Hinge App Review: Is It Really for People Who Want to Get off Dating Apps?
There are over 4.66 billion people active internet users around the world. If you look at it closely, it accounts for 59 percent of the global population. Assuming that a huge portion of the population is using an online dating app, then you surely have many options for a potential partner. One of the popular dating sites is called Hinge and is marketed as a platform for people who want to get off dating apps. The question is, is it true? Let’s find out! Continue reading this Hinge app review.
2021 Hinge App Review
Source: Google Play Store
Many singles nowadays are so busy finding the next best hookup and matching with different people that they are not actually forming deep bonds. If you are after love, that’s not exactly the way to go. Thankfully, Hinge is on a mission to change that. Designed as a dating platform to be deleted, it makes sure that people are connected in a meaningful way.
Is it working? According to statistics, 3 out of 4 times, Hinge members want to go on a second date. In fact, it is the #1 mobile-first dating app mentioned in the New York Times wedding section. Not to mention, Hinge is the fastest-growing dating app in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. If it gets that kind of buzz, you can only assume that a lot of people are happy using it.
The app was founded in 2012 and faced a major rebranding in 2015. Users don’t have to mindlessly swipe based on looks anymore! Its mission suddenly became rooted in finding relationships. Hinge is committed in its promise to let people have decent conversations, and do away from casual hookups.
There Are Millions of Members Worldwide
Source: Hinge
The majority of the members of Hinge are young professionals within the age range of 24 to 32. They are also looking for serious relationships and want to get out of the hookup culture. As for the member base, Hinge has a 50-50 gender ratio. You will definitely find a lot of people who can get matched to you.
The member activity in this dating platform is high, so while ghosting isn’t inevitable, at least you won’t be too disappointed. It’s up to you to impress your match! Learn from the active members on this app and be consistent with sending likes, commenting on photos, and sending messages to members you like.
You also won’t see many fake profiles on the dating app for the reason that everyone is genuine in finding real dates. But if there are a few fake accounts, the people behind these are probably just curious about the app. Still, be careful of catfishing and be wary of scammers who are only after your money.
Getting Started with Hinge
Source: Youtube
Like with all dating apps, you first need to create an account before you connect with different matches. You may opt to use your Facebook account or your mobile number to build your profile. Once verified, you can already proceed with uploading the best photos to attract as many partners as possible.
As a user, you can upload up to 6 photos. You should also be creative with what you display in your profile. The whole profile-building process is long and gets to the nitty-gritty. Be sure to allot some time for this because it is a per-page procedure. If you are used to dating apps such as Tinder, you’d probably think this part is a bore. Some of the different sections you need to complete include the following:
My Vitals
This part is all about one’s basic information. You need to pin exactly where you are and choose your location on the map. Next, you can enter your gender and gender preference. There’s no need to worry if you don’t identify as a man or a woman. Bisexuals have the option to choose if they want to see profiles of both men and women.
Aside from this information, you need to disclose your height, ethnicity, work, education, religion, and hometown. All these will be displayed on your profile.
My Virtues
What’s your say on different topics? Since Hinge takes pride in its promise to be an app designed to be deleted, then they will naturally get your perspective on different things. This will give your matches a better understanding of your character.
Some of the matters that need your opinions include topics related to drugs, smoking, drinking, politics, and more. If you don’t want to display some answers, you can always do so.
My Profile
Source: Youtube
Finally, you can complete the signup process by uploading the photos that will show up on your profile. You can upload up to six best photos. Or if you have a hard time with that, you can simply import some photos from your Facebook account. The site will automatically get the six most recent photos. If you choose to delete one, you are required to replace it with another one.
After that, you can choose writing prompts to answer. These are either questions you need to answer, or incomplete sentences you need to finish. This will show up on your profile, so you are free to unleash your intellectual, creative, funny, or serious side.
Other prompts include “Caught in the act,” “Don’t judge me,” “Dating me will look like,” “Don’t show this to my mom,” and “Caption this photo” among many others. These are fun and simple messages that will serve as good icebreakers if you converse with your match!
Note: Make sure your profile is complete. Otherwise, you won’t be able to send likes to your matches – ruining your chance of finding love quickly.
Hinge App Review: This App Doesn’t Really Rely on Algorithms
Source: Youtube
According to Hinge’s CEO Justin McLeod, a good dating app relies on vulnerability, not algorithms. What does it mean to be vulnerable? It’s actually being authentic.
As a user, don’t put three filtered photos and a simple tagline that goes something like “A simple guy living in the USA.” That’s not helpful at all. If you want to engage and connect with people on a more meaningful level, then you need to allow a bit of vulnerability in the way you operate.
That is why the Hinge interface adds a cognitive load that forces you to think. “What can I say about this person? What do I like about him or her?” If you go back to the signup process, this is the reason why the profile questions are designed that way. It lets you highlight your most authentic self. Alternatively, these are the questions that are likely to lead to a conversation.
