This Sunday Will Be The Biggest Day For Dating Apps This Year

An empty bio not only comes across as non-committal — or even a little bit creepy — it's also a wasted opportunity. According to a Tinder spokesperson, leaving your bio blank makes it difficult for others to connect with you and strike up a conversation. So go ahead and fill it out.

Answer the prompts on your dating app of choice, fill in the "About Me" section, and be sure to provide details about what you like and who you are as a person. Add your favorite books, what you do on the weekends, pepper in a few jokes — and just like that the matches will start rolling in.

If you're in the habit of uploading the same photos year after year, it's more than time for a refresh. According to Saskia Nelson, a professional dating photographer and founder of Hey Saturday, you'll want to scroll through your profile and decide whether your pics tell a story and help you stand out from the crowd.

This can quite literally come down to eye-catching colors. For example, most people wear neutrals like black in their profiles, which is why it might be helpful to include a photo of yourself wearing that amazing red sweatshirt you recently thrifted.

But it also has a lot to do with the types of photos you include. You'll want them to show off your interests, like the fact you go rock climbing, which is way more interesting than a snapshot from your friend's wedding. (Though one or two of those is OK, too.)

While it's annoying to be told to smile, consider that a whopping 95% of daters on OkCupid prefer photos of people grinning, Hobley says. So while you can certainly include that iconic photo of yourself staring wistfully into the distance — because how could you not — consider throwing in a smiley one as well, and see if it draws matches in.

2020 saw a huge rise in people posting hashtags — like #BlackLivesMatter — and having important conversations on dating apps. Hobley predicts it'll be even more common in 2021, since OkCupid research shows over 40% of Millennial women and almost half of Gen Z folks already consider themselves to be activists, and want a partner who shares these views.

While you might initially connect over favorite bands and movies, you'll probably want the conversation to go a little bit deeper, which is why taking a stand in your profile is key.

2020 was the year of socially distant dates, which meant meeting up in parks and going on walks. (So many walks.) And the start of 2021 is shaping up to be more of the same.

If you're open to the idea of meeting up in person — and it's safe to do so in your area — be clear about it. According to Hobley, three in five daters are still down to go on mini adventures close to home.

Just make sure you talk about getting COVID tested and/or quarantining, first! Many dating apps are offering ways to update your testing status and/or start a conversation about it — like with ice-breaker questions — so you have an easier time broaching the subject.

According to data from Bumble, short and catchy first messages (of about 10 to 15 words) tend to be the most successful in getting a response, compared to long-winded messages. So if you want to up your game, and increase the odds someone writes back, keep this in mind.

For many people, swiping through dating apps has become a sort of reflex. You open them up without even thinking and, while barely paying attention, scroll through potential partners. It's an easy past-time, but if you're serious about getting more matches, experts recommend slowing down.

"Often when people use dating apps, they are ambivalent," Aimee Hartstein, LCSW, a relationship therapist, tells Bustle. "They [...] swipe through the apps when they are doing other things. They aren't paying that much attention because they assume that anyone who would be a good match for them will automatically jump out."

But that isn't the case! Instead, take the time to sit down and really read through people's profiles. Consider why they seem like they have potential, craft a great opening line, and reach out. Hopefully, all these tips will add up to a successful Dating Sunday — and lots of matches in the new year.