Want more Bumble matches? Here are some tips to make your profile stand out

Online dating has been around for a long time, but the pandemic has made it even more normal to turn to apps to find romance amid lockdowns and health protocols.

If you're new to the online dating market, however, getting enough matches can sometimes be challenging.

Dating app Bumble organized a panel discussion on the modern dating scene in the Philippines to help those looking for love find "the one."

Straight from the experts, here are some things you can do to make your Bumble profile stand out and get those swipe rights!

1. Use updated photos

Independent journalist Ana Santos said it tends to make a person feel uninterested when profiles have blurry and old shots of themselves.

"When I see a photo of another person, 'This is blurry.' Here's the thing about guy photos: 'This looks like you took this 10 years ago, dude.' How pixelated the photo is," she said.

"Let's please use up-to-date photos. I think that will get you more matches," she added.

Based on her personal experience, she suggested posting quirky shots to help initiate conversation and stimulate interactions.

2. Show authenticity

Although the internet has become a place to flex dolled-up looks, Bumble's Asia-Pacific Communications Director Lucille McCart said it's still important to show our natural selves.

"At least one clear photo of you as your first—no sunglasses, no filters, just natural you, how you look day to day," she said. "Couple of glam shots is fine but also showing you in your authentic way."

"You don't want to be like this full glammed version of yourself and then feel like you have to maintain that throughout your connection with that person," she added.

Part of being authentic is also showing one's ability to make friends, so she encouraged those looking for love to go ahead and put those barkada shots on your profile.

"Group photos are great because they show you with your friends, they show you being social, they get a bit of a hint on what your life is like," she said.

3. Make an effort to make the bio interesting

Aside from the selfies and all those gorgeous-looking shots, your biography is also a factor in your prospective match's decision to swipe left or swipe right.

According to McCart, what you put there is just as important as the pictures because you can give more details on your interests.

"It's gonna give them something to talk to you about. You're more likely to get matches if you use your badges that say your star sign, religion, how active you are, if you smoke, drink, all those things."

Other information that you can put on your bio include height, work, music taste, and political stand, among others.

You can also lay down what kind of relationship you are looking for and if you want a family in the future.

Good luck and happy swiping!

—MGP, GMA News