First Message on Hinge Not Getting Responses? 15 Expert Fixes for 2025

Getting matches on Hinge is exciting, but it can be frustrating when your carefully crafted first messages don't receive responses. With the increasingly competitive dating app landscape of 2025, standing out in someone's inbox has become more challenging than ever.

According to recent data, the average Hinge user receives multiple matches per week, but less than 30% of initial messages lead to an ongoing conversation. The good news? With the right approach, you can dramatically improve your response rates.

Why Your Hinge Messages Aren't Getting Responses

Before diving into solutions, let's identify the common reasons why your messages might be falling flat:

1. Generic Openers

Messages like "Hey," "How's your day?" or "What's up?" are the most common—and least effective—openers. They give your match nothing to respond to and signal low investment on your part.

2. Poor Timing

Sending messages during work hours or very late at night typically results in lower response rates, as your message may get buried under others.

3. Misreading Their Profile

If your opener doesn't connect with something in their profile, it suggests you haven't paid attention to who they are.

4. Coming On Too Strong

Overly sexual, intense, or forward first messages can make people uncomfortable and unlikely to respond.

5. Message Length Extremes

Messages that are either too short (lacking substance) or too long (overwhelming) tend to perform poorly.

15 Expert Strategies to Get More Responses to Your First Messages

1. Reference Specific Profile Details

Example: "I noticed you've hiked the Pacific Crest Trail—which section was your favorite? I've been dreaming about tackling the Washington stretch next summer."

Why it works: This demonstrates you've paid attention to their profile and creates an opportunity for them to share a story about something they're passionate about.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions About Their Interests

Example: "Your photography portfolio is impressive! What inspired you to focus on urban architecture in your recent work?"

Why it works: This type of question requires more than a yes/no answer and invites them to share their passion, creating natural conversation flow.

3. Use Humor Strategically

Example: "As a fellow dog lover, I have to ask: does your golden retriever also think he's lap-sized despite being 80 pounds, or is mine just exceptionally delusional?"

Why it works: Humor creates an emotional connection and demonstrates personality without trying too hard.

4. Show Genuine Curiosity

Example: "I'm intrigued by your prompt answer about living in three countries. Which one shaped you the most and why?"

Why it works: Showing authentic interest in someone's experiences makes them feel valued and creates space for meaningful conversation.

5. Create a Lighthearted Debate

Example: "I see you're a die-hard Marvel fan. I'm willing to risk our entire potential relationship by claiming that DC has the better villains. Change my mind?"

Why it works: Playful debates give your match something fun to respond to and create immediate engagement.

6. Share a Related Experience

Example: "Your weekend hike at Yellowstone looks amazing! I was there last summer and completely missed that waterfall. What trail led you there?"

Why it works: Sharing similar experiences creates an immediate connection while still asking a question that invites response.

7. Comment on Their Prompts With Thoughtful Insights

Example: "Your 'two truths and a lie' prompt has me stumped. If I had to guess, I'd say meeting Taylor Swift is the lie, but then again, your confident smile in that festival photo makes me second-guess myself."

Why it works: This shows you've examined their profile carefully and encourages them to reveal the answer.

8. Time Your Messages Strategically

Send messages between 7-9 pm on weekdays or weekend afternoons when people are most likely to be checking the app and have time to respond.

9. Keep First Messages Concise

Aim for 40-90 characters—enough to show personality and ask a question, but not so long that it feels overwhelming.

10. Follow the 3:1 Rule

For every three pieces of information you learn from their profile, reference one in your opener. This shows you've paid attention without seeming like you've over-analyzed them.

11. Use Positive Language

Example: "Your passion for sustainable fashion is inspiring! What brands have you discovered recently that you're excited about?"

Why it works: Positive emotional language creates a warm initial impression and makes people more likely to engage.

12. Create a "Fill in the Blank" Scenario

Example: "Based on your travel photos, I'm guessing your perfect weekend would include _________, _________, and _________. How close am I?"

Why it works: This format is interactive and playful, making it easy and fun to respond to.

13. Reference Current Events Relevant to Their Interests

Example: "I saw your photography prompt—have you checked out the new exhibit at MoMA? Their focus on contemporary street photographers seems right up your alley."

Why it works: Timely references show you're engaged with the world and creates natural conversation opportunities.

14. Use Personalized Conversation Starters

If you're struggling to craft the perfect message based on someone's profile, our tool at HingeOpeners.com can help generate tailored conversation starters. Simply upload a screenshot of their profile, and you'll receive personalized openers based on their unique interests and prompts.

15. Follow Up Thoughtfully (Once)

If you don't receive a response to your first message after 3-5 days, a single, light follow-up can sometimes restart the conversation:

Example: "Just circling back because I'm genuinely curious about your experience living in Japan. No pressure though!"

Why it works: A brief, pressure-free follow-up shows continued interest without seeming demanding.

What Not to Do in Your First Hinge Message

To maximize your chances of getting a response, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Don't use copy-paste messages that could be sent to anyone
• Don't comment only on physical appearance as your primary opener
• Don't overwhelm with multiple questions in one message
• Don't use excessive emojis that can come across as immature
• Don't make assumptions about their interests or experiences
• Don't send messages with spelling and grammar errors
• Don't be negative about dating apps, the dating process, or life in general

The Science of First Messages: What the Data Shows

Recent analyses of messaging patterns on dating apps reveal several interesting trends:

• Messages that ask questions have a 35% higher response rate
• First messages that reference specific profile content get 40% more replies
• Messages sent on Sunday evenings receive the highest response rates
• Openers with 40-90 characters perform best (neither too short nor too long)
• Messages with a touch of humor receive 30% more responses than serious ones

Using AI to Create Better Hinge Openers

If you're still struggling to craft effective first messages, technology can help. Our AI-powered tool at HingeOpeners.com analyzes your match's profile and generates personalized conversation starters tailored to their specific interests, prompts, and photos.

Simply upload a screenshot of their profile, and the AI will identify key talking points and create several customized openers that reflect your authentic voice while maximizing your chances of getting a response.

When to Move On

While improving your messaging strategy will significantly increase your response rate, it's important to maintain perspective. Remember that:

• Not everyone checks Hinge regularly
• Some people match with more people than they can actively chat with
• Chemistry and timing are factors beyond your control
• No response after a thoughtful message and one follow-up usually means it's best to focus your energy elsewhere

The Final Word on First Messages

Crafting effective first messages on Hinge is both an art and a science. By implementing these expert strategies, you'll significantly increase your response rates and set the foundation for meaningful conversations that can lead to genuine connections.

Remember that authenticity remains the most important factor. Use these techniques not as gimmicks, but as tools to showcase your genuine interest and personality from the very first interaction.

If you're looking for personalized help with your Hinge conversations, try our conversation starter generator at HingeOpeners.com to create tailored openers based on your match's unique profile.

Happy messaging, and may your inbox be filled with engaging responses!