[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":60},["ShallowReactive",2],{"iKa2CPrG0r":3,"Ue6sy8ZKOi":10,"Ul1dnLzHtu":30,"8ZId75ADG4":47},{"$typeName":4,"id":5,"metaTitle":6,"metaDescription":7,"idTemplate":8,"status":9},"core.api.platform.blog.GetBlogResponse",20,"BestDates Blog: Useful Tips, New Features & Expert Advice","Explore practical communication tips, platform updates, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build better connections on your BestDates journey","1","active",{"$typeName":11,"items":12},"core.api.platform.blog.GetCategoriesResponse",[13,18,22,26],{"$typeName":14,"id":15,"name":16,"slug":17},"core.api.platform.blog.Category",25,"Product","product",{"$typeName":14,"id":19,"name":20,"slug":21},21,"Trust & Safety","trust-safety",{"$typeName":14,"id":23,"name":24,"slug":25},23,"Advice","advice",{"$typeName":14,"id":27,"name":28,"slug":29},22,"Building Friendships","building-friendships",{"$typeName":31,"items":32,"currentPage":46,"totalPages":46},"core.api.platform.blog.GetArticlesResponse",[33],{"$typeName":34,"id":35,"idCategory":15,"title":36,"content":37,"slug":38,"coverImage":39,"coverImageAlt":36,"metaTitle":40,"metaDescription":41,"isFeatured":42,"dateUpdated":43},"core.api.platform.blog.Article",72,"BestDates Features Explained: All You Need to Know","\u003Cdiv class=\"blog-content\">\n\u003Cstyle>.blog-content{width:100%;}.blog-content pre{display:none;}.blog-content h1{padding:38px;text-align:center;text-transform:none;color:var(--content-primary-inverse);background-color:var(--background-tertiary);font-size:46px;font-weight:700;line-height:62px;}.blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:64px;margin:64px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:36px;font-weight:700;line-height:44px;}.blog-content h3{margin:24px 0 16px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:600;line-height:36px;}.blog-content 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.blog-summary{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-accent-subtle);background:var(--background-accent);}.blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-error);background:var(--background-error-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-success-subtle);background:var(--background-success-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid 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h2{scroll-margin-top:52px;margin:52px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:700;line-height:36px;}body.mobile .blog-content h3{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content h4{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content p{margin:12px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul p,body.mobile .blog-content ol p,body.mobile .blog-content ul ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol ul,body.mobile .blog-content ul ol,body.mobile .blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item{list-style-type:disc;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item-ordered{list-style-type:decimal;}body.mobile .blog-content details{margin-bottom:12px;}body.mobile .blog-content details summary{font-size:16px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table td,body.mobile .blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 4px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}body.mobile .blog-content table td *,body.mobile .blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}\u003C/style>\n\u003Cdiv>\n\u003Cp>This is the main reference guide for everything available on BestDates. Whether you've just created a BestDates sign-up or you've been on the platform for a while, it covers all the tools and what you need to know.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Most of the questions members have follow the same pattern: how do I find people here? What's the easiest way to start talking to someone? What can I send in a message? How do I stay safe? And what can I do for free versus what costs money? \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>We built this guide to answer all of those in one place, walking through each feature from the perspective of the situation it was designed for. If you've been wondering how something works on BestDates, or whether a tool exists for something you want to do, the answer is probably here.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-i-find-people-on-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"how-do-i-find-people-on-bestdates\" data-title=\"How Do I Find People on BestDates?\">How Do I Find People on BestDates?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>One of the first things you run into on any communication platform is the same question: where do I even start? The BestDates dating site offers three ways to find people, each suited to different situations depending on what you're looking for.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Search\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If you have a clear sense of who you want to connect with (a particular country, a certain age range, or a specific gender), Search is where to start. You can filter results by country, age, and gender, and choose to see all profiles, only members who are currently online, or only followed members.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>People Carousel\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone arrives on a platform with a fixed idea of who they're looking for. Sometimes you want to browse and see who comes up. The People Carousel on BestDates shows a rotating selection of suggested profiles. You can like or save a profile directly from the carousel without opening it, making it a low-effort way to signal interest while you're still exploring.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Newsfeed\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>The BestDates Newsfeed is built around a different idea: that the best way to find people you'll actually connect with is through what they share. Following someone adds their posts to your feed, and the Newsfeed is also a good way to discover new members based on what they share, rather than just their profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-can-i-show-interest-in-someone\" data-toc-id=\"how-can-i-show-interest-in-someone\" data-title=\"How Can I Show Interest in Someone?