Hinge Likes vs. Comments: What Gets Better Results?

Online dating can feel like trying to stand out in a crowded room where everyone is holding up signs that say, "Pick me!" If you're on Hinge, you've probably wondered: is it better to simply like someone's profile, or should you take the time to leave a comment? Which one actually leads to more matches, better conversations, and ultimately, real-life connections? Let's break it down and figure out the best way to make an impression that lasts.

How Hinge Works: Likes vs. Comments

Unlike other dating apps where you just swipe left or right, Hinge lets you engage with someone's profile in a more interactive way. Instead of swiping, you can "like" a specific part of their profile—whether it’s a photo or an answer to one of their prompts—or you can leave a comment along with your like.

• Likes: You can send a like on a photo or a written prompt without saying anything. It’s quick, effortless, and requires zero creativity.

• Comments: You can add a comment to a specific photo or prompt. This takes more effort but also shows personality and genuine interest.

Since Hinge is designed to "be deleted" (their way of saying they want you to find a real relationship), meaningful interactions matter more than mindless swiping. So which method gives you better results?

Do Comments Get You More Matches?

In short: yes. Comments tend to increase your chances of getting a response. Here’s why:

1. Comments Make You Stand Out

Hinge users—especially women—receive a flood of likes daily. If you’re just one more name in their queue, you might never get noticed. A comment, however, puts you in the spotlight because it shows effort and engagement.

According to a discussion on Reddit, many users agree that comments significantly boost their response rates. One user noted, “I get so many likes that I just ignore most of them. But if a guy comments on something interesting in my profile, I’m much more likely to reply.” (Reddit)

2. Hinge’s Algorithm Favors Engagement

Dating apps want people to have real conversations, not just mindlessly tap hearts. If your comments lead to better engagement, Hinge’s algorithm may push your profile to more people. This means more visibility and more potential matches.

3. Comments Start Conversations More Easily

Let’s face it—responding to a simple "like" isn’t always exciting. But if someone comments, “Your travel photos are amazing! What’s the coolest place you’ve visited?” it invites an actual conversation. Questions or fun remarks make it easier for someone to reply.

A study on online dating by Dr. Khalid Khan from Queen Mary University of London found that messages with specific comments or questions are more than twice as likely to receive a response than generic messages. (Queen Mary University)

When Should You Just Like Instead of Commenting?

While comments are usually more effective, there are times when a simple like might be the better move:

• If their profile is minimal: If there’s little information to comment on, a like might be the best option.

• If they have a ton of likes already: Some people get overwhelmed with comments and might prefer just seeing a list of likes.

• If you’re not sure what to say: A weak or awkward comment can sometimes be worse than no comment at all.

How to Write a Comment That Gets a Response

Not all comments are created equal. If you’re going to take the time to comment, make sure it’s something that increases your chances of getting a reply. Here’s how:

1. Be Specific

Instead of saying, “Nice smile,” try: “That’s an awesome hiking photo! Where was it taken?” Specificity shows genuine interest.

2. Use Humor

If someone has a funny prompt answer, play along! For example:

• Their prompt: “The way to my heart is... tacos.”

• Your comment: “Okay, but are we talking soft-shell or crunchy? This could be a dealbreaker.”

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

If you ask a yes-or-no question, you might get a yes-or-no answer (or no answer at all). Instead, ask something that sparks conversation:

• “Your dog looks like a total goofball—what’s their name?”

• “That’s an amazing travel shot! What’s your dream destination?”

4. Avoid Overused Lines

If you’ve seen it on Twitter or TikTok a hundred times, they’ve seen it too. Be original!

Final Verdict: Likes or Comments?

If you’re serious about making meaningful connections, comments are the clear winner. They help you stand out, spark conversations, and increase the chances of getting a response. But if you’re short on time or not sure what to say, a well-placed like can still work—just don’t rely on it too much.

Want more dating tips? Check out our other articles on how to craft the perfect Hinge profile and what makes a great first message!