Meeting Your Match: 5 Foolproof Ways to Create the Best Tinder Bio

Tinder was hardly the first dating app or website. Indeed, Kiss.com launched 18 years earlier, in 1994, followed by Match.com in 1995. Then came the likes of JDate, Christian Mingle, eHarmony OKCupid, Grindr and -- you get the picture. But Tinder emerged in 2012 to become a dominant force in online dating. So, how do you stand out from the more than 6 million other monthly subscribers? You create the best Tinder bio, of course. Or at least one that's better than the other users in your area.

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The secret to Tinder's success is that it's remarkably easy to use, and so enjoyable that it's almost addictive. People can spend hours swiping right on potential matches they like, and left on those they reject. Then they peruse the images and bios of anyone with whom they have matched.

What Is a Tinder Profile, and Why Is It Important?

If you’re using Tinder primarily for fun, then your bio doesn’t matter that much. You can alleviate boredom for hours by simply browsing profiles and photos. However, if you're looking to truly connect, with the possibility of a meaningful relationship, then you need to have the best possible images of yourself. You'll also require a great Tinder bio that will catch the attention of that man or woman who's making a split-second decision about which way to swipe.

If you match well on Tinder because of your pleasant photos and a great bio, soon enough you’ll be on a date -- potentially with that special someone. And, hey, if all goes well, you can delete Tinder.

How to Write a Good Tinder Bio for Men

The best Tinder bio for a man to create is one that’s brief, amusing and clear. There’s no magic bullet or must-have aspects that a man has to include. Except maybe for good grammar, and proper spelling and punctuation. (Make sure you've sorted out "your" vs. "you're," and "there" vs. "their.")

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However, it’s best to keep it short and simple. Keep things positive, overall. It’s OK to mention a couple of pet peeves, or even a “con” to dating you, as long as you’re doing so in a lighthearted manner.

And, by all means, include some of your interests – they're what make you interesting, after all. But don't include your dislikes, which are different than pet peeves. We’ll talk more about that later.

How to Write a Good Tinder Bio for Women

Women’s Tinder bios generally work along the same lines as men’s Tinder bios; they are best when they are simple, funny, and brief. What women can afford to do in their Tinder bios in a way men often can’t is to be a bit more flirty, especially when a bit of innuendo is laced with excellent humor.

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And as with a man’s Tinder bio, it’s a good idea to mention a few of your likes, as this allows potential matches to find common ground, while it’s not a good idea to go negative, unless you are doing so in a tongue-in-cheek manner.

5 Tips for Writing a Great Tinder Bio

Generally speaking, men and women can use the same approach to writing a great Tinder bio. Here are five tips to keep in mind when crafting that all-important text, in 500 characters or less.

1. Be Honest in Your Bio

It's essential that you're honest in your Tinder bio. Don't misrepresent yourself. There’s no crime of omission here, but saying something untrue or misleading is never OK. It starts any potential relationship on a dishonest footing, and means you will have to come clean at some point, potentially imperiling what could have been a good thing. Or else you’ll have to live a lie for as long as the relationship lasts.

2. Share a Few of the Things You Love

It can be dogs or cats, music or movies, or food. Whether those interests are listed, shared in clever emoji, or written out, it’s imperative that you share a few of the things you enjoy or care about. That's both because it can help people to identify common interests, and because it helps you to come across as a positive person.

3. Ask a Question

Here are some examples of good questions to pose in your bio: “What’s your desert island album?” “What’s the best meal you ever ate?” “What’s your idea of a perfect evening?” By asking a question, you pique interest, invite engagement, and make it easier for the other party to start a conversation.

4. Be Clear About Your Intentions

It's fine if you're using Tinder primarily to find some casual romantic opportunities. But be honest about that so you don’t match with someone whose funny bio is part of a plan to find true love. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a long-term relationship, be clear about that, too, so you filter out those seeking hookups.

5. Mind Your Grammar and Punctuation

Unless you are using improper grammar or punctuation as a joke, then you should make sure your Tinder bio is well-written. You may lose potentially great matches who are turned off by your perceived lack of intellect, or that you can't be bothered to take the time to proofread.

Mistakes to Avoid in Your Tinder Bio

It's probably a great -- or at least good -- Tinder bio if it’s free from these common mistakes.

1. Filling Your Tinder Bio with Anger

Your Tinder bio is no place for spouting off about other people, calling out exes, sharing hateful or prejudiced ideology, or being angry, rude or judgmental. Keep it light and positive.

2. Writing False or Misleading Information

We already mentioned honesty, but it’s so important that we’re also spelling it out here: Don’t put false or misleading information in your Tinder bio. It will undermine any potential relationship you might have otherwise formed. The only exception to this rule is when the “false” info is an obvious joke.

3. Making Excuses for Being on a Dating App

Everyone on Tinder is using a dating app, it’s not the least bit of a logical source of embarrassment or shame. Don’t write something like “I’m only on Tinder for fun” or “This is so not me to use a dating app” or anything like that. It’s normal and entirely OK to use Tinder and to do so proudly.

4. Listing Requirements for Matches

Far too many Tinder bios say things like “if you’re under 6-foot-tall, don’t swipe,” or “If you’re not a college grad, we’re not a match." This is an immediate turn-off. It will filter out potentially great matches who see you as arrogant, short-sighted, or simply too high-maintenance.

5. Not Making a Tinder Bio at All

Sure, you could leave your Tinder bio blank, and let your photo do all of the work. But unless you are one of the most attractive people on the app, that’s a surefire way to lose matches. Even if you are good-looking, a blank bio means your Tinder profile is only likely to attract superficial people. Take the time to make a bio, and to be sure it's a good one.

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