How to Write a Dating Bio That Gets Matches: Step-by-Step
A complete framework for writing your dating profile bio. What to include, what to avoid, optimal length, and templates you can customize for any app.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
Quick Answer
A great dating bio is 100-300 characters, specific rather than generic, and includes conversation hooks. Formula: [Interesting detail about you] + [Specific hobby or interest] + [Conversation starter]. Example: 'Marketing by day, amateur chef by weekend. Currently perfecting my ramen gameâI'll accept taste testers and critics.' This works because it's specific (ramen, not 'cooking'), shows personality (self-deprecating), and gives two easy ways to start a conversation.
Source: Magnt Research, 2026
How Long Should Your Dating Bio Be?
Optimal length: 100-300 characters (2-4 sentences). Studies show: under 100 characters seems low-effort, over 500 rarely gets read completely. Each sentence should earn its place. Think of your bio as a movie trailerâenough to intrigue, not enough to tell the whole story. People decide on photos first; your bio confirms interest and provides conversation material. Don't write your life storyâwrite your hook.
What Should You Include in Your Dating Bio?
Must include: 1-2 specific interests or hobbies (not generic ones), one detail that shows personality, at least one clear conversation hook. Optional: your job (if interesting/relevant), a joke that reflects your actual humor, what you're looking for (briefly). Never include: height (it's in your profile settings), negativity ('don't swipe if...'), laundry lists of requirements, Instagram handle (seems clout-focused), complaints about dating. Every word should make someone want to talk to you.
How to Show Personality in Your Dating Bio
Show personality through specific details, not claims. Don't say 'I'm funny'âsay something funny. Don't say 'I love adventure'âdescribe a specific adventure. Examples: Instead of 'foodie' write 'On a quest to find the city's best tacosâcurrent leader is that truck on 5th.' Instead of 'laid-back' write 'Most likely to suggest we skip the fancy restaurant and grab pizza in the park.' Specificity is memorable; generic is forgettable.
What Dating Bio Mistakes Should You Avoid?
Top mistakes: 1) Clichés ('partner in crime', 'love to laugh', 'work hard play hard'), 2) Negativity ('no games', 'swipe left if...'), 3) Being too vague ('I like music and movies'), 4) Being too long (paragraphs that no one reads), 5) Self-deprecation overdone ('I'm probably not your type'), 6) Listing requirements (comes across demanding), 7) Leaving it blank ('just ask'), 8) Bragging (listing accomplishments without personality), 9) Mentioning exes or past relationships. If you've seen it in other profiles, avoid it.
How to Write a Bio That Starts Conversations
Conversation-starting bios include hooksâthings someone can easily message you about. Techniques: Ask a question ('Controversial take: cold pizza is better. Agree or disagree?'), mention something debatable ('I think the book is always better than the movie. Change my mind.'), reference a specific activity ('Training for my first half marathonâsend your playlist recommendations'), or share an unusual fact ('I've visited 15 countries but somehow never been to Canada'). Each hook is an easy 'in' for someone to message you.
Should Your Bio Match Your Photos?
Your bio and photos should tell a cohesive story. If your bio says 'avid hiker' but no photos show outdoors, it feels inconsistent. If your photos show you cooking, reference it in your bio. Inconsistency raises subconscious red flags. Alignment builds trust. Think of profile as a complete package: photos show what you look like and what you do; bio explains who you are and how you think. They should complement, not contradict.
How Often Should You Update Your Dating Bio?
Update your bio: when something significant changes (new hobby, new job, new city), when you've been on the app 3+ months without results (something's not working), when you have new conversation material (recent trip, new skill), and seasonally (summer activities vs. winter). Small tweaks refresh your profile to the algorithm and can re-show you to people who previously passed. Treat your bio as a living document, not a 'set and forget' element.
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