Are you curious about how Bumble works? If so, you're in luck!
With its unique approach to matchmaking and focus on empowering women, Bumble has quickly become a favorite among singles looking for meaningful connections.
But, let's face it, navigating any new app can be overwhelming. And that's where this article comes in!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you through the ins and outs of Bumble, from its features to its matching process. We'll also share tips and tricks to help you create a killer profile that will catch the eye of potential matches.
So, whether you're looking for love, friendship, or something in between, this article has got you covered. Let's dive in and discover how Bumble can help you find your perfect match!
How Does Bumble Work?
Bumble is a location-based dating app that uses popular swipe technology where a right swipe means you dig; a left swipe means you're not interested.
On Bumble, women initiate the conversation and it has a 24-hour window limit. And men have to respond to that message within the next 24 hours; otherwise, the match expires.
- In heterosexual matches, a woman has 24 hours to make the first move, and the man has 24 hours to respond.
- In same-gender matches, either person has 24 hours to make the first move, while the other individual has 24 hours to respond, or the connection expires.
Every Bumble user can extend one match a day for extra 24 hours, but Bumble users with a Bumble premium subscription can extend as many matches as they want. Once both matched people reply to each other within the countdown, the time limits are removed.
Bumble Isn't Only For Dating; It Has Three Modes:
When you set up your dating profile, you’ll be asked how you want to use Bumble. There are three options: dating, finding friends, or networking.
- Bumble date: To date.
- Bumble BFF: To Find friends.
- Bumble Bizz: To do networking & business.
How Does Bumble's Algorithm Works?
Just like any other dating app, Bumble didn't put out any statement on the working of the algorithm. However, based on certain patterns, tech nerds have noticed a few things about Bumble Algorithm.
- The most right-swiped or popular profiles are shown first for maximum exposure.
- People who already liked your profile tend to show up early in the profiles queue.
- If you obsessively swipe right, then your Bumble profile gets punished in terms of visibility.
- Even if you don't use Bumble for weeks or months, your profile will continue to show up in the Bumble match queue.
- Bumble algo doesn't seem to keep a record of your liking patterns. Hence, you will notice the diversity in the profiles.
How to Set up Your Profile On Bumble?
Swiping up on a bumble profile will give you more information about the potential match like their bio, their prompt answers, height, sexuality, and their location. That way, you can make an informed decision based on something other than physical appearance (ahem).
Setting up your profile on Bumble is pretty simple too. The first step is to add a photo. Bumble recommends you add one that is of just you—no exes, bros, family members, etc. You have three different options here. You can take a selfie (if you’ve got your game face on), add a photo from your camera, or upload a pic from Facebook. Done and done.
After you add that first picture, you have the option to add five others if you wish. If not, just click “Continue.” You can always come back and add later.
After the photo sesh, the app will then prompt you to introduce yourself. You’ll need to enter the following tidbits of info:Gender, Date of Birth, and First Name
Next, you’ll be asked to enter an email address for recovery purposes—you know, for when you forget your password. Speaking of passwords, you’ll create one of those in the next step. Try to remember it!
Here are some Bumble profile tips for your photos:
- Avoid group photos for the first picture.
- Have a full-body photo for your first picture.
- If you're a full-body photo of you smiling then upload it as well.
- About Me & Basic Information
To create a complete Bumble profile (which we recommend to get more matches), you’ll need to divulge some more basic information.
Show your interests in your Bumble profile to make your profile more interesting.
You should definitely fill out the “About Me” section, but make it count because you have a 300-character limit.
After that, the rest is a no-brainer. Just answer some simple questions (Bumble Prompts) that they ask.
You can skip any or all of these questions. However,Bumble itself says the more information (and photos!) you put on the app, the more likely you are to find matches, though, so don’t neglect this step in the process of setting up your Bumble account. You can thank us later!
PRO TIP: You’ll also want to add your work and education information because—well, no one likes a freeloader!
