What to Text First on Tinder: 120 Smart Ideas

Starting a conversation on Tinder can feel a bit nerve-wracking, especially when you’re not sure how to break the ice. The first message is your chance to make a great impression, but figuring out what to say can be tricky.

Whether you’re looking for a clever opener or something that shows you’re genuinely interested, knowing what to text first on Tinder can set the stage for a fun and engaging chat. In this article, we’ll explore some simple, yet effective tips to help you kick off your next Tinder conversation with confidence.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect First Message

Crafting the perfect first message on Tinder doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of thought and attention to detail, you can set the tone for a positive and engaging conversation. Here’s how to do it:

1. Be Original

Avoid Generic Openers: A simple “Hey” or “What’s up?” might seem easy, but it doesn’t stand out. Instead, try something that shows you’ve put a little thought into your message.
Use a Creative Greeting: Think of something unique that reflects your personality. For example, “If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?” immediately opens the door to an interesting conversation.

2. Personalize Your Message

Reference Their Profile: Take a moment to read through their profile and pick out something that catches your eye. If they mention a favorite hobby, book, or travel destination, incorporate it into your message. For instance, “I see you love hiking. What’s the best trail you’ve ever explored?” shows that you’re genuinely interested in them as a person.
Compliment Thoughtfully: Instead of generic compliments, focus on something specific. “Your travel photos are incredible—any tips for someone planning a trip to Iceland?” is much more engaging than simply saying, “You’re pretty.”

3. Keep It Light and Fun

Use Humor: A little humor goes a long way in breaking the ice. A playful or witty comment can make your message memorable. For example, “Two truths and a lie—let’s see if I can guess yours!” adds an element of fun right from the start.
Be Positive: Start the conversation on an upbeat note. Avoid heavy or controversial topics in your first message. Instead, aim for something lighthearted and easy to respond to.

4. Ask a Question

Engage with a Question: Questions are a great way to encourage a response. Try to ask something that requires more than a yes or no answer. For example, “What’s the most unusual food you’ve ever tried?” can lead to an interesting exchange.
Relate It to Their Interests: Tailor your question to something mentioned in their profile. If they’re a movie buff, ask, “If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?”

More Examples of Great First Messages

When it comes to Tinder, the first message can make all the difference. Below are several categories of first messages, each with 30 unique examples to help you get started. These messages are designed to fit different personalities and preferences, ensuring you can find the perfect opener for any situation.

1. Funny and Playful Openers

“Do you believe in love at first swipe?”
“Quick—what’s your favorite pizza topping? This could be a dealbreaker.”
“On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you love dad jokes?”
“Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?”
“Do you think there’s more doors or wheels in the world?”
“Are you a magician? Because every time I look at your profile, everyone else disappears.”
“If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Mine is finding the best memes.”
“Do you believe in aliens? Because you just abducted my heart.”
“Are you made of copper and tellurium? Because you’re Cu-Te.”
“What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever eaten on a dare?”
“If you were a vegetable, you’d be a cute-cumber.”
“I was blinded by your profile, or was it just your stunning smile?”
“How do you like your eggs in the morning? I like mine with a side of witty banter.”
“Are you a campfire? Because you’re hot and I want s’more.”
“What’s your favorite way to waste time, besides swiping right?”
“Is your name Google? Because you’ve got everything I’ve been searching for.”
“If you could be any kitchen appliance, what would you be?”
“On a desert island, what’s the one snack you can’t live without?”
“If you were a potato, how would you be cooked? I’m feeling some mashed potato vibes.”
“Are you French? Because Eiffel for you.”
“Do you like pineapple on pizza? We might have to debate this.”
“What’s your spirit animal, and why is it a sloth?”
“Is it just me, or did it get hot in here after we matched?”
“What’s your favorite pun? I’m always on the lookout for new material.”
“If your life were a movie, what genre would it be?”
“Do you like surprises? Because this message was totally unexpected.”
“Are you a keyboard? Because you’re just my type.”
“What’s the best Wi-Fi name you’ve ever seen?”
“If you were a fruit, you’d be a fineapple.”
“How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? Just curious.”

