How Tinder Picks Works [& How To Be Chosen As One!]

Tinder Top Picks is a daily selection of 10 profiles the algorithm has chosen specifically for you based on your swiping patterns and preferences. Free users can interact with only one pick daily; unlocking all 10 requires Tinder Gold or Platinum. To become someone else's Top Pick, optimize your bio with specific keywords and interests that help Tinder's algorithm categorize you attractively.

Key Insights

• What it is: A curated daily feed of 10 profiles Tinder's algorithm selected based on your swiping behavior and match preferences
• Access levels: Free users and Plus subscribers can interact with only 1 of 10 picks; Gold and Platinum unlock all 10
• Refreshes every 24 hours: Unused picks disappear whether you've viewed them or not—check daily
• Category labels: Profiles display tags like "Adventurer," "Creative," "Scholar," or "Foodie" based on bio content
• Works with Passport: Your picks reflect whichever location you're currently swiping in
• How to become one: Include specific keywords, job title, education, and interest badges in your profile so the algorithm can categorize you

VIDA Select's team of dating experts has logged hundreds of thousands of hours on Tinder, so we know each feature inside and out—and most importantly, how to use it to attract better matches.

As Tinder’s Chief Product Officer Brian Norgard explained,

“Picks delivers a personalized, premium user experience within Tinder Gold that puts a spotlight on unique characteristics that make our users stand out."

For instance, if a person’s profile says they’re an artist, you might see the label “Creative” emblazoned across their photo. Someone who enjoys rock climbing might be categorized as an “Adventurer.”

Other categories include “Military,” “Scholar,” “Foodie,” and “Traveler.”

Having Tinder cherry-pick your best matches can save you a lot of swiping time, but your profile needs to compel a potential match to like you back.

You also want to boost your chances of being someone else’s Top Pick, and for that you need a bio that knocks it out of the park.

The more you can do to optimize your profile for the Tinder algorithm, the better.

Here are 3 ways to be a Tinder Top Pick:

1. Get Specific In Your Bio

Tinder’s algorithm will evaluate your occupation, education, and hobbies/interests, so make sure you give it plenty to work with when it comes to determining your label. The easiest way to do this is by including interest badges in your profile, and using relevant keywords in your bio.

For example, a Tinder bio like this might earn the "Adventurer" or "Traveler" label:

Expert Tip: Adding your job and education info to your profile also helps the algorithm identify you as a top prospect. As an added bonus, that information also gives your matches something to ask you about in a message exchange.

Go here for Tinder profile examples and advice.

2. Keep An Eye On Proportions

The ideal primary Tinder pic shows the upper 2/3rds of your body.

Not only has research found images cropped more like a traditional head shot were consistently rated as more attractive, it’s also what looks best in the "Top Picks” grid view.

Here are some other primary photo “rules” that will help you get more right swipes on Tinder:

• Choose an image taken with a high-quality camera where the focus, lighting, etc. are all on point.
• Be the only person in the frame.
• While you don’t necessarily have to make eye contact with the camera (although that’s a great way to spark an immediate connection), do make sure your eyes are visible in your primary Tinder picture. Sunglasses or other obstructions don’t do your likeability any favors.

3. Let The Masses Help Choose Your Lineup

Whether you enable Tinder’s Smart Photo feature or use a site like PhotoFeeler to gather opinions, getting feedback on your photo selection is vital.

Here is why - it’s simply not possible for you to evaluate your pictures the same way a total stranger will.

You’re so familiar with your own appearance that your brain naturally glosses over details someone who has never seen you before might pick up on right away.

And as you know, the devil is in the details.

You want to choose the photos that other people find most attractive, and the only way to do that is to gather opinions. It’s well worth the time and effort to get the most attractive photo lineup possible.

Of course, if you’re like the average single, you’re already putting a lot of time and effort into Tinder - to the tune of 40+ hours per month. And if you’re still not meeting the best local singles, you’re probably pretty frustrated right about now.

The dating experts at VIDA can help! In fact, we can do it all. From using our proven, data-driven photo selection process to writing an irresistible bio that hits all the right notes, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

We’ll even handle all the messaging for you.

There is no easier way to meet high-quality singles on Tinder - all you do is show up for the dates! Intrigued? Click here!