- Connect Instagram & Spotify Account
In addition to connecting your Facebook account (if you wish), you’ll also have the option to connect your Instagram and Spotify accounts to Bumble. Doing so is simple. Just click, enter your password, and verify.
- Connecting your Instagram will add your latest posts to your profile. Your username won’t be visible.
- Connect your Spotify will show top artists based on your streams on Spotify.
How Do You Start a Conversation on Bumble?
To start a conversation, women make the first move; they send a message first.
How you proceed after that depends on whether you identify as a man or a woman. If you’re a woman, then you can feel free to swipe away and message anyone on the app that catches your interest at any time.
The ball is yours, and the court is open!
On the other hand, if you’re a man, you’ll need to be patient.
You can swipe to your heart’s content, but you have to wait to be messaged. Yes, that’s right. The app won’t let you send the first message if you’re a dude. This is what makes Bumble different from other dating apps—women are in control of the game!
It’s important to note that these messaging rules don’t apply to same-sex matches. In these cases, either user can make the first move.
What's Bumble Time Limit?
If your Match doesn’t respond within 24 hours, the conversation is deleted and the match expires. This is Bumble’s attempt to end ghosting, which is admittedly super annoying.However, if you don't have time to use Bumble daily, then you can use Bumble's premium “busy bee” feature that allows you to extend the match time limit with expired matches.
Is Bumble Free?
Yes, bumble is a free-to-use dating app. You can match and message each other for free. However, Bumble offers premium subscriptions to Bumble users which provide extra perks that I'll cover next.
What's Bumble Premium?
It is an upgrade from the Bumble boost subscription. In addition to boost's feature, you also get other useful features.
- Access to unlimited Advanced filters: This is a great feature for those who live in big cities and have a stacked-up Bumble match queue. By applying multiple filters you can filter matches based on your personal criteria like religion, region, education, pets, e.t.c
- Access to your Bumble Beeline so you can see your admirers: It allows you to see people who right-swiped on you. Hence, allowing you to instantly get a match.
- Travel mode: This mode lets you change your location to whatever location (Worldwide) you desire.
What's Bumble Boost?
Bumble Boost is Bumble’s premium feature and it offers users some buzz-worthy advantages. These features allow you to get more matches and more meaningful connections. Some of these include:
- The ability to view users who have already swiped right on your profile with the Bumble beeline feature.
- Get a second chance to chat to expired matches withRematch.
- Ability to extend time on your current matches
- Bumble Backtrack to undo a left and right swipe.
- Unlimited swipes
- OneSpotlightper week
- 5SuperSwipesper week
There are several ways to pay for Bumble Boost, including a lifetime subscription for about $140! The most popular payment schedule is the weekly one for $8.99, though.
Inside Scoop: Is Bumble boost worth it?
What's Backtracking in Bumble?
Another unique feature of Bumble is the ability to backtrack when you make a mistake or change your mind. If you accidentally swipe right when you meant to swipe left, for instance, you can just shake your phone for an instant redo. If only we could have real-life backtracks as well, right?! You only get 3 backtracks at a time, so use them sparingly.
What are Bumble Coins?
Bumble coins are basically in-app currency. You can buy 30 coins for around $35 and use them to buy app advantages such as the Spotlight feature, which will show your profile to more users. Specifically, two coins will buy 30 minutes of premium profile placement. You can also use Bumble coins to purchase a Bumble SuperSwipe, which lets another user know you’re “super” interested! A SuperSwipe will cost you a single Bumble Coin.
Go Ahead, Try It!
Bumble is a good dating app to start dating online. We highly recommend you give it a try. If you’re female, you’ll probably like the added control of being the only one able to initiate the conversation. Plus, you’re also a lot less likely to be harassed or crept on than if you make a match on Tinder. Happy bumbling!
Here are a few Bumble guides for success: 👇
- Here's Why you're getting No matches on Bumble?
- How to Respond to “Hey” on Bumble
