Hinge Most Compatible: How Does the Algorithm Work

More than any other dating app, Hinge prides itself on helping users find real, long-lasting relationships. Rather than viewing swiping as a game, like other dating apps, Hinge wants you to make matches, have conversations, and ultimately "delete the app." That's right, they say the goal of the app is to be deleted.

While this may be catchy marketing as much as company philosophy, Hinge's design does urge quality over quantity.

As part of this effort, Hinge offers the "Most Compatible" feature.

Here's how Hinge explains it:

Most Compatible Likes Most Compatible

Clear as mud? While they make it sound straightforward, the mechanics of how the Most Compatible feature works are not transparent. That's why we're breaking it down for you here.

These days, online dating is all about algorithms. Each of the major dating apps has its own system, and none of them will share the details of the relationship science they're doing behind the scenes.

The Hinge Most Compatible feature uses Hinge's algorithm to determine the most compatible pairs of users on the app.

They also look at demographic information, such as suggesting matches of a similar age, to make sure the potential dates they suggest are a good fit.

They then deliver you a new Most Compatible match every 24 hours — which is also an incentive to launch the app at least once a day, to make sure you're not missing out.

Another step Hinge takes to make sure the Most Compatible feature is accurate, is by asking for feedback from users. Hinge allows users to give private feedback about whether a match was a good fit or not, and then uses that information to improve the system.

If you're curious about dating algorithms, check out deep-dive into the Tinder algorithm here.

Just like the applications used to pair college roommates — the matches are only as good as the data they have to work with. If the data is faulty — either because of the way you filled out your profile, or the way the other person did — the match will be less than ideal.

So, just like a book worm might end up rooming with someone who favors late-night parties, you may see potential matches in your Most Compatible queue and wonder how they got there.

If you find yourself baffled by one or two of your suggested matches, it's time to consider what information you've given the Hinge algorithm to work with.

That said, the statistics on Hinge's success rate are impressive, so it's possible the app knows you better than you know yourself. Even if you're feeling skeptical, give it a chance. You might be surprised how well you hit it off with some of the compatible matches Hinge suggests to you.

To get the best matches, you need to consider all the information Hinge has about you. Like Big Brother, Hinge is always watching.

Not only do the questions you answer when you first sign up play a role, but the information in your profile and even the women you've swiped on help Hinge figure out who might be your perfect match.

That means you need to be smart when considering your behaviors on the app. Be honest with yourself about what you're looking for, and who you're really compatible with, and then act accordingly.

If your answers and your behaviors are inconsistent, that will muddy the data Hinge's algorithm has to work with and lower the quality of the matching feature.

So don't lie about your hobbies or interests in an attempt to look cool or interesting — this will simply lead to matches that aren't actually a good fit. Instead, think about your genuine best qualities and your real interests, and create a profile that's both flattering AND accurate. Then, watch more matches start to come in!

If no one is showing up in your Most Compatible list, there are a few things that could be happening.

For one, it's possible to hit the bottom of the dating pool in your area. Especially if you don't live in a big city, the number of people on the dating app will be limited, and you may exhaust your matches.

The good news is that more people are joining dating apps every day, so just taking a little break — maybe trying another app for a while — and then coming back to check later on may result in more potential matches waiting for you.

The other big problem is if you haven't given the algorithm enough information to work with. Make sure your profile is complete in order for Hinge to pick your matches.

And because they're also assessing your profile based on who likes you, you should be employing all the strategies you'd use for success on any dating site — including making sure all of your pictures are high quality.