2. Thoughtful and Genuine Messages

“Your profile caught my eye—what’s the best book you’ve read recently?”
“I noticed you love traveling. What’s your favorite destination so far?”
“I see you’re into hiking. Do you have a favorite trail you recommend?”
“Your love for dogs is obvious! Tell me about your pup.”
“What’s the most inspiring quote you’ve ever come across?”
“What’s something you’re passionate about that not many people know?”
“I admire your love for photography. What’s your favorite subject to capture?”
“You mentioned you like cooking—what’s your go-to comfort food?”
“Your travel photos are amazing! What’s the most interesting place you’ve been?”
“It’s refreshing to see someone who enjoys art—what’s your favorite style?”
“Music is a big part of my life too—what’s your favorite song to unwind to?”
“You seem like someone with great taste. What’s a movie that changed your perspective?”
“I’m intrigued by your sense of adventure. What’s the most daring thing you’ve done?”
“You have a great smile—what’s something that always makes you laugh?”
“I love that you’re into volunteering. What cause is closest to your heart?”
“You seem well-traveled—what’s the most unique food you’ve tried?”
“Your profile is so positive! What’s your secret to staying upbeat?”
“As a fellow foodie, I have to ask—what’s the best meal you’ve ever had?”
“I see you’re into fitness. What’s your favorite way to stay active?”
“I’m curious—what’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t yet?”
“I noticed you play an instrument—what’s your favorite piece to play?”
“You’ve got great taste in music. What’s your favorite concert experience?”
“You seem like someone who enjoys deep conversations. What’s a topic you never get tired of discussing?”
“I’m inspired by your love for nature. What’s your favorite outdoor activity?”
“Your fashion sense is on point! Where do you find your style inspiration?”
“It’s clear you’re passionate about your career. What’s your favorite aspect of what you do?”
“Your positivity is contagious. What’s something that made you smile today?”
“I see you enjoy reading. What’s a book that’s had a big impact on you?”
“You have an eye for design—what’s your favorite way to express creativity?”
“I can tell you’re someone who loves learning. What’s the last interesting fact you discovered?”

3. Engaging and Interactive Messages

“If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be?”
“What’s your go-to karaoke song?”
“Let’s play a quick game: Two truths and a lie—go!”
“If you could time travel to any era, which would it be and why?”
“What’s your favorite way to spend a lazy Sunday?”
“Describe your perfect day—what does it include?”
“If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?”
“What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?”
“If you were an animal, what would you be and why?”
“What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done recently?”
“If you could have any job in the world, what would it be?”
“What’s the last show you binge-watched, and was it worth it?”
“If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?”
“What’s your most memorable travel experience?”
“If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?”
“What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?”
“If you could swap lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?”
“What’s your favorite holiday tradition?”
“If you could witness any historical event, which one would you choose?”
“What’s something you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t yet?”
“If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
“What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?”
“If you could have any fictional character as your best friend, who would it be?”
“What’s your dream road trip destination?”
“If you had a time machine, would you visit the past or the future?”
“What’s the most meaningful gift you’ve ever received?”
“If you could relive any day in your life, which one would it be?”
“What’s your hidden talent?”
“If you could be famous for one thing, what would it be?”
“What’s the most interesting documentary you’ve watched?”

4. Compliments with a Twist

“Your smile is contagious—how do you keep it so bright?”
“You have great energy—what’s your secret to staying positive?”
“Your profile picture radiates confidence. How do you always keep your head up?”
“I love your sense of style—it’s like you walked out of a fashion magazine!”
“Your adventurous spirit is inspiring—what’s next on your bucket list?”
“You seem so grounded and genuine—how do you stay true to yourself?”
“Your love for life is evident—what motivates you every day?”
“You’ve got a contagious laugh—I bet you’re the life of the party!”
“Your creativity is off the charts—what’s your latest project?”
“You have such a kind smile—what’s your favorite way to spread kindness?”
“Your enthusiasm for life is refreshing—what keeps you so energized?”
“You have a way with words—what’s your favorite way to express yourself?”
“Your travel photos are breathtaking—do you have any photography tips?”
“Your love for animals is heartwarming—how many pets do you have?”
“Your playlist must be fire—what’s your favorite genre?”
“Your positivity shines through your profile—what’s something that always cheers you up?”
“Your friends must be lucky to have you—what’s your idea of a perfect friendship?”
“Your profile is so uplifting—what’s your go-to method for de-stressing?”
“You seem like someone who enjoys deep connections—what’s the best conversation you’ve ever had?”
“Your sense of adventure is contagious—what’s your next big plan?”
“Your style is impeccable—where do you get your fashion inspiration?”
“Your passion for music is obvious—what’s your favorite instrument to play?”
“You’ve got a great sense of humor—what’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you recently?”
“Your love for the outdoors is inspiring—what’s your favorite way to connect with nature?”
“Your energy is infectious—how do you stay so upbeat?”
“You seem like someone who’s always up for a challenge—what’s the next one you’re tackling?”
“Your adventurous spirit is inspiring—where’s the next place you want to explore?”
“Your dedication to your hobbies is impressive—what’s your latest passion project?”
“You have a way of making people feel comfortable—what’s your secret?”
“Your outlook on life is refreshing—what’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?”

