{"id":130987,"date":"2019-03-19T22:38:52","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T21:38:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=130987"},"modified":"2025-07-01T22:12:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T05:12:28","slug":"bumble-dating-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/bumble-dating-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Your complete guide to dating with Bumble"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-132919\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/bumble_700.jpg\" alt=\"Bumble\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You might know <a href=\"https:\/\/bumble.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bumble<\/a> as that dating app where <strong>women make the first move.<\/strong> The women-centric app aims to give users a less sleazy platform for finding dates online \u2014 as compared to Tinder, Plenty of Fish, or OK Cupid, that is.<\/p>\n<p>Bumble is a good option for people looking for serious relationships or something more casual. It\u2019s got a <strong>relatively equal gender balance<\/strong>, and according to the app\u2019s data, roughly 60% of matches result in a conversation.<\/p>\n<p>While an increasing number of us meet our dates \u2014 and potential mates \u2014 on the apps, it can be daunting if you\u2019re new to the \u201cbeehive.\u201d Below, we\u2019ve put together a guide to getting started on Bumble, plus a look at some of the key features.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-program\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-program__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__img\" alt=\"Bumble\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sftcdn.net\/images\/t_app-logo-l,f_auto,dpr_auto\/p\/6890cfba-9b26-11e6-b63b-00163ec9f5fa\/1870938468\/bumble-logo.png\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-title\">\r\n        <span class=\"sc-card-program__title\">Bumble<\/span>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-program__button sc-card-program-internal\" href=\"https:\/\/bumble.en.softonic.com\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Download Free<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-program__col-rating\">\r\n        <svg class=\"rating-score__content\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0\" y=\"0\" viewbox=\"0 0 50 50\" enable-background=\"new 0 0 50 50\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path class=\"rating-score__background rating-score--good\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><path class=\"rating-score__value rating-score__value--60\" fill=\"none\" stroke-width=\"6\" stroke-dashoffset=\"60\" stroke-miterlimit=\"10\" d=\"M40 40c8.3-8.3 8.3-21.7 0-30s-21.7-8.3-30 0 -8.3 21.7 0 30\"><\/path><text class=\"rating-score__number\" content=\"6\" text-anchor=\"middle\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 1 25 31.0837)\" data-auto=\"app-user-score\">6<\/text><\/svg>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <span class=\"sc-card-program__description\"><\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-program__row\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-program__bigpic\" src=\"\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-program__link track-link sc-card-program-internal\" href=\"https:\/\/bumble.en.softonic.com\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h2>How does Bumble work?<\/h2>\n<p>Like Tinder, Bumble is all about the swipes. <strong>Swipe right on a potential match, left if you\u2019d rather pass.<\/strong> If two users indicate interest, a \u201cconnection\u201d is made. From there, you can start sending messages.<\/p>\n<p>For straight daters, only the woman can send the initial message. From there, the man can respond and hopefully, the conversation takes off. With same-sex couples, either person can send the first message after that initial connection is made.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Once that initial message is sent, the recipient has 24 hours to respond, or else the message disappears.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The women-first approach was intended to provide women with a dating app that put them in control of the experience. Other apps, unfortunately, are known for guys sending bulk messages and unsolicited nudes, which really knocks the experience down a few pegs.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 28px;font-weight: 900\">Create a Bumble profile<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-131540 aligncenter\" title=\"bumble profile\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/Screen_Shot_2019-02-27_at_3.15.27_PM.jpg\" alt=\"profile example\" width=\"289\" height=\"500\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Where you used to need a Facebook account to access Bumble, CEO Whitney Wolfe removed this requirement last year in the wake of the whole Cambridge Analytica debacle.<\/p>\n<h3>What should I write in my Bumble profile, anyway?<\/h3>\n<p>Look, people already assume that you like going on vacation or eating food. \u00a0And on Bumble, you\u2019ve only got 300 characters to package your charm and personality in a way someone else might be into.<\/p>\n<p>A few options:<\/p>\n<p>A rundown of your likes: <strong>Unique likes.<\/strong> Not walks on the beach, rather a few things that make you stand out. These ladies have the right idea:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-131541 aligncenter\" title=\"list of likes profile\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/Screen_Shot_2019-02-22_at_7.25.45_PM.jpg\" alt=\"profile examples bumble\" width=\"700\" height=\"567\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Quotes<\/strong> \u2014 a reference to a movie, song, or book can help you cut through the noise and help you find someone who \u201cgets\u201d you. Too obscure and you might isolate potential matches.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Personal statement:<\/strong> here, this line up of dudes have a self-deprecating approach \u2014 citing pretentious hobbies, Harry Potter, and adding a little suggestion of vulnerability.