Instagram Dating: How it Works, Tips and Step-By-Step Plan

With Tinder, Badoo , Happn and all the dating apps that we can install on our phones with a few clicks, there is no shortage of online options anymore. However, there is one app that is a little less obvious, but also lends itself perfectly to dating: Instagram . Because with all the semi-models and visual treats on Instagram, it becomes very tempting to send someone a message. While Facebook is mainly very social, Instagram is all about titillation.

And once the first message has been sent, the ball can start rolling quickly. Because although Tinder and Happn have already removed many barriers, Instagram makes it very accessible. A like is placed quickly, a comment too, and a message is sent quickly. It is therefore not surprising that Instagram is increasingly used to meet new people. Reason to tell you more about Instagram dating.

How does Instagram dating work?

Instagram is of course known as the platform par excellence to show yourself and especially if you are single. Reason for more and more users to use Instagram as a kind of disguised dating site . And we can understand that, because Instagram is just a very relaxed way to get in touch with other singles. That has everything to do with the fact that Instagram is not a dating app.

More accessible than the ‘real’ dating apps

What do we mean by that? That it becomes a lot more accessible and there are no expectations. Compare that to a match on Tinder, for example. On real dating apps, you still expect a few things from the match, while on Instagram you can like photos and send messages in a very relaxed way. Moreover, people on Instagram are not so much looking for a relationship, which means there is much more room for spontaneity.

Instagram has become a platform where people feel comfortable, also to exchange messages with each other and leave informal reactions. In fact, many users are actually looking for reactions and do not mind if a complete stranger places a comment on a photo. With Facebook, for example, it is a bit different.

Optimize your Instagram profile for dating

That doesn’t mean you can’t put your best foot forward on Instagram by making your profile as attractive as possible. If you only like photos and have an empty profile, you can imagine that you won’t get any responses. Your profile has to attract (and hold) attention long enough to even entice the other person to send a message (back). In order to fully optimize your Instagram profile for dating, we need to split your profile into three components: your profile picture, username and bio.

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Tips for your Instagram profile picture

Creativity and Instagram usually go hand in hand, but keep it super simple with your profile picture. The human brain tends to find simple images more appealing than complex ones, and that’s a tip you can apply to your photos on any online platform, from Instagram to LinkedIn to Tinder.

For maximum attractiveness, make sure your primary profile photo has a low cognitive load. In other words, it should stand out in a simple way.

Smile and look at the camera

However, you should take into account a few guidelines, because you want to promote yourself in the photo. From the clothes you wear to your facial expression, body language and what can be seen in the background of the photo, contributes to the image that the other can form about you.

If possible, choose a photo taken outside so that you appear sociable and adventurous, and make sure the lighting is good. Also, choose a photo where you are smiling and looking straight at the camera. This shows that you are confident and happy, two very attractive qualities. You should also always use a photo where your eyes are visible. You can have a cool sunglasses photo, but with glasses on, the other person won’t be able to read you properly.

Tips for your Instagram username

Instagram usernames should be under 30 characters to be effective. Sure, you could go for some vague username to add some mystery, but experience shows that people prefer clarity when it comes to first impressions. People tend to find simple language more appealing, so if you want to get more likes, simplicity is key.

Choose a username that is immediately understandable, without any weird characters. Be straightforward and clear when introducing yourself to someone you find interesting, in this case introducing yourself with a username.

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Tips for your Instagram bio

When trying to attract other singles on Instagram, it’s a good idea to think of your bio as a brand of sorts: you want to market yourself, but in a reserved, subtle, and attractive way. The perfect “I’m here to date” Instagram bio contains 3 key pieces of information:

1. Location: Of course you want to get to know someone who is close to you.
2. Profession.
3. A few hobbies and/or achievements.

If you include your location in your profile, the other person will immediately know if you live near them. This makes a physical meeting a lot more real than if it is someone on the other side of the world. If you mention your profession in your profile, your bio will have more weight, and if you describe your job in a way that makes an impression, it will be even more attractive.

Mentioning a few hobbies has several benefits. You could connect with someone over a shared interest, and you’ll give them a glimpse into your daily life. It’s also a subtle way to highlight qualities that other people might find attractive.

For example, if the other person reads that you enjoy hiking, kiteboarding and surfing, they will probably also get the impression that you are adventurous and physically fit. Yoga is another interest that always makes a big impression, it doesn’t just mean fitness, the word itself implies mindfulness, dedication and interest in overall health. All attractive qualities, right? Keep it realistic though.

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Set profile to public

One of the disadvantages (or advantages if you like privacy of course) of Instagram is that you can hide your profile. However, in order to reach other people, you need to have a public profile, because if the other person can’t see who you are, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. In fact, you come across as completely creepy if you send messages to the other person while your own profile is locked.

In that case, the person you have in mind only has a thumbnail profile picture of you to build their opinion on. And that’s just not enough. Set your profile to public by going to:

1. Go to your profile and tap the menu (or profile picture).
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Privacy & Security.
4. Next to Private Account, uncheck the box to make your account public again.

How to Meet People on Instagram

Just like on Tinder, for example, there is also a game being played on Instagram. And thanks to likes, following, following back and leaving comments, you can start the game. Look at it this way: two people who decide to follow each other can be seen as a kind of match, especially if you have also left likes for each other.

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Do you have a lot of followers? Then that is a huge advantage

What definitely helps when meeting people on Instagram is if you have a lot of followers. With a lot of followers, you are seen as interesting, someone who is socially strong, and has a large reach. There are more people who find you interesting and therefore the other person wants to do a lot more to get your attention. And if that succeeds, then that is seen as a victory.

The same goes for you the other way around. If someone you like has a lot of followers and still takes the time to respond to your advances, you see that as an achievement too.

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How to find a nice date yourself?

Step 1

Make a list of places where you want to meet and search for this location. Take the most recent publications that have been posted on this location and decide for yourself if there are people who could be interesting. You can do the same for example by taking the page of a certain bar, restaurant, gym, or whatever page, and scrolling through the followers. As long as it is in the place where you want to meet people.

If you’re both fans of the same place, not only do you have something in common, it can also be the perfect first date suggestion . If you suggest a place the other person already knows, they’re more likely to agree to meet you there.

Step 2

Throw the first ball and subtly make contact with the profiles of the people who intrigue you. To do this, leave likes on a number of photos. Do not only choose the most recent photo, but also take a number of photos or videos that were published a while ago. In this way, your like will stand out more, because new photos often get a lot more likes and you are therefore one of the many people who leave a comment.

Step 3

Do you get a like back? Or are you even followed? Then it is time for the next step by sending a message. You can also take an intermediate step by leaving a public comment on a photo or video. In either case, see what the other person’s reaction is. If you get a nice reaction back, then it is time to play the game. Did we already say that it is all very accessible and entertaining?

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