cute and cuddly kind—adding a photo with said pet is said to increase your number of matches.

Tip #9: Shirtless pics should be done tastefully.

You worked hard for that body and you deserve to show it of, dammit! But, you're going to want to be careful about which photo you pick for your profile. A shirtless photo of you on the beach? Go for it. A headless mirror selfie where all we see is your torso? Hard pass.

Tip #10: When all else fails, just make sure your photo is high-quality.

A blurry, hard-to-see photo is fun for no one, so make your all of your photos are clear and not grainy. Another tip is that since Tinder only uses square images, you want to double check that your photos are cropped correctly.

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