How to create the perfect profile picture for online dating - 20 tips
Did you know that profiles with a friendly and neat profile picture receive up to 70% more messages? Now you're probably wondering, “What does the perfect profile picture look like?” and “What do I need to consider when creating a profile picture?”
We'll shed some light on the matter and give you the best tips to make your profile picture stand out!
5 reasons why it's important to upload a photo to your online profile
You've probably already completed the registration process and are now filling out your profile. That's a great start. Now begins an exciting time for you. If only it weren't for that empty profile picture...
Thoughts like “I'd rather explore the platform anonymously” and “What kind of photo should I upload?” are swirling around in your head. “Which one best represents me?” Here are 5 reasons why you should create a profile picture:
It's the first impression a potential partner will have of you. You certainly don't want a profile picture of yourself lying on the sofa in your pajamas eating chips, right?
The profile picture is the first thing you see in your partner suggestions. In addition to age and occupation, you will see pictures that can spark an initial attraction.
Whether you find someone attractive and take a closer look at their profile will depend on (whether consciously or subconsciously).
You stimulate the imagination and can picture things better when you have an image of a person in your head. Besides, how else would the other person know what you look like?
Both men and women receive up to 70% more contact requests when they create a profile picture.
Good profile pictures: 5 tips for your profile photo
There are a few basics you should keep in mind to take the perfect profile picture for your dating profile.
1. The right frame
The area from the head to the chest is particularly suitable for the right frame. To ensure that your profile picture reflects your personality, be sure to take the time to do it right.
Taking a quick photo usually doesn't work very well. The picture may be blurry, the framing may be unflattering, or other people may have sneaked into the picture.
Tip: Choose a frame that allows you to be clearly recognized from the front. If this is not the case, our gatekeepers may reject your profile picture.
2. Consider lighting and perspective when creating your profile picture
Lighting and perspective can make you look like a completely different person—for better or worse! It is important to use soft lighting from the right direction so that there are no harsh shadows on your face when you create your profile picture.
3. Good profile picture: Let your personality shine through
When creating your profile picture, you naturally want to look appealing, but ideally the picture should also reflect your character. To ensure that your personality is shown to its best advantage in your profile picture, you should not dress up. Good profile pictures show us exactly as we are.
Tip: The way you dress and wear your hair in everyday life often reflects your personality quite accurately.
4. The background of your profile picture
When it comes to the background of your photo, one thing is important: it should not steal the show! Walls with interesting textures, natural scenes, or even a white surface are ideal.
For perfectionists: If you want to be even more recognizable, make sure the background of your picture is slightly blurred.
5. Who's who? Stay away from group photos
The man has a profile picture showing him with his soccer team. The woman is pictured with her best friends. Nice memories, but not for your online dating profile. Of course, you know who the people to your right and left in the picture are. But what are your potential partners supposed to think?
Your profile picture quickly becomes a mystery, and since other members can't clearly recognize and identify you, you become uninteresting.
What's more, you can get yourself into big trouble by posting photos of others online without asking them, which is why our gatekeepers reject group photos.
How to create the perfect profile picture
What is the most common profile picture for men and women? A selfie, of course! To be precise, one in five profile pictures in Germany is a selfie. This beats all other profile picture motifs. With these 4 tips, you can take the perfect profile photo:
1. Turn on the front camera
Why? It's much easier and, best of all, you can see immediately whether your selfie has turned out well or not.
2. The lighting
For a good profile picture, you should find a well-lit spot. Always remember: in a selfie, you are the center of attention. So the light should shine on you and not on the back of your head.
3. The right angle
You know this best. But be careful! No one looks good when photographed from below. You'll get the perfect profile photo if you hold your phone parallel and slightly above your head.
4. The smile
Self-explanatory, but still extremely important. Smile. Men in particular think they have to look cool and serious in their profile photo, but women find men who smile particularly attractive.
Creating a profile picture: What appeals to men and women in particular
Of course, you want your profile picture to make an impression. But what appeals to men and women in particular? A study investigated precisely this and came to the following conclusion:
4 things that men find particularly attractive in women's profile pictures:
Your hair is tied back slightly or pinned back. - This allows men to see your face better.
You are alone in the picture and not with another man, which immediately raises the question of what your relationship to him is.
You look slightly to the side—this does not mean that you should take your profile picture from the side. Rather, if you tilt your face slightly, this comes across as very likable and much more natural to men.
Show your teeth! Men find it extremely appealing when they can see a radiant smile in a profile picture.
Profile photo as a man – women like these 3 things:
Women find photos of men with a slight smile on their lips more appealing than an artificial grin. Many women say that a slight smile seems particularly mysterious to them and arouses their interest.
Women definitely like simplicity, which is why they find it appealing when a man's profile picture is very simple and he looks directly into the camera.
Women also don't like it when you are in a picture with other people. This makes them more hesitant to message you.
No-gos: 5 things you should avoid in your profile picture
Unfortunately, there are also some no-gos when it comes to creating good profile pictures:
Your face is not clearly recognizable.
You are not alone in your profile picture.
No pets are allowed to be pictured.
Any filters that distort your image or make you unrecognizable. Women in particular like to use soft focus, Snapchat dog ears, or other filters. Funny photos that are not suitable for your online dating photo.
Exaggerated facial expressions.
You are wearing sunglasses or a hat.
Women wearing too much makeup in their profile photo. Do not use more makeup than you would normally wear.
Detailed information on rejection criteria can be found in our door hostess rules.
5 Profile Picture Ideas
Is a simple selfie in front of a white background too boring for you? With these 5 ideas, you can make your profile photo more interesting and stand out from the crowd.
1. Colors for a wow effect
Are you a fun-loving person who likes to show it by wearing bright and colorful clothes?
With a pink shirt or a bright red sweater, you'll immediately stand out from the other profiles.
2. Show yourself doing your hobby
Your profile photo is often the first impression a potential partner suggestion gets of you. If you're clever about it, you can reveal a little bit about yourself and your hobbies right here.
3. Take your profile photo outdoors
Do you love nature and enjoy being outdoors? Then be sure to show that in your profile picture. A green background also looks particularly natural.
4. Ask a friend for help
Selfies are easy to take with the front camera of your smartphone. But if for some reason that doesn't work, it can be helpful to ask a good friend for help. Together, you can choose the perfect location and the best lighting for your profile photo.
5. Profile photo at your favorite place
We are most relaxed and radiate this when we are in a place where we feel comfortable. You are sure to get the perfect profile photo if you take it at your favorite place.
For even more success: Use the gallery photos
Your photo album gives you much more freedom and probably allows you to show your personality even better.
Whether full-body photos, pictures from your vacation, hiking, or whatever else you do in your free time, you can let your creativity run wild here!
So here are just a few more tips on what is not acceptable:
Obscene images.
Pictures in which you cannot be recognized.
Photos in which you are not even in the picture.
Group photos.
Photos in which children are visible.
