48 Tinder Conversation Starters & Secrets to Get Them Itching to Respond

Keen to use Tinder but have no idea how to start a good conversation? No worries! These Tinder conversation starters and Tinder openers will help you kick-start the convo and get a potential new relationship off the ground. 

No matter who you are, you’ve probably heard of Tinder by now. This dating app’s popularity has been booming since it first came out, and for a good reason, too. For many people, it’s turned into the perfect way to meet singles near them, and it works wonders. Now all you need are a few really good Tinder conversation starters and the secrets to knowing how to start and keep a conversation going on Tinder. Let’s get to it!

You may think Tinder is an app purely for those who are looking to hook up, but you might even be surprised by how many married couples met via Tinder.

But then again, if you want to hit that sort of luck, the one thing you need to do is find something intriguing to say. That’s where we come in with Tinder conversation starters that’ll leave someone wanting more.

The first message you send to someone sets the tone for the entire conversation. And many studies have discovered that your very first discussion has the power to either make people want you more or turn them off completely. [Read: Should you try online dating? The guide to decide if it’s for you]

There are always options when it comes to starting a conversation on Tinder. You can be deep, funny, or totally original. What’s important is that you start your Tinder conversation in a way that feels true to you. [Read: How to use Tinder – A guide for true love or a perfect hookup]

What we say plays the biggest role in attraction

We don’t care if you look like a superstar. Your match won’t either. In the case that you are terrible at conversing and don’t click, it’ll go nowhere past the first conversation. What you say can even affect how attractive someone thinks you are.

We connect with people through emotions. The higher level of emotional attraction we have for someone, the more we’re physically attracted to them. And all of this emotional attraction bleeds through in conversation.

So, knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder with the perfect conversation starters includes many things that can actually set the tone for your entire connection.

And if you can’t seem to have a solid conversation on Tinder, how will you enjoy a date? [Read: The 35 best text conversation starters for the shy and socially awkward]

People look for the instant connection

You might think the opening sentence on Tinder is just a few words and what comes after is more important, but that is not always the case. In today’s culture, people want to feel a connection ASAP.

It doesn’t seem exactly fair, but good first impressions are important. Most dating experts agree that the first 30 seconds of interaction is equivalent to spending 3 with someone.

In this digital age, guys and girls put an effort into making their match feel something by finding the best icebreaker, an equivalent of good first impressions.

If you don’t draw positive attention quickly, Tinder is full of more people. Some people, of course, will try to get to know you even if your opening line is “Hey.” Others will move on to find something a bit more unique.

Think of Tinder as a first date. Although it is virtual, you still want to put in the same effort you would on a date. Try to share something personal, ask something that sparks intrigue, or even make a joke. [Read: How to talk to girls on Tinder – 25 ways to be and feel more confident]

Try not to let this put pressure on you, though. There is no need to be worried or concerned that what you said wasn’t perfect. Not everyone will click with you, and that is okay.

Plus, just as they can move on, so can you. That is the benefit of a dating app like Tinder, there is always someone else on the horizon.

How to start a conversation on Tinder – The must-know tips

Now that you know why knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder is so important, you can go into it with boldness and originality.

Being able to make the first move and start a conversation on Tinder is all about making an impact. You don’t want to go in with something that doesn’t require a response or can be answered with a simple yes or no.

So, here on some ideas and do’s and don’ts you can use or just pull inspiration from, and then we’ll give you some useful Tinder conversation starters to use if you can’t seem to come up with anything. [Read: 30 effective tips to help you win at online dating]

1. Respond to their profile

This is probably the easiest icebreaker with someone you don’t know. Instead of trying to come up with something unique and original on your own, pull from what you already know about them.

If your match’s Tinder profile mentions they are into travel or photography, let your first Tinder message be about cameras or their favorite place to travel. [Read: How to start a conversation on Tinder and snag a date every time]

2. Ask about one of their photos

Some people leave their bios blank, which gives you a lack of material to work with, but there are always photos. Hopefully, they are not all selfies, and you can ask about them.

Ask where their hiking photo was taken, how old their dog is, or anything else pertaining to a specific photo. They chose those specific photos to intrigue potential matches, so show them it worked.

