You matched. Now what? If you’ve ever stared at a blank chat window thinking, “What do I say?”, you’re not alone. Knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder in 2025 is key to standing out — because boring openers get ignored fast.
Why Your Opening Line Matters
First impressions on dating apps happen in seconds. Your opener is your only chance to grab attention, start a vibe, and avoid the ghost zone.
In fact, Tinder reports that messages with personal or playful content are 75% more likely to get a response than generic “Hey” or “What’s up?”.
What NOT to Start With
- "Hey" / "Hi" / "Yo" — too generic, zero effort
- "Wyd?" or "U up?" — screams low effort (and late-night vibes)
- Cheesy pickup lines — unless they’re intentionally funny or self-aware
Winning Tinder Conversation Starters
- Comment on their bio: “You love hiking? What’s your favorite trail near [their city]?”
- Use humor: “Quick poll: Pineapple on pizza — felony or fine dining?”
- Make it playful: “You’re stranded on an island with one snack and one song — go.”
- Try a game: “Two truths and a lie. I’ll start…”
- Ask open-ended questions: “If you could time-travel to any year, where and why?”
If You're Shy or Socially Anxious…
Keep it simple and real:
- “Hey! I liked your answer about [X] — curious to hear more.”
- “Okay, I’m awkward at first messages, but your profile’s awesome. Let’s try this.”
How to Keep the Tinder Conversation Going
- Reply with energy (not just emojis)
- Mirror their tone — if they’re playful, match it
- Ask questions, but don’t rapid-fire interrogate
- Know when to escalate: “Want to take this convo to IG/text?”
Real Examples That Got Replies
“If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be — and why?” → Got 7 matches to reply.
“I’m here for dogs, coffee, and bad puns. You?” → Light, fun, and sparks personality-based replies.
“You have amazing travel pics. Ever been anywhere by accident?” → Started a great convo and led to a date.
Bonus Tips
- Personalised > Copy-Paste
- Match energy — low-effort gets low response
- If they don’t respond, don’t double-text. Just move on
Want More on Dating Apps?
Best Tinder Bio Ideas for Girls
What’s Your Dating Style? Take the Quiz
FAQs
Q: What’s the best first message to send on Tinder?
Something personal, funny, or curious. “Hey” usually won’t cut it.
Q: Should I wait for them to message first?
If you’re into them, message first! Don’t overthink it — confidence is attractive.
Q: What if I get nervous?
Be honest! Saying “I’m new to this” or “First messages make me nervous” is relatable.
Final Word
Knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder isn’t about being smooth — it’s about being real, specific, and human. Lead with curiosity, ditch the “hey,” and remember: One great message can open the door to something awesome.