What really matters is what you do with what you have. ― H.G. Wells
At its core, an algorithm is a set of rules followed to get a certain outcome. Algorithms calculate the fastest route to get to work, what the weather's like tomorrow, and, more importantly, which people to match together online.
Knowing how dating service algorithms work can ensure that you see the profiles you're interested in and that they see yours.
Algorithmic Rules
Unfortunately, each dating service has its own algorithm with its own rules that determine which profiles get shown to whom, what order to show profiles, and more. So, as you might have guessed, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Thankfully, here are a few key findings that you can use to your advantage:
Don't like/match everyone
Most dating algorithms don't like that [1, 2]. If you think you can cheat the system by liking every user you see, you're making a big mistake!
Most dating algorithms use previous data—like who you matched with—to determine which people to show you next. Like a profile with caution.
Update your profile often
Rewriting your bio, replacing your profile pictures, and changing any other feature of your profile is something that most dating algorithms look for [1, 2].
Users who update their profile are those who care about it. And the algorithm rewards users who care about their profile with more views. Update often.
Start matching at 9PM
This might not work for everyone, but many of the population use their dating services around 9 PM [1, 2].
Hopping on with everyone else positively impacts the number of matches you get, as the recently active profiles are usually shown to others first. Match at 9 PM.
Use complete sentences
Enough said [1, 2]. Well, maybe not. We'll cover how to keep your online conversations going on the next page.
Be active every day
Most dating algorithms really like when their users are very active [1, 2]. If you're more active, you're more eager to find a "mate".
And eager users will often pay money to get paid features—something every dating service wants. Therefore, most dating services reward active users by showing their profiles to more users, hoping the constant influx of likes will get them to pay a subscription fee. Be active.
Expand your expectations
Based on expert advice from eHarmony [1], many of the long-term relationships began with two people that didn't immediately think "this is the one".
Consider each profile you don't like carefully. Their images may be deceiving, their bios poorly written, yet they didn't have this guide.
Don't start with "hi" or "hey"
We'll go over the best ways to start your conversations soon. Hang in there.
Ask for their number between the 20th and 30th message
Interesting, right? The range between the 20th and 30th message ensures that both of you have something to discuss and that both parties are interested [1].
How dating algorithms work is a closely guarded secret—for good reason. If everyone knew how your dating algorithm worked, then they'd exploit it to their own benefit. Not good.
If you happen to stumble upon any dating algorithm research in the future, let us know! We'll update this guide with new and improved information.
The cheat sheet
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Since we despise sending emails, you'll only get notified every 3 to 4 months when the guides are updated and/or published. Specifically, this guide's updates will include improved online dating methods, better pick-up lines, and more.
If you've already signed up for the newsletter, cool. If not, we don't care. Well, maybe a little.
3. Your Profile
5. Chatting Online