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How to Choose Great Profile Photos

Your profile photos are the first thing people see. A strong set of photos can make a significant difference in how many matches and messages you receive.

Example of a strong profile photo set

Your first photo is the most important. It should:

  • Show your face clearly — no sunglasses, hats, or heavy filters
  • Be well-lit, ideally in natural daylight
  • Be recent — within the last year or two
  • Feature just you, not a group

Use your remaining photos to show different sides of yourself:

Photo typeWhy it works
Full body photoGives a complete picture and builds trust
Doing something you enjoyShows personality and gives people something to talk about
Travelling or outdoorsSuggests an active, interesting lifestyle
Social setting with friendsShows you have a life outside the app
Example of varied photo types in a profile
  • Group photos as your main photo — people shouldn’t have to guess which one you are
  • Old photos — meeting someone who looks very different to their photos damages trust immediately
  • Heavy filters or face-altering effects — they look unnatural and hide what you actually look like
  • Low resolution or blurry images — they appear unprofessional and are easy to scroll past
  • Shirtless photos in indoor / non-beach settings — context matters

Profiles with 4–6 photos consistently perform better than profiles with just one or two. Each additional photo gives someone another reason to swipe right.