\">How Can I Show Interest in Someone?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>You've found someone interesting, but you're not sure how to make the first move. BestDates offers several ways to signal interest, and they'll appear at different points depending on where you are on the platform.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Like:\u003C/strong> when you're browsing the People Carousel, a heart icon lets you like a profile with one tap. The other member is notified that you've shown interest, which may prompt them to visit your profile in return. No pressure on either side.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Wink:\u003C/strong> when you visit someone's profile for the first time, you'll see two options: Wink, or Say hello. A Wink is a one-time gesture that says \"I noticed you\" without committing to a message.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Say hello:\u003C/strong> appears alongside Wink on the chat. Tapping it sends a ready-made opening message. It's the quickest route from interest to conversation.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Follow:\u003C/strong> this one isn't about a single moment; it is about staying connected over time. Following a member means their BestDates online posts keep appearing for you, even if a conversation hasn't started yet.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Like\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Wink\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Say hello\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Follow\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>What it does\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Signals interest\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A light nudge\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Sends a ready-made opener\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Subscribes to their posts\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Free or paid\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Free\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Free\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Paid\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Free\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Starts a chat?\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>No\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>No\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Yes\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>No\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-i-start-a-conversation-on-the-bestdates-website\" data-toc-id=\"how-do-i-start-a-conversation-on-the-bestdates-website\" data-title=\"How Do I Start a Conversation on the BestDates Website?\">How Do I Start a Conversation on the BestDates Website?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Starting a conversation with someone you've never met is the part most people find the hardest. We designed three ways to make it easier, depending on how much control you want over what you say and how many people you want to reach at once.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Icebreakers\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Icebreakers are pre-written conversation starters designed for one specific situation: when you want to reach out to several people at once without writing a different opening line for each one. You pick a message, choose between 2 and 5 members to send it to, and hit send. The same message goes to all of them at once, starting multiple conversations in a few clicks.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>To send an icebreaker:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Find the icebreaker option and select it.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Pick a message from the available options.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Choose between 2 and 5 members to send it to.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Send.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>Icebreakers are a paid feature on BestDates. There is no limit on how many icebreakers BestDates members can receive.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Opening Line Templates\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>When you start a chat with another member, you will see a selection of pre-written opening lines in the message box. These are short, question-style prompts on BestDates designed to invite a reply (for example: \"What is your hobby?\"). You can tap one to send it as your first message instead of writing from scratch.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>You can also save a personal template, so a go-to opener is always available when starting a new conversation. Template messages on BestDates are charged the same as other chat messages.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Writing Your Own First Message\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>For something more personal, typing a message directly is always an option. Referencing something from the other person's profile or a recent post tends to get a stronger response than something generic.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>For advice on what to share and how to communicate safely from the start, read our guide: Safe Communication Habits on BestDates: What to Share and When.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"which-messaging-options-do-i-have\" data-toc-id=\"which-messaging-options-do-i-have\" data-title=\"Which Messaging Options Do I Have?\">Which Messaging Options Do I Have?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Not every conversation is the same. Sometimes a quick exchange is exactly right. Other times you want to write something more considered, or share a photo alongside your message. We built two distinct messaging formats on BestDates to handle both.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Chat\u003C/strong> is live, short-form messaging that lets a conversation develop at a natural pace. It's the format most conversations start in and stay in.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Mail\u003C/strong> is for when you have more to say. Mail messages are longer and support photo attachments, making them better suited to more detailed correspondence or when you want to share something visual as part of the message itself.