What Is Hinge Most Compatible & How Does It Work?

This dating app wants to get you into a long-term relationship, which is the motivation behind Hinge's Most Compatible feature.

Over time, Hinge learns your preferences. The algorithm searches for profiles of people who not only fit them, but are also interested in dating someone like you.

The algorithm then presents the seemingly most compatible matches to you one at a time via a special notification.

Our team of dating experts has been using Hinge for years, logging in daily since it launched way back in 2012. We've managed thousands and thousands of Hinge profiles on behalf of our clients, so we've experienced first hand all the ways the app has evolved.

In short, we know the ins and outs of all of Hinge's features, and more importantly, how to use them to get more dates! In this short post, you'll learn exactly how this free feature decides which of your potential matches are the most compatible.

How Hinge Most Compatible Works

Most users get one Most Compatible match daily. You'll find it at the top of your Discover the first time you log in each day. If you aren't in the habit of checking the Hinge app daily, you may find the frequency varies.

If you have push notifications enabled, you'll know when your recommended match has been delivered.

Because Most Compatible matches are an intentional pairing, you’ll see each other’s profiles.

During the testing phase, Most Compatible matches swapped phone numbers 8 times more often. They theorized that made it more likely an actual date occurred.

As for how your recommended matches are actually determined, Hinge’s Director of Communications Jean-Marie McGrath, explained the process to Elite Daily:

Through a combination of machine learning and the Nobel-prize winning Gale-Shapley algorithm, 'Most Compatible' pairs members with the person they’re most likely to have a great first date with.

The Gale-Shapley algorithm won a Nobel Prize, and it’s been around since the ‘60s.

It was originally developed as a way to tackle the “stable marriage” problem. The central premise was the difficulty inherent in matching an evenly split number of men and women asked to rank each other in order of preference.

Matching With AI

When deciding who your Most Compatible matches are, Hinges uses machine learning to analyze:

• All the information you plug into your profile, including your answers to the 3 questions. (That’s one reason why putting some real thought into choosing the best Hinge prompts for you to answer is essential!)
• Your actions within the app, such as who you choose to “like” and/or message, and who you choose to “pass” on.
• What type of people “like” and comment on your profile. To make sure you're attracting the caliber of singles you'd consider a relationship with, check out these Hinge profile tips!

Since it’s a process that occurs over time, using the app thoughtfully and frequently will lead to higher-quality matches recommended by the Hinge algorithm. As Hinge founder Justin McLeod told British Vogue,

It gets better and more accurate the more that you reveal your tastes.

The Most Compatible feature is not the same as a Hinge Standout profile. Standouts is a special feed of profiles the algorithm deems to be a good fit. Check out exactly how the Hinge Standouts feature works!

Got more Hinge questions?

Our Ultimate Guide To Hinge has the expert answers you need, and plenty of profile and photo tips to ensure your perfect match feels the love!