Even TheNextWeb called Hinge a “great option for those fed up with temporary love.”
Hinge App Review: Pros and Cons
Source: Hinge
What are the advantages if you switch to this dating platform? Read what we compiled below:
Hinge is good because:
It is a relationship-oriented app.
Again, this is not the right venue if you are only after casual hookups. Many members using Hinge want to find true love. When it surveyed its users, they found out that 45% are seeking a serious dating relationship. Women are generally serious and are less likely to ghost you.
The conversations and matches don’t expire.
That’s the beauty about Hinge. You and your match can chat right away or months down the line. If you want to connect with them, you are free to do so. This isn’t a feature that can be enjoyed in all dating apps, so you know Hinge is serious about forming deeper connections with their matches.
If for some reason, your matches disappear, don’t worry! It may just take a moment for your Matches to repopulate as your app re-syncs with the server. This actually depends on how strong your internet connection is at the time of the app update. Just log out and back into the Hinge app before clicking refresh, and you will see your Matches queue again.
The members can easily show their interest.
If you like a particular match, then you can get on their radar by liking or commenting on their stories or photos in a profile. This saves you time and is a low investment compared to sending icebreaker messages like on other apps.
There is a Date From Home feature.
This feature lets you move from messaging to a video or phone call – making your communication easier and smoother. Not to mention, you won’t have to go out or spend a single cent by meeting up right away. If you use the Date From Home feature, you can spend more time with your potential partner and see if they are really the person you like, before committing to an in-person date.
One of the most reputable names in the online dating world owns a huge chunk of Hinge.
Talk about a lot of pros! Match Group, one of the online dating’s biggest names, owns a 51% stake in this dating platform. You are sure about the quality and the service that comes with it!
The number of fake profiles is minimal.
That’s right. Compared to other dating sites, there are only a few fake profiles or scammers here. You don’t need to worry too much, but it never hurts to be careful and wary of everyone you’ll be in touch with.
You already have a clue about someone’s personality.
You won’t be judging your matches based on looks alone. The profiles will display their answers to writing prompts, as well as different personal information. Forget about mindless swiping!
Hinge asks about your dates.
After you exchanged numbers with someone, Hinge will actually follow up on how your date went. They will even give you better recommendations in the future, to ensure that your quest for love won’t be in vain.
On another note, Hinge has a couple of cons such as
There is limited interaction.
You are only allowed to interact with your daily suggested matches. If you want to experience unlimited browsing, then you need to upgrade to their full membership. 10 matches each day can be frustrating for some, especially for those who are desperate to find their new partner. Just pray to the heavens that you’ll be matched with someone compatible with you.
Free users are also given 10 likes a day (assuming that you have a complete profile with all 6 photos).
The filter options are limited to basics.
If you have a free account, that is. You will only be able to search for options and filter them according to gender, age, location, ethnicity, and religion. Take note that you also need to complete your profile in order to access them.
There is no desktop version.
While the Hinge app is definitely convenient, it would still be nice to use a web version of it.
Hinge App Review: About the Features
Let’s take a closer look at the features of this popular dating platform.
Hinge Discover
Check your suggested matches by going to the “Discover” section. With this, you can comment on or like a photo, profile section, or video of your match. If you also want to stand out, you can send him or her a rose.
Likes
Free users are given 10 daily matches. They can also send likes up to 10 profiles a day. If you are not interested, just tap the X icon and the next match will appear.
Standouts Feed
If you tap the star icon found at the bottom of the screen, then you can bring up your Standouts feed. This is a special section that displays a prompt or photo from a handful of users. The algorithm used is based o the data collected when you interacted with the Discover feed. Check your Standouts Feed everyday!
Likes You on Hinge
Do you want to see who liked you or who commented on your photos or stories? Well, you can actually match with them in the “Likes You” section. Just click the conversation icon to respond to their comment.
Date From Home
If you’re ready to see your match or talk to him via phone, then all you need to do is to set your status to tap the “Date From Home” button on the bottom of the messaging screen. This will signify that you are ready! Once your match also changes his or her status to ready, then you will both get a notification so you can schedule your call. This part is actually pretty exciting!
Be a Preferred Member to Enjoy More Features
Hinge offers free and premium membership options to its users. If you are contented with sending up to 10 likes a day and getting limited matches, there is no need to upgrade. However, if you want to send unlimited likes, unlock all the filters, and see everyone who has already “liked” your profile, then you might want to consider being a Preferred Member.
The subscription rates start at $19.99 for one month. There are also three months and six months options, at $39.99 and $59.99, respectively.
Verdict
So far, all the advantages of using Hinge outweigh the disadvantages. This is definitely a must-try app especially for those who are eager to find their new partner!
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