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Drafts\u003C/strong> are there for when you start a message but don't finish it. BestDates saves it automatically, so you can come back to it later without losing what you wrote.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Chat Translation\u003C/strong> is available to some members and translates incoming and outgoing messages as they arrive. It is designed for conversations on BestDates where language might otherwise be a barrier. Each translated message is clearly marked as a translation, and you can tap to view the original text at any time. If a translation seems off, you can flag it directly.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-do-i-share-photos-and-stickers\" data-toc-id=\"how-do-i-share-photos-and-stickers\" data-title=\"How Do I Share Photos and Stickers?\">How Do I Share Photos and Stickers?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes a conversation reaches a point where showing is better than describing, or you just want to add a little lightness to an exchange. We have two features for that.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Photo sharing\u003C/strong> lets you send images directly inside an active chat. Whether it's something you cooked, a place you visited, or anything easier to show than explain, you can share it. Photos shared in chat are separate from profile albums.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Stickers\u003C/strong> are expressive graphics you can add to any message. They're there for the moments when a well-chosen image says something faster and more accurately than typing it out.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Both photo sharing and stickers are paid features on BestDates.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"is-bestdates-safe-to-use\" data-toc-id=\"is-bestdates-safe-to-use\" data-title=\"Is BestDates Safe to Use?\">Is BestDates Safe to Use?\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your sense of security on BestDates matters as much as any other part of the experience. We have built several tools for different situations: whether you want to understand who you're talking to, stop contact from someone, flag something for our team, or take a step back from the platform entirely.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Verification Badge\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Wondering whether the person on the other side of a conversation is who they say they are is a common concern. The verification badge is our response to it. It's optional and available to any BestDates member in your account settings.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>To get verified:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Go to your BestDates account settings and find the verification option.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Have a valid, unexpired government-issued ID ready, along with a device with a working camera and good lighting.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Submit a clear photo of your ID.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Take a live selfie. Our third-party partner matches it against your ID to confirm a match.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>If the check passes, the badge appears on your profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>Most members complete the verification process on their first attempt on BestDates. For a full explanation of how the system works, read our guide on identity verification on BestDates.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Block and Report\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>If a conversation takes an unwanted turn or someone's behavior crosses a line, you have two tools that work independently of each other.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>To block a member:\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Open their profile or your conversation with them.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Select the block option.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>The block takes effect immediately: they can no longer message you or view your profile.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>To report a member:\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Open their profile, a message, or a post they've shared.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Select the Report Abuse option (it's available on every profile on the BestDates website).\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Choose the category that best describes the issue and add any details that might help.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Submit. Our moderation team reviews all reports.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Cp>You don't need to block someone to report them, and you don't need to report someone to block them. The two tools are independent.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch3>Account Management\u003C/h3>\n\u003Cp>Deactivating your account is the option for a break without leaving permanently. Your profile is hidden, notifications stop, and your data stays intact. You can return simply by logging back in. Deletion removes all data from our servers and cannot be undone.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cimg src=\"https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzkl92ha9ej6dna.6a876b5b.jpg\">\n\u003Ch2 id=\"bestdates-cost-how-it-works\" data-toc-id=\"bestdates-cost-how-it-works\" data-title=\"BestDates Cost: How It Works\">BestDates Cost: How It Works\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>For anyone looking for a clear BestDates cost breakdown, the first thing worth knowing is that there is no BestDates subscription. The platform does not charge a recurring fee — instead, it operates on a feature-by-feature basis, meaning you pay only for the specific features you choose to use. \u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>It is free to create your account and explore the platform — there is no need to commit until you are ready to use the messaging features. When you are, chat, mail, photo sharing, stickers, and icebreakers are subject to a fee. The table below shows the full breakdown.