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-131542 aligncenter\" title=\"pros, cons bumble profile\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/Screen_Shot_2019-02-22_at_7.18.47_PM.jpg\" alt=\"bio bumble\" width=\"700\" height=\"391\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Pros and cons list:<\/strong> look, it\u2019s not the same as <a href=\"http:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/answer-job-interview-questions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">that dreaded interview question<\/a> \u2014 what are your greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses? See below \u2014 kind of a cute approach, no?<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-131593 aligncenter\" title=\"bumble a list of pros and cons\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/Screen_Shot_2019-02-22_at_7.20.53_PM.jpg\" alt=\"bumble bio pro con example\" width=\"700\" height=\"671\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Dating profile photos<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-131543 aligncenter\" title=\"bumble don'ts\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/Screen_Shot_2019-02-27_at_3.13.22_PM.jpg\" alt=\"things to avoid bumble profile\" width=\"700\" height=\"379\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Picking the right profile pics is tricky. You want to look appealing, but not like you\u2019re trying too hard. Off the bat, you\u2019ll want to make sure that pictures represent who you are in real life. That means things like age, weight, and style should be close to what they can expect when you eventually meet up.<\/p>\n<p>As per Bumble, your first post is your \u201ccalling card.\u201d It should be your standout, most attractive pic in the lineup. Here are a few things to include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Smile<\/strong> \u2014 Putting your best face forward means projecting warmth and approachability \u2014 so, smile! Most people are hoping they find someone happy, with a good sense of humor.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Action<\/strong> \u2014 a pic or two where you\u2019re running a race, skateboarding, skiing, whatever activity you do can reveal more about your personality than a pouty selfie.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Recent<\/strong> \u2014 Again, needs to look like you. If your images are 10 years old or 20 pounds in one direction or another, your date is in for an IRL surprise.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Be the focus<\/strong> \u2014 choose pictures where you are front and center. Definitely no bridesmaid\/groomsmen shots, group dinners, you get the idea. Sure, maybe you want to prove that you have friends, but it\u2019s better to stick to images where you\u2019re the only one in the foreground.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Oh, and in case you\u2019re wondering \u2014 the magic number when it comes to how many pictures to include is apparently <strong>six<\/strong>. That\u2019s enough to present a few looks \u2014 and contexts \u2014 but it\u2019s more highlight reel than your entire feed.<\/p>\n<p>OKCupid did a pretty <a href=\"https:\/\/theblog.okcupid.com\/dont-be-ugly-by-accident-b378f261dea4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">in-depth study of what makes online dating profile pictures successful<\/a> back in 2010, but it&#8217;s possible some of that has changed since then.<\/p>\n<h2>Chatting on Bumble<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-131544 aligncenter\" title=\"chatting on bumble\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/Screen_Shot_2019-02-27_at_3.16.35_PM.jpg\" alt=\"bumble chat screen\" width=\"497\" height=\"500\" \/><\/p>\n<h3>Opening remarks<\/h3>\n<p>Oh man\u2026 nothing is worse than an inbox full of &#8220;heys&#8221;. That\u2019s the equivalent of someone \u201cpoking you\u201d on Facebook. It\u2019s dumb, pointless, and puts the communications onus on the recipient.<\/p>\n<p>Some people like to open with a cute one-liner or a joke, but not everyone loves this approach. That\u2019s fine.<\/p>\n<p>On the one hand, that creativity can make you stand out, but others might feel pressured to compete by coming up with a wittier response. Which, let\u2019s face it, may slow down the flow of the conversation.<\/p>\n<h3>Ask questions<\/h3>\n<p>Sounds basic, but when we get nervous, the tendency is to talk about ourselves. As such, remember to ask questions.<\/p>\n<p>Asking a question about something in their profile is probably the safest bet. Sure, it\u2019s a little tired, but that\u2019s because it works.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, asking a question means, they\u2019ll likely hit the ball back \u2014 answer, then ask you a question\u2026 which \u2014 boom, that\u2019s a conversation.<\/p>\n<p>One at a time, though. And keep it simple. Start by asking questions that reveal what kind of food they like, where they\u2019re from, and work up into common interests.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-card-starred-link\">\r\n  <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__body\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__row clearfix\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-logo\">\r\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sc-card-starred-link__img\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2019\/02\/run-runner-exercise-192.jpg\" width=\"100px\" height=\"100px\">\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-card-starred-link__col-title\">\r\n        <p class=\"sc-card-starred-link__title\">Complete guide to self-improvement: mind and body<\/p>\r\n        <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__button\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/smarter-faster-stronger-self-improvement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\">Read Now \u25ba<\/a>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <a class=\"sc-card-starred-link__link\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/smarter-faster-stronger-self-improvement\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer sponsored\"><\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>Keep it light<\/h3>\n<p>Save the tough conversations for when you\u2019re in a real relationship. Hate to be harsh, but try to stay on the fun, playful side of the conversational spectrum. Flirtatious banter, benign sarcasm, and witty comebacks work best here.