It’ll also show that you took the time to look at their photos. Most people love to talk about themselves, so they are likely to respond to your opening message.

3. Play a game

You may have taken a break from using games to break the ice since the first day of high school, but these tricks work. They distract you from the fact that this is sort of awkward and just let you get to know each other.

Try something like Two truths and a Lie or 20 Questions as a fun way to get the conversation flowing. If you ask something interesting, they’d want to answer it! [Read: 32 fun and flirty texting games to play with someone and build a sexual connection instantly]

4. Quote a movie or TV show

This is a great way to see if your tastes line up. Ask them to guess where the quote is from or just see if they recognize it. You can use a line from your favorite show or a classic movie.

5. Ask what their dream date is

Whether you want to chat for a while first or meet up quickly, this is a great way to start a conversation on Tinder. You get to know the vibe they are going for and if it is something you would enjoy.

And if you want to meet up, it is a great segue. [Read: Online dating success? Meet your date in person soon]

6. Ask about the most spontaneous thing they have ever done

Starting a conversation on Tinder with this question gets things off on a light note. You can talk about your bucket list and how adventurous you are or aren’t.

7. Ask what they’re looking for

We know this seems obvious, but when it comes to knowing how to start a conversation on Tinder, not many people ask this until they meet or even later than that.

If you are on Tinder for a hook-up, make sure the person you’re interested in wants the same thing before you move the conversation forward and start to bombard them with flirty messages.

8. Ask their opinion on a classic debate

Do they prefer peanut butter or jelly? Do they hang the toilet paper over or under? These are things everyone has a feeling about one way or the other. Starting things off with a friendly debate always heats things up.

9. Ask them what the best pickup line they’ve ever heard is

This is sure to be a funny way to start a conversation on Tinder. You can trade hilarious or cheesy pickup lines. See which catches your fancy. [Read: 70 hilarious cheesy pick-up lines that’ll get anyone laughing]

10. Talk about the best shows to binge

Television is a big part of pop culture today. Sharing your interests and preferences can let you know if you would get along. And even if this isn’t a match made in Netflix heaven, you might get some good TV recommendations out of it.

11. Talk about dream vacations

Just about everyone on Tinder says they love to travel, but that is quite a bit vague. Ask them where they would love to travel. Then, ask if they have any plans to go there. And if you’ve been there, offer some pointers.

12. Throw in a compliment

This is always a go-to. It’s okay to compliment their smile, style, or bio. Just be sure to follow up that comment with a question like, “I love your style, how did you get so cool?” With this one, you have to be mindful and learn to start the conversation on tinder without being creepy. [Read: How to flirt and intrigue someone with only your written words]

13. Don’t be afraid to use a GIF or two

Emojis and GIFs are at your disposal, so use what you have. Ask a question and throw in a funny GIF or even a meme to help drive your point home.

14. Ask multiple-choice questions

This is such a unique way to get to know someone. Instead of an open-ended question, ask something and give them options for an answer.

Ask them about the vibe they like on weekends. Do they prefer to be a. lazy, b. party, c. productive, or d. all of the above. [Read: How to get to know someone on a date]

15. Check for typos

Proper grammar and spelling show intellect and also how much you care about what you are saying. Be sure to double-check for typos and grammatical errors. We know it seems picky, but this is a real turn-off for a lot of people.

16. Message when you have time to talk

Try not to message someone and start a conversation on your way to work or before you go to sleep. Message when you actually have the time to go back and forth and really carry out a conversation. Otherwise, they might assume you’re not that interested. [Read: 15 Tinder tips you cannot ignore if you ever want a date]

17. Don’t get too personal too quickly

When it comes to learning how to initiate a conversation on Tinder, it can be tempting to open yourself up to someone when you feel a connection straight off the bat. Hold back at least a little bit.

Although Tinder has formed some amazing bonds, there are still a lot of ghosters out there. You do not want to tell someone everything about yourself only for them to disappear.

18. Don’t use their name in your message

Apparently, some people find this to be sincere, but most people find it creepy on Tinder. We don’t know why, but it comes across as creepy or intimidating to some.

Think about it. How often do you use someone’s name in a message to them? It’s memorable, but maybe for Tinder users, it all seems a bit too fake and personal before the first meeting!

