The One Expression That Works on Every App
There's one facial expression that boosts matches across Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge. Here's what it is and why it works so well.
You spend hours picking out the perfect photo for your dating profile. Great lighting, perfect outfit, interesting background.
But have you ever thought about your expression?
Because there’s actually one expression proven to boost your matches and improve how approachable you seem, no matter if you’re on Tinder, Bumble, or Hinge.
It’s not mysterious or complicated. It’s simpler than you might think:
A genuine smile.
Wait, Isn’t That Obvious?
Yes and no.
Most people think smiling helps but underestimate how much it matters. Research shows a clear, natural smile dramatically increases attractiveness, trustworthiness, and approachability.
On the other hand, forced smiles or serious expressions (even if artistic) often reduce approachability or send confusing signals.
Why?
Because people respond subconsciously. In less than a second, they judge:
- If you’re friendly
- If you’re genuine
- If you’d be easy or enjoyable to talk to
A real smile instantly checks all these boxes.
But Not All Smiles Are Equal
There’s a catch.
A real smile, known as a Duchenne smile, involves your eyes. It creates little “crow’s feet” wrinkles at the corners, showing genuine joy or friendliness.
Compare these:
- ✅ Real smile: Eyes slightly squinted, mouth relaxed, teeth naturally visible
- ❌ Fake smile: Mouth-only grin, eyes wide or stiff, overly posed
Users can instinctively tell the difference, even if they can’t explain it. And guess what? They prefer the genuine smile every time.
Example: Same Photo, Different Results
Imagine two nearly identical profile photos:
- Photo A: You’re looking at the camera, straight-faced. Serious but attractive
- Photo B: Same lighting, same angle, but you’re genuinely smiling, eyes engaged, relaxed posture
Here’s the result:
- Photo A might seem intriguing, but it risks feeling distant or even intimidating
- Photo B immediately signals openness, warmth, and friendliness
Research (and our own MiraiDate data) confirms: profiles with genuine smiles consistently receive more matches and better-quality interactions.
Can You Overdo It?
Good news: it’s hard to go wrong with a genuine smile. But keep these tips in mind:
- Context matters: Match your expression to your activity or background
- Avoid extremes: Laughing too hard or an exaggerated smile might feel less authentic
- Vary expressions: Use different subtle expressions in your other photos to show multiple dimensions of your personality
How to Capture a Real Smile
Struggle to capture genuine smiles? You’re not alone. Here’s how:
- Have a friend take the photo while telling you a funny story
- Think of a real happy memory just before snapping the shot
- Capture candid moments rather than always posing
Want Expert Feedback?
Choosing the right photo can be tough. At MiraiDate, we help you:
- Identify your best expressions and photos
- Provide personalized feedback on what works (and doesn’t)
- Suggest easy improvements to boost your matches
Ready to see what your photos are really saying?
Get instant photo feedback at MiraiDate
Related Reading:
Why You Shouldn’t Let the App Choose Your First Photo
Apps don’t always know best. Learn why your first photo matters most.
Photo vs. Face: What’s Really Being Judged First?
It’s not just about your face: background, lighting, and expression matter too.