What to Avoid in Your First Text

Sending the perfect first message on Tinder can set the stage for a successful conversation, but there are some common pitfalls you should steer clear of. Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that your opener is well-received and doesn’t turn the other person off. Here’s what you should avoid in your first text:

1. Avoid Boring Clichés

Generic Openers: Messages like “Hi,” “Hey,” or “What’s up?” are overused and don’t provide much to work with. These openers can come across as lazy and uninspired, making it easy for your message to get lost in the shuffle.

“How Are You?”: While polite, this question is too vague and doesn’t stand out. It often leads to a dead-end conversation where the other person feels obligated to respond with a simple “Good, you?” which doesn’t foster a meaningful connection.

Overused Compliments: Compliments like “You’re beautiful” or “You have a nice smile” might seem like safe bets, but they are so common that they can feel insincere. If you do want to compliment someone, try to make it specific and unique to their profile.

2. Don’t Be Overly Formal or Intense

Too Formal Language: Using overly formal language like “Good evening” or “I hope this message finds you well” can make the conversation feel stiff and unnatural. Tinder is a casual platform, and your messages should reflect that by being friendly and approachable.

Jumping to Personal Questions: Asking questions that are too personal or invasive right off the bat, such as “What do you do for a living?” or “What’s your relationship history?” can make the other person uncomfortable. It’s important to ease into deeper topics as the conversation progresses.

Being Too Serious: Starting with heavy topics like politics, religion, or intense personal beliefs can come across as intense and may turn people off. The first message should be lighthearted and fun to encourage a relaxed and engaging conversation.

3. Steer Clear of Overused Pick-Up Lines

Cheesy Lines: Classic pick-up lines like “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” or “Are you a magician? Because whenever I look at you, everyone else disappears” might have been funny once, but they’ve lost their charm through overuse. These lines can feel forced and often don’t lead to a genuine connection.

Sexual Innuendos: Messages that are overly suggestive or sexual right off the bat are a huge turn-off for most people. Comments like “Are you tired? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day” or anything overtly flirty can come across as disrespectful and off-putting.

Aggressive Compliments: Compliments that are too forward or aggressive, such as “You’re the sexiest person I’ve ever seen,” can make the recipient uncomfortable. It’s important to keep the tone respectful and not come on too strong.

4. Avoid Being Too Vague or Unclear

Ambiguous Messages: Messages that are too vague or ambiguous, such as “So, what’s your story?” or “Tell me something interesting,” can leave the other person unsure of how to respond. It’s better to ask specific questions or make comments that guide the conversation in a clear direction.

Unclear Intentions: If your message doesn’t make it clear what you’re looking for—whether it’s a light conversation, a date, or just getting to know someone—it can cause confusion. Be upfront and honest about your intentions in a way that’s friendly and non-pushy.

One-Word Messages: Sending a one-word message like “Sup?” or “Hey” doesn’t provide any substance for the conversation. It’s important to give the other person something to respond to, whether it’s a question, a comment, or an observation.

5. Avoid Sounding Desperate or Needy

Over-Eagerness: Messages that come off as overly eager, like “I’ve been waiting all day for you to respond” or “Finally, someone interesting!” can make you seem desperate. It’s important to strike a balance between showing interest and maintaining a relaxed attitude.

Double Texting: If the other person hasn’t responded yet, resist the urge to send a follow-up message too soon. Double texting can come across as pushy or impatient, which isn’t the best first impression to make.

Seeking Validation: Avoid sending messages that seek validation, such as “Am I your type?” or “Do you think I’m attractive?” These types of questions can put the other person on the spot and create an awkward dynamic.

What to Text First on Tinder: 120 Smart Ideas