Hinge Launches Convo Starters to Help Daters Write Thoughtful First Messages

Today, Hinge released Convo Starters – a new feature offering daters personalized tips for starting a conversation inspired by the Prompt answers and photos on someone’s profile. Many people feel intimidated about what to say in a first message, so Convo Starters gives daters ideas to express their genuine interest from the start. 

Sending a first message can feel like a lot of pressure, but it’s a great way to make a meaningful first impression. Recent Hinge research shows that 72% of daters are more likely to consider someone when a like includes a message. Additionally, Hinge data shows that likes sent with a comment are twice as likely to lead to a date – a finding that led Hinge to create Convo Starters. In early testing, over a third (35%) of daters said that the feature made them feel more confident reaching out, and people sent more comments with their likes overall. 

“We’ve heard from daters that not knowing what to say can hold them back from sending a comment at all,” said Jackie Jantos, Hinge’s President and CMO (she/her). “With Convo Starters, we’re easing that pressure. By offering gentle guidance grounded in someone’s profile, we’re helping daters start thoughtful, genuine conversations that show real interest – and bring them one step closer to a great first date.” 

How Convo Starters Works

• When a dater taps to send a like to a potential match in Discover, Convo Starters appears to offer inspiration.
• Daters see three unique tips personalized to the specific photo or Prompt. Each tip encourages daters to ask questions, exchange ideas and opinions, or engage in deeper discussions with each other. 
• Daters write a first message in their own voice and send a like.
• Once users match, the first message helps spark an engaging conversation that builds excitement to get to know each other more. 
• The Convo Starters tips are optional to use, and daters can turn the feature on and off in their settings. 

Convo Starters is available in the U.S. The feature uses generative AI guided by insights from Hinge’s team of PhD researchers and behavioral scientists on what matters most when starting conversations. Hinge’s generative AI tools – Convo Starters and Prompt Feedback – do not provide pre-written language for daters to copy and paste. Instead, both of these features inspire daters as they write in their own words. 

Helping daters open up with each other about what matters

“When you comment on someone’s profile, skip the generic ‘hey’ or surface-level compliment. Those don’t give the other person much to work with and put the pressure on them to keep the conversation going," said Logan Ury, Hinge’s Lead Relationship Scientist (she/her). "Instead, use that moment to share something thoughtful and specific. Let them know what caught your eye or mention how their Prompt connects to your own life. That small effort signals real interest, helps you stand out, and sets you up for a great conversation. If you’re looking for ideas, Convo Starters is an excellent place to begin!"

Convo Starters builds on Hinge’s ongoing work to help daters share more with each other on their profiles through features like ‘Your World’ Prompts and Prompt Feedback. Together, these tools encourage daters to move beyond surface-level small talk by highlighting more of who they are and what they care about. As dating culture evolves, Hinge continues to evolve with it – creating new ways for people to share their curiosity and depth with others as they build lasting connections.