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Free\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>Paid\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Registration and account creation\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Chat\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Browsing profiles and Search\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Mail\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>People Carousel\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Photo sharing\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Newsfeed\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Stickers\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Like, Wink, and Follow\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Icebreakers\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Verification badge\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Block and Report\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"get-the-most-out-of-bestdates\" data-toc-id=\"get-the-most-out-of-bestdates\" data-title=\"Get the Most Out of BestDates\">Get the Most Out of BestDates\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>That BestDates guide covers every feature currently available on the platform. Each one is built for a different moment — finding people, making a first move, keeping a conversation going, or knowing what to do when something feels off. The platform is designed to work at your own pace, with no pressure to move faster than you're comfortable with.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>If a feature isn't working the way you'd expect, or you have a question not covered here, the BestDates support team is available at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a> — initial responses typically arrive within 24 hours. You can also find help articles in the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/community-pages/home\">Safety Center on the BestDates website.\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>Creating an account is free, and everything you need to browse profiles and explore the platform comes with it. Register now on \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"http://BestDates.com\">BestDates.com\u003C/a> and start browsing.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","bestdates-features-explained","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzklmttcrlt86rv.3c202636.jpg","Your BestDates Guide: Every Feature Explained","Your BestDates account includes more tools than you might expect. Here's a complete guide to every feature and how to use it.",true,{"$typeName":44,"valueIso8601":45},"common.DateTime","2026-10-15T12:43:30+00:00",1,{"$typeName":31,"items":48,"currentPage":46,"totalPages":46},[49],{"$typeName":34,"id":50,"idCategory":23,"title":51,"content":52,"slug":53,"coverImage":54,"coverImageAlt":51,"metaTitle":55,"metaDescription":56,"isFeatured":57,"dateUpdated":58},82,"BestDates Profile Tips: How to Make a Strong First Impression","\u003Cdiv class=\"blog-content\">\n\u003Cstyle>.blog-content{width:100%;}.blog-content pre{display:none;}.blog-content h1{padding:38px;text-align:center;text-transform:none;color:var(--content-primary-inverse);background-color:var(--background-tertiary);font-size:46px;font-weight:700;line-height:62px;}.blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:64px;margin:64px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:36px;font-weight:700;line-height:44px;}.blog-content h3{margin:24px 0 16px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:600;line-height:36px;}.blog-content h4{margin:16px 0 12px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}.blog-content p{margin:12px 0;word-break:normal;overflow-wrap:anywhere;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:400;line-height:24px;}.blog-content ul,.blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;padding-inline-start:40px;}.blog-content ul p,.blog-content ol p,.blog-content ul ul,.blog-content ol ul,.blog-content ul ol,.blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}.blog-content ul li{list-style-type:disc;}.blog-content ol li{list-style-type:decimal;}.blog-content img{display:block;max-width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain;object-position:center;margin-bottom:16px;}.blog-content img.ProseMirror-selectednode{outline:2px solid var(--border-brand);}.blog-content a{transition:250ms color linear;text-decoration:none;color:var(--content-brand);}.blog-content a:hover,.blog-content a:active{transition:250ms color linear;text-decoration:none;color:var(--content-brand-hover);}.blog-content .blog-summary{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-accent-subtle);background:var(--background-accent);}.blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-error);background:var(--background-error-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-success-subtle);background:var(--background-success-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:24px;margin-bottom:12px;border-radius:4px;border:1px solid var(--border-warning);background:var(--background-warning-subtle);}.blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content details{margin-bottom:14px;}.blog-content details summary{font-size:20px;font-weight:600;}.blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}.blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}.blog-content .table-wrapper{width:100%;overflow-x:auto;}.blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}.blog-content table td,.blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 8px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}.blog-content table td *,.blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}body.mobile .blog-content h1{padding:24px;text-transform:uppercase;font-size:20px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content h2{scroll-margin-top:52px;margin:52px 0 24px 0;color:var(--content-primary);font-size:24px;font-weight:700;line-height:36px;}body.mobile .blog-content h3{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:20px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content h4{color:var(--content-primary);font-size:16px;font-weight:600;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content