19. Only follow up once

Sure, sometimes Tinder doesn’t notify people, or they are busy and forget to respond. Whatever the reason, go ahead and follow up.

Do not resend the same message but add a meme or GIF about two to four hours after the initial message. If there is still no response, let it go. [Read: Double texting – What it is, how to avoid it and 15 must-follow rules]

20. Play it cool

Remember that the person you are starting a conversation with on Tinder is probably not your lifelong crush.

It is someone that you thought looked cool from a few sentences and a few photos. Don’t freak out. There is no need to be nervous.

21. Be genuine

If you’re acting and being obvious about the fact that you’re not at all how you sound, it will show. Be genuine and honest whenever you send a message. Nobody likes someone who is so obviously fake.

Have fun with these Tinder conversation starters, but don’t try too hard. Be vulnerable and open. That will get you further than putting on a show. [Read: How to be yourself – 26 steps to unfake your life and love being you]

22. Avoid mentioning physical attraction

We know it’s tempting to tell someone they’re sexy, but it’s very overused. Avoid starting a conversation by commenting on physical attraction as that indicates you’d like to get physical with them – which is a turn-off.

Plus, you’ve already matched. They know you find them attractive.

Save the comments about their beauty after you’ve already been talking for a while. And even then, just mention it in passing. Finding a more substantial Tinder conversation starter is best.

23. Make them laugh

Laughter really goes a long way to hooking someone on Tinder. When you make someone laugh, you’ll almost always get a response.

Why? Because they’ll remember you. It leaves a lasting impact when they find what you said funny. So use a joke to keep the conversation lighthearted, although don’t make fun of super deep issues as that is just downright rude. [Read: How to make a girl laugh and like you instantly]

24. Be yourself

This is said a lot, but it’s true. Don’t use a pick-up line that doesn’t resonate with you. If you’re asking something about traveling when you hate it, it’ll be hard to back up.

It just won’t make sense, and if you lie about liking something, such as traveling, it’ll show after a little while. So just be yourself and go with your personality.

25. Ask engaging questions

Questions are by far the best way to go about getting a response. You’ll notice that all of these tips on how to start a conversation on Tinder and the Tinder conversation starters we’ve shared below almost always ask a question.

When you need an answer, people will most likely give it to you, so it never hurts to ask. It also intrigues them, and they’ll feel much more invested in the conversation.

26. Find a way to connect your interests

If you see in one of their photos that they’re skiing, and you love to ski, mention it. Find a way to work it into your first line.

People like to know that you have something in common almost right away. When you discuss an interest right away, you’re showing them several different things instead of giving a boring compliment.

Firstly, you’re showing that you paid attention to their pictures and bio. Secondly, you’re telling them that you’re interested in more than what they look like. And lastly, you’re engaging with them about something they love to do. All of these are beneficial if you want to keep the conversation going.

27. Use a cheesy pick-up line, but as a joke

We all know how annoying a really cheesy pick-up line can be. But what’s great about using it as one of your Tinder conversation starters is that you can make fun of it.

Using a corny line followed by, “can you believe people actually fall for this type of thing?” can work wonders for getting a response. [Read: 70 hilarious cheesy pickup lines that’ll leave them laughing]

It will help lead to a flirty and casual conversation. Going for this option will show you are a lot of fun.

28. Let it be natural

Don’t reply with something forced. Let the conversation be what it is. Do your best to send out a Tinder conversation starter that they’ll be intrigued by, but don’t force it. If they don’t respond, that’s fine. Don’t be that annoying person who double-messages.

You don’t want to date someone when you have to force it. If it isn’t working, let it go and move on.

29. Ask what they’re looking for

This may sound like an intense question to ask right off the bat, but it can prevent you both from wasting time.

If they want to have fun and you are looking for a solid connection, this can help you move forward. And if you both want the same thing, this conversation could help you connect even better. [Read: What does a casual relationship mean to a guy and your future?]

30. Talk about your goals

You may think talking about yourself too much will turn them off, but sharing your passions as a Tinder conversation starter is actually super sexy.

People love to hear about what excites you. It helps them learn that you love what you do and that you are moving forward in life.

