What Men and Women Look for on Hinge (According to Data)

Hinge is one of the most popular dating apps out there, but what exactly are people looking for when they swipe, like, or comment? Are men and women on the same page, or are they scrolling through profiles with entirely different goals? Luckily, data and research give us some surprising (and not-so-surprising) insights into what attracts people on Hinge and what they’re really searching for in a potential match.

Men vs. Women: Different Approaches to Dating Apps

A 2021 study by Stanford sociologist Dr. Michael Rosenfeld found that dating apps are now the most common way for couples to meet. However, men and women tend to use them slightly differently. While men often swipe right more frequently, women are generally more selective. This aligns with Hinge’s own internal data, which suggests that women on the app send fewer likes but receive more overall engagement.

What Men Look for on Hinge

1. Attractive and Clear Photos

According to Hinge’s data, men tend to focus heavily on profile photos. Research from the University of Texas found that visual cues play a significant role in male attraction, with clear, high-quality images receiving significantly more engagement.

What Works:

• Bright, well-lit photos showing a clear view of the face

• Full-body shots (preferably without excessive filters)

• Candid images that show personality (sports, hobbies, or pets score well)

What Doesn’t:

• Group photos where it’s unclear who the person is

• Low-resolution, blurry, or overly edited pictures

• Photos that don’t showcase a smile or seem unapproachable

2. Personality and Humor in Prompts

Men on Hinge appreciate witty, engaging, and playful responses to prompts. A study from the University of Kansas found that humor plays a crucial role in attraction, particularly for men, who view it as a sign of intelligence and confidence.

Best Performing Prompt Responses:

• “The way to my heart is… mastering the perfect breakfast burrito.”

• “Dating me is like… binging an amazing TV show—fun, exciting, and maybe a little addictive.”

3. Shared Interests and Compatibility

While initial attraction plays a role, men also look for compatibility when reading profiles. Hinge reports that men tend to engage more with women who share similar hobbies and interests.

Top Interests That Attract Men:

• Fitness and sports

• Travel and adventure

• Food and cooking

• Pets (especially dogs)

What Women Look for on Hinge

1. Well-Written and Thoughtful Profiles

Unlike men, who tend to rely on visual attraction, women are more likely to be drawn to well-crafted profiles. Hinge’s data shows that women prefer profiles where men put effort into their responses rather than just answering prompts with one-word or generic phrases.

Winning Profile Strategies:

• Detailed, engaging responses to prompts

• A mix of humor and sincerity

• A bio that gives insight into personality and values

2. Confidence Without Arrogance

A 2018 study from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that confidence is one of the most attractive traits in men. However, women on Hinge tend to prefer confidence displayed through humor and self-awareness rather than overt bragging.

Examples of Confident But Not Cocky Responses:

• “Most spontaneous thing I’ve done? Booked a flight to Italy because I was craving authentic pasta.”

• “I geek out on astrophysics… but only in a way that won’t make your eyes glaze over.”

3. Emotional Maturity and Relationship Intentions

Women on Hinge are more likely than men to filter profiles based on relationship intent. Hinge’s data shows that women tend to engage more with profiles where men indicate they’re looking for something serious rather than casual.

What Signals Emotional Maturity?

• Mentioning values or long-term goals

• Avoiding vague or non-committal answers about dating intentions

• Sharing experiences that reflect self-awareness and personal growth

Common Ground: What Both Men and Women Value

1. Authenticity and Realness

Both men and women appreciate genuine, unfiltered profiles. Studies have shown that authenticity is linked to higher engagement rates on dating apps. This means no overly curated personas—people want the real you.

2. Good Conversation Starters

Hinge encourages interaction through prompts, and the best matches come from engaging, conversation-worthy answers. Profiles that leave room for fun, curiosity, or deeper discussion tend to perform better across the board.

3. Effort and Engagement

People can tell when a profile was thrown together in two minutes versus one that has effort behind it. Whether it’s choosing the right pictures or writing thoughtful responses, effort goes a long way in making a profile stand out.

Final Thoughts

So, what do men and women look for on Hinge? While men tend to focus more on visual appeal and shared interests, women prioritize thoughtful profiles, emotional maturity, and well-crafted responses. The key to success? A mix of authenticity, effort, and personality. If you’re looking to step up your dating game, check out more of our expert insights on crafting the perfect profile, decoding dating trends, and making meaningful connections!