Scrolling through profiles on dating apps can get monotonous after a while. After all, how many fish photos or gym selfies can you find before you want to give up? However, if you’re a Hinge user, you’re in luck: On September 20, a new feature appeared in the app that is sure to change things. If you want your profile to stand out and get a better idea of who your potential matches really are, you’ll love the new video notice feature on Hinge.
Like the pre-existing voice prompt feature, daters with Hinge can record videos of up to 30 seconds based on one of 13 different prompts. Hinge’s love and connection expert, Moe Ari Brown, LMFT, says it gives users a better idea of what their potential partners might be like in real life. “Video ads are a new way for daters to show more of their personality,” he tells Bustle. (Brown uses the pronouns he/they). “Recording within the app makes it easy to create fun videos and encourages authenticity in the moment. Users can select from new video-specific prompts including, ‘hello from me and my pet,’ ‘can we talk about that?’, ‘I’m a 10 but,’ and more.”
Brown notes that watching videos of potential matches can draw users to specific elements about their personality, especially their mannerisms. “More than half of Hinge daters find gestures to be the most interesting part of watching a video of a potential date, followed by the sound of their voice and seeing their surroundings. Video prompts are a fun and effective way to assess compatibility and minimize guesswork about someone’s personality, leading to better dates and a more fun dating journey,” they say. At the very least, you might discover a new “yuck” if you come across enough wackos.
In the age of FaceTiming via phone calls, Maria Avgitidis, matchmaker and host of the Ask a Matchmaker podcast, previously told Bustle that Hinge’s new video prompts are a great way to get a glimpse of how someone might interact on person. “We live in a time where TikTok and Reels have become standard infotainment practice. Of course, a dating app like Hinge would display the video message. Being able to see how someone communicates, even for thirty seconds, can tell you much more than a nanosecond snapshot of someone’s life,” she said.
Ready to hit the record? Before you do, check out Brown’s top seven tips for using Hinge’s video instructions below.
Be authentic
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While it may seem obvious, letting others see the real you can be challenging, especially on dating apps. But it’s a great way to ensure you attract the quality connections you want, so it’s a good idea to work on overcoming any fears about opening up. “Sharing your truth and honoring your uniqueness is key!” Brown says. “Being your authentic self attracts genuine relationships. You need to show potential partners who you are right now, not who you were, who you think you should be to others, or even who you hope to be in the future.”
Hinge strives to be a safe and inclusive space and, according to Brown, is a great option for LGBTQ+ daters. He recommends that queer people express themselves however they see fit in the video prompt feature: “For gender-expansive people, I always encourage you to present in ways that encourage euphoria and alignment! Not only will you feel more confident, but it will radiate from you and be apparent to others.”
Show your sense of humor
You’re funny? If so, try Hinge’s video prompt feature. “Do you have a dad joke? Are you an expert in celebrity impressions? Give potential matches a glimpse of your fun side!” they say. You can show a PowerPoint presentation on why someone should go out with you (using the message “my review of…”) or present a funny Food Network mini-episode (using the message “cook with me”).
do one take
If you’re feeling a little nervous about getting it right, Brown suggests trying not to overthink it and recording several attempts. “He may be tempted to re-record, but the more he redoes it, the less natural it becomes,” he says. “You will start sounding less and less like yourself.” If he’s worried about recording a video message that he’s really happy with, try practicing in front of the mirror or with a friend.
Bring a loved one
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Speaking of friends, Brown suggests using them in your video. “Respond to the ‘a friend’s review of me’ ad by inviting someone close to you to describe why you’re an amazing match,” they say. “For example, a dater brought the person who knows her best, her grandmother of hers!” You can get a few single friends together for a “quick party” where each of you contributes to each other’s video prompts. Make it a fun night out and you’ll ensure that you both feel more comfortable on camera and walk away with a great addition to your profile.
Pull muggers out of a room
Do you have some quirky keepsakes in your room? or a stuffed animal from childhood? Consider featuring them in your video message. You may strike a chord with another user who shares your nerdy niche or also keeps nostalgic comfort items close to their heart. “Show off your most prized possessions with the message ‘things I admit it just makes sense. A home tour is a great way to show off your personality,” she says.
Try a “Show and Tell”
Singers, dancers, artists, and creatives out front: Showing off your skills, whatever you’re good at, can be an endearing and engaging way to showcase what makes you special. “If you’ve got talent, this is the time for a quick ‘show and tell.’ Highlighting your strengths is a great way to convey confidence and attract matches,” says Brown. Try using the “let me show you how” prompt to give a quick tutorial while showing off your talents.
Have confidence
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Most of all, Hinge users want to see that you know who you are and that you’re proud of it. Exuding a sense of self-esteem and showing that you’re comfortable being yourself in a video message is a great way to generate matches of the same caliber. Brown says it can even give other users a glimpse of what you might look like as a future partner. “Confidence is a tempting and attractive quality, reflecting high self-esteem and personal worth,” he explains. “For potential partners, trust conveys safety and security within oneself, both highly desirable qualities for partnership.”
Expert:
Moe Ari Brown, LMFT, Hinge Love & Connection Expert
Maria Avgitidis, professional matchmaker and host of the Ask a Matchmaker podcast
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Source: news.google.com