<\/p>\n<h3>Cut to the chase<\/h3>\n<p>Look, it\u2019s good to text a bit before meeting someone outright. But one of the most frustrating things about the online dating scene is the people who use the app to text with no plans for a meeting.<\/p>\n<p>For one, sometimes you have a great rapport with someone via text but not in person, or vice-versa. We all have friends and family that totally suck at texting, but they\u2019re funny, smart, whatever, in person.<\/p>\n<p>Second, texting can get in the way of the actual meeting. Be direct and ask the person if they are interested in going on a date \u2014 at a specific time and place. Don\u2019t just say, \u201cHey, let\u2019s go out sometime\u201d \u2014 we all know that\u2019s just code for, \u201cWe are never going to meet.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>From there the person can just say \u201cSure, that sounds great.\u201d Or they\u2019ll give you another time\/place that works better or well, say no. In any case \u2014 the goal is to establish an initial meeting or find out if there&#8217;s a mutual interest.<\/p>\n<h2>Is Bumble free?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-132920\" src=\"https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2021\/04\/dating_love_apps_700.jpg\" alt=\"dating apps\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Mostly, yes. You don\u2019t need to enter your CC info to sign up, but there are some in-app purchases that unlock access to better features. Bumble boost is $10 a month and gives you a list of users who \u201cliked\u201d you.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s Rematch, which keeps expired matches in your queue for an extra 24 hours, and Busy Bee, which gives you unlimited 24-hour extensions. Basically, if you pay, you can get around some of the rules.<\/p>\n<h2>How do I filter Bumble matches?<\/h2>\n<p>This past December, Bumble rolled out a new time-saving feature, that limits their pool of potential mates to those with the most &#8220;relevant interests.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>That said, the new filters (at least on the dating side) are kind of what you\u2019d expect. Filters include age, height, location, political preferences, relationship type, and astrological sign (you know, the important stuff).<\/p>\n<h2>Be prepared for ups and downs<\/h2>\n<p>Unfortunately, we live in a world where ghosting \u2014 be it at work or in our dating lives \u2014 is all too easy.<\/p>\n<p>As such, it helps to prepare for the highs and lows of online dating. Some people will text you for a long time, and you\u2019ll never meet. Others might disappear after a few great dates. But, then, that next person could be this fantastic match. You won&#8217;t know unless you swipe, right?<\/p>\n<p>Now that you know how to get started with Bumble, what do you say \u2014 maybe it\u2019s time to jump right in and see who you match with.<\/p>\n<p>Still, it\u2019s not so hard. To recap \u2014 make sure your pictures look like you, and your bio is short, witty, and representative of you. Keep conversations light and for god\u2019s sake, make plans after a few texts, not a few weeks.<\/p>\n<p>Happy swiping.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-related-articles-white\">\r\n<p class=\"sc-related-articles-white__title\">More from Softonic<\/p>\r\n  <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__row\">\r\n    <a title=\"5 dating apps that are better than Tinder \u25ba\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/best-tinder-alternatives\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/11\/dating-love-romance-app-192.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>5 dating apps that are better than Tinder \u25ba<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <a title=\"What is the best dating app? \u25ba\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/what-is-the-best-dating-app\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/love-dating-romance-192.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>What is the best dating app? \u25ba<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__row\">\r\n    <a title=\"Top 3 apps to make friends \u25ba\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/top-3-apps-to-make-friends\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/friends-game-192.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>Top 3 apps to make friends \u25ba<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n    <a title=\"How to stay safe when dating online \u25ba\" href=\"https:\/\/en.softonic.com\/articles\/how-to-stay-safe-when-dating-online\">\r\n    <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__article\">\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__image\">\r\n        <div style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/articles-img.sftcdn.net\/sft\/articles\/auto-mapping-folder\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/dating-kiss-couple-192.jpg)\"><\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n      <div class=\"sc-related-articles-white__text\">\r\n        <p>How to stay safe when dating online \u25ba<\/p>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <\/a>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking for love? Here&#8217;s how to make the most of Bumble.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9161,"featured_media":131014,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":0},"categories":[2518,2441],"tags":[1629,1370,1706],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-130987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-how-to","tag-dating","tag-dating-apps","tag-love"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9161"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=130987"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130987\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":326393,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130987\/revisions\/326393"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=130987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=130987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=130987"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=130987"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=130987"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=130987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}