31. Ask to meet

You don’t want to do this right off the bat because it can seem presumptuous. After you start a conversation with one of these good conversation starters and things are going well, give it a try.

Talking online too much can make meetings seem nerve-racking. Also, there’s a good chance it’ll feel like the conversation is going nowhere, and everything may just fizzle out. [Read: Should you meet your Tinder match? When, where, and how to be safe]

Best Tinder conversation starters that’ll leave them wanting more

It’s easy to think that you just have to say “hi” to get someone to like you. But there’s so much more to that initial attraction than you may think.

Saying “hi” doesn’t get anything started. In fact, simply saying “hi” can turn someone off. You weren’t creative or interesting, and you may not even get a response. If you do, things are likely to die down quickly.

Here are some specific Tinder conversation starters you can use to boost your chances of scheduling a date, or at least a facetime date. [Read: 15 signs a girl likes you on Tinder]

1. If you were just given the opportunity of a lifetime to pack a bag and leave tonight for a trip to anywhere of your choosing, where would you go?

Talk about travel. This is a neutral topic that gets most people excited.

2. So, how are you spending your day? Netflixing, causally sippin’ on something alcoholic, or out on an adventure?

Just chat about your days. This is simple and honest while also showing that you are interested in learning about what this person is up to.

3. Congratulations! You were just given Monday off of work. How are you spending your three-day weekend? Will you sleep in, go on a short road trip, or celebrate with drinks?

You are pretty much asking how they spend their free time but in a much less boring way.

4. Spontaneity is said to be the spice of life. Tell me about the last spontaneous thing you did and loved.

This can start you off with some entertaining stories.

5. You just won a million dollars. What is the first thing you do with the money?

Would they donate it? Maybe they’d go on an elaborate vacation. This can get you talking about some pretty important topics.

6. If you received a dollar for one thing people frequently get wrong about you, what would be responsible for making you rich?

Are they messy? Do they run late? This is like asking your date what their biggest weakness is but less professionally.

7. I’ve heard there are two types of people in the world. What do you think those two types are?

Find out how they see the world. Do your ideas align?

8. Someday, we will look back on the day we met, surrounded by grandchildren, and say, “it all started with a swipe right.” Romantic, huh?

Do they like online dating, or is it a means to an end? [Read: How to get laid on Tinder with these must-follow rules]

9. If you had to choose just one to eat for the rest of your life, would it be ice cream, brownies, or cookies?

Do they have a sweet tooth, or do they prefer salty snacks?

10. Hi there, Tinderella. Do you mind if I am your Tinderfella?

This can obviously be reversed too. But it is pretty darn clever.

11. Your travel photos are amazing. Where were they taken?

This is another way to talk about travel, but instead of dream trips, you can share your best travel stories.

12. Wow, I think you’re the first [their job] I’ve come across on this app.

Compliment their job. Ask about it. Show your interest in what they do.

13. I’m super hungry right now and need inspiration. What are you making for dinner?

Food is never a bad topic. Everyone loves food. [Read: What to say on Tinder – 30 texts to impress just about anyone]

14. What a cool [band] tee! What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Talking about music is perfect. You can debate your favorite band or songs and talk about concert experiences. You can also share embedded Spotify playlists with each other.

15. What attracts you to somebody? For me, it’s always a great sense of humor and loving animals.

This can show you if you will click or if you are each other’s type.

16. I couldn’t help but notice your bookshelf. Impressive! What are you reading right now?

Books are a more romantic version of TV. Why talk about what show you’re binging when you can talk about your favorite books? [Read: Books that will teach you lessons about your love life]

17. What’s the best (or worst) opening line you’ve received on here?

This is sure to be a great joy for both of you. There is a never-ending cycle of weird lines.

Use Tinder in the right way, and you may just find love

Tinder has a reputation for being a pick-up ground, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Many couples have met on Tinder and gone on to have long and successful relationships. Go into it with no expectations and a mindset of just having fun. Then, you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain! 

[Read: 15 Tinder tips you can NOT ignore if you ever want a date]

Getting someone to reply on Tinder can be difficult but not impossible. As long as you know what to say, it can go your way. Use these Tinder conversation starters to increase your odds.