p{margin:12px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:20px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-error >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-success >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning{padding:16px;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-summary-warning >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol{margin:8px 0 16px 0;}body.mobile .blog-content ul p,body.mobile .blog-content ol p,body.mobile .blog-content ul ul,body.mobile .blog-content ol ul,body.mobile .blog-content ul ol,body.mobile .blog-content ol ol{margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item{list-style-type:disc;}body.mobile .blog-content .blog-list-item-ordered{list-style-type:decimal;}body.mobile .blog-content details{margin-bottom:12px;}body.mobile .blog-content details summary{font-size:16px;line-height:24px;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:first-child{margin-top:0;}body.mobile .blog-content details >*:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table{min-width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;table-layout:fixed;margin:0;}body.mobile .blog-content table td,body.mobile .blog-content table th{border:1px solid var(--border-primary);box-sizing:border-box;min-width:1em;padding:4px 4px;position:relative;vertical-align:top;}body.mobile .blog-content table td *,body.mobile .blog-content table th *{min-width:1em;margin:0!important;hyphens:none;word-break:keep-all;overflow-wrap:break-word;}\u003C/style>\n\u003Cdiv>\n\u003Cp>Your profile on BestDates isn't just a page that describes you. Think of it as your opening line — the right one doesn't appeal to everyone; it resonates with the right person. The people who put a little thought into their profiles before they start filling them in tend to get more out of BestDates, and this guide is designed to help you do exactly that: the strategy behind it, the photo you choose, what you write, and how to make first contact.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"before-you-start-two-questions-to-ask-yourself\" data-toc-id=\"before-you-start-two-questions-to-ask-yourself\" data-title=\"Before You Start: Two Questions to Ask Yourself\">Before You Start: Two Questions to Ask Yourself\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Most people open their profile, fill in whatever comes to mind, and move on. The ones who get better results spend a few minutes thinking first. Here are two questions worth asking yourself before you touch anything:\u003C/p>\n\u003Col>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Who do I actually want to connect with?\u003C/strong> Most people describe themselves without thinking about who they're describing themselves to. The answer shapes everything: what to include, what to leave out, how to say it.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>What would I want someone to notice about me first?\u003C/strong> Not everything belongs in a profile. Identifying the two or three things that would give the right person a reason to write helps you lead with what matters.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ol>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"the-tools-you-have-to-express-yourself\" data-toc-id=\"the-tools-you-have-to-express-yourself\" data-title=\"The Tools You Have to Express Yourself\">The Tools You Have to Express Yourself\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>The BestDates platform gives you several ways to show who you are beyond a single paragraph. Understanding what's available helps you use it properly.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Your photos\u003C/strong> sit at the top of your profile and do the most immediate work. You can add public photos that all members can see, and private photos that you share selectively once a conversation is going.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Your profile sections\u003C/strong> let you write a short introduction in your own words, fill in structured fields covering your interests, tastes, and preferences, and specify what kind of connection you're looking for. Each part serves a different purpose; filling in all of them gives others a fuller picture.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>The newsfeed\u003C/strong> lets you publish short posts, photos, or updates that appear on your profile and in the feeds of BestDates members who follow you. It's a simple way to show a side of yourself that doesn't fit into a few profile fields on BestDates, and it gives people a reason to come back.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>The verification badge\u003C/strong> is available from your BestDates account settings and takes just a couple of minutes to complete. It signals to other members that your identity has been checked, which builds confidence on both sides of a conversation. For anyone who wants to understand how the process works in detail, our \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/identity-verification-how-it-works/\">BestDates identity verification guide\u003C/a> covers it in full.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"choosing-the-right-photos\" data-toc-id=\"choosing-the-right-photos\" data-title=\"Choosing the Right Photos\">Choosing the Right Photos\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your BestDates photo is seen before anything else, and it shapes the first impression before a word has been read.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cdiv class=\"table-wrapper\">\n\u003Ctable>\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>What tends to work\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp style=\"text-align: center;\">\n\u003Cstrong>What to avoid\u003C/strong>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A clear, well-lit portrait with your face easy to see\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Blurry, dark, or distant shots\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Natural light (near a window or outside on an overcast day)\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Indoor flash or heavy editing\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>A warm, natural expression\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Heavily filtered or edited photos\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Just you in the frame, taken recently\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Group shots or outdated photos\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Nothing covering your face\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003Ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\">\n\u003Cp>Sunglasses, masks, or anything obscuring your face\u003C/p>\n\u003C/td>\n\u003C/tr>\n\u003C/tbody>\n\u003C/table>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003Cp>For your BestDates albums, variety helps. A mix of settings and situations gives other members a broader sense of who you are. A photo of you doing something you enjoy (a hike, a cooking project, a book you're reading) gives people a natural opening to write about. Keep everything appropriate.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"writing-a-profile-that-starts-conversations\" data-toc-id=\"writing-a-profile-that-starts-conversations\" data-title=\"Writing a Profile That Starts Conversations\">Writing a Profile That Starts Conversations\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Most people undersell themselves in their profile introduction, usually by defaulting to things that could describe almost anyone. Two to four short, conversational lines tend to work better than a long paragraph. The goal isn't length — it's giving someone a specific reason to write.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>\"I enjoy hiking, cooking new recipes, and reading mystery novels\" gives someone far more to work with on BestDates than \"I like having fun and meeting new people.\" The specific detail that feels too small to mention is usually the one that earns a reply.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>A few things worth keeping in mind:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Write the way you talk.\u003C/strong> If it reads like a formal bio, it'll probably feel like one too.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Be specific.\u003C/strong> One particular detail beats three generic ones every time.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Leave a thread.\u003C/strong> End on something that naturally invites curiosity or a follow-up.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>\n\u003Cstrong>Stay positive.\u003C/strong> Describe what you bring to a conversation, not what you're screening for.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"content-rules-and-what-we-dont-allow\" data-toc-id=\"content-rules-and-what-we-dont-allow\" data-title=\"Content Rules and What We Don't Allow\">Content Rules and What We Don't Allow\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>BestDates is built around meaningful communication between adults, and we hold the community to clear standards. Here's what we don't allow:\u003C/p>\n\u003Cul>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Profile photos must show you and only you. Using someone else's image or a photo that misrepresents you leads to account removal.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>No explicit, offensive, or inappropriate content anywhere on your profile or in your posts.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>No content involving minors, of any kind. This is treated with zero tolerance.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>No personal contact information in public-facing profile fields.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003Cli>\n\u003Cp>Impersonating another person or providing false information is grounds for a permanent ban.\u003C/p>\n\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\u003Cp>If another member crosses a line, use the \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/how-to-report-concern/\">block and report options\u003C/a> available on every profile. Our moderation team reviews reports and acts on them. For anything that needs a closer look, our BestDates customer service team is reachable at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"mailto:support@bestdates.help\">support@bestdates.help\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"first-messages-are-part-of-the-first-impression\" data-toc-id=\"first-messages-are-part-of-the-first-impression\" data-title=\"First Messages Are Part of the First Impression\">First Messages Are Part of the First Impression\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>A strong profile on BestDates opens a door — a strong first message is the step through it. The most common mistake is sending something generic. A message that could have gone to anyone tends to get treated like it was meant for no one.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>The simplest improvement is to reference something specific from the other person's profile or a recent post they've shared. Ask one question that invites a considered answer. Warm and easy is the right register; a first message isn't the place for a long introduction.\u003C/p>\n\u003Cp>For a walkthrough of all messaging tools, icebreakers, and other features on BestDates, take a look at \u003Ca target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https://bestdates.com/blog/bestdates-features-explained/\">our complete platform guide.\u003C/a>\n\u003C/p>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"making-it-work-over-time\" data-toc-id=\"making-it-work-over-time\" data-title=\"Making It Work Over Time\">Making It Work Over Time\u003C/h2>\n\u003Cp>Your profile isn't something you set up once and forget. The members who get the most out of BestDates are those who keep their profiles current on the BestDates website, add new photos occasionally, and stay active on the newsfeed. A profile that reflects who you are right now on BestDates, paired with a thoughtful first message, is the strongest first impression you can make. \u003C/p>\n\u003C/div>\n\u003C/div>","profile-tips-first-impression","https://i.gstatvb.com/shpzklehlc307vnu6.6c661b69.jpg","BestDates Profile Tips: Make a Strong First Impression","Your profile on the BestDates platform sets the tone for every conversation you'll have. Here's how to make every part of it work for you.",false,{"$typeName":44,"valueIso8601":59},"2026-10-21T10:29